Are you running a green computer?
You might think that a computer doesn't take much power. It's just a little
box. You might be surprised to learn that a desktop PC consumes 200 to 400
watts of power. Add a 30-inch monitor, and you add another 750 watts. A
refrigerator only consumes around 725 watts. Surprised? Running a green
computer isn't just about power consumption. The EPA warns consumers that the
short lifespan of the average computer combined with the toxic chemicals used
to construct parts means that the toxic effects of computer disposal are
extremely high.
80 Plus Power Supplies
The first way to run a green
computer is to look for an 80 Plus compliant power supply. These power supplies
deliver only the power required to run. For example, if you have a 600-watt
power supply but your computer requires only 250 watts to function, an 80 Plus
power supply will provide 250 watts.
Most conventional power supplies
provide more power than a computer needs in order to run. This wasted energy
adds up to significant electrical bills, so using an energy-efficient 80 Plus
power supply saves a ton of money over the course of a year. As an added bonus,
80 Plus power supplies conform to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances
Directive and contain no lead. Other manufacturers are beginning to follow suit
and release green power supplies, so check the market often to see what's
available.
Choose Lead-Free Components
Building a green computer is not
just about choosing a green power supply. Lead and other toxic chemicals are
found in nearly all computer parts manufactured in the United States, although
the European Union has developed a set of regulations governing toxic materials
in computer products. Intel released its first lead-free microprocessors in
late 2007, followed by lead-free Ethernet adaptors. Unfortunately, many of the
other manufacturers who provide computer parts to the United States have not
yet followed suit, and it is still extremely difficult to build an entirely
lead-free computer.
Until manufacturers make the
transition to lead-free components, running a green computer means recycling
the materials used in construction. Make sure you properly dispose of and
recycle your lead parts. Contact your local officials or waste-management
specialists to find out about recycling computers and hazardous waste disposal
in your area. One great way to build a green computer is to buy refurbished or
remanufactured parts and components. Instead of going to waste, those products
can go to you, the consumer, at a reduced cost. You get a green computer and
you save money, compared with the cost of buying new components.
Look for Green Manufacturers
With increasing calls for energy
efficiency, many computer manufacturers now offer green computers with
energy-efficient power supplies and energy-saving components. Computer
manufacturers that advertise energy-efficient computers and laptops include
Dell, Fujitsu, HP and Lenovo. Until lead-free components truly take off in the
United States, the most green computer you can get is an energy-efficient model
from one of these manufacturers.
Power Management
One easy way to green a computer is
to use its built-in settings. Both Windows and Macintosh computers include
power-management features that prompt the computer, hard drive and monitor to
go into a low-energy sleep mode after a preset period of inactivity. For
optimal energy efficiency, choose power-management settings of 15 minutes of
inactivity or less. When you move the mouse or press any key on the computer,
power-management mode is deactivated and the monitor, hard drive and computer
are ready for use within a few seconds. Look for this feature on monitors as
well to maximize energy savings.
Going smaller is another good way to
green a computer. Laptops use significantly less energy than desktops; 40 to 50
watts compared with 200 to 400, respectively. A smaller flatscreen monitor also
contributes to a green computer, since energy consumption grows rapidly with
monitor size.
Look for the Energy Star
The Energy Star program run by the
US government provides guidelines for power consumption of most electronics. To
earn an Energy Star, a computer must offer the lowest power consumption
available in sleep, standby and full-use modes. For monitors, a formula based
on screen size is used to determine power consumption, but all qualifying
monitors must use 2 watts of power or less in Sleep mode and 1 watt of power or
less when turned off.
Looking for the Energy Star will
help you choose a green computer and monitor, but you'll find a limited number
of choices available. Most of the current computers and monitors available
aren't eligible for the Energy Star, but manufacturers are working to lower
power consumption. You may pay more up front for a green computer, but the
investment will pay for itself over time in energy savings and the knowledge
that you're helping to care for the environment.