Dear Proper Green,
I use a computer almost all day, every day of the week. Are there any ways to “green” my computer usage?
-Jules N., NJ
I use a computer almost all day, every day of the week. Are there any ways to “green” my computer usage?
-Jules N., NJ
Dear Jules,
Yes! And I’m sure you’re not alone — anyone who’s on Recyclebank right now likely owns a computer and uses it often (myself included). Here are 5 tips you can put into today, to green how you use your computer:
- Set your computer to go into standby or hibernate after a shorter timeframe. Standby means the computer still uses power, but at a reduced level. Non-essential components power down. Hibernate means the computer saves its state, and then turns itself off. Both are big energy-savers, and take the onus off you when you get up to take a break.
- Put your screen brightness to the lowest comfortable level. Your battery will last longer at a dimmer setting.
- Unplug any kind of external peripherals you don’t need, like flash drives, USB mice, and external hard drives. They can draw a lot of power.
- Power down at night! There’s no need to keep a computer on when not in use. Keep this in mind for home and office.
- Consider purchasing a laptop computer. Most laptops use less energy than desktops, and are equally suitable for most users.
Do you have any other eco-friendly computer tips? Share your ideas in the comments below!
About Proper Green
Proper Green is Recyclebank's green advice column. From promoting good manners in a green world (because ideas about what constitutes proper behavior and the environment are still evolving) to providing easy ways to make your every day more sustainable, Proper Green aims to help smooth the way with answers to questions that are important to you!
Do you have a question for Proper Green? Send inquiries to propergreen@recyclebank.com. Please note: Questions may be edited for clarity and length.
