How to Keep Your PC Green

New York Times offers tips on cutting computer energy use
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 3, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
How to Keep Your PC Green
A PC and monitor left on constantly can be a bigger energy drain than a fridge.   (Shutterstock)

You’ve got the Prius and the reusable shopping bags, but did you know a PC and monitor perpetually left on use more than twice the kilowatt-hours per year consumed by a fridge? The New York Times reports what you can do to slow your computer’s energy drain:

  • Turn it off after your workday. Have it set to sleep when unused, and dump the screensaver.

  • Even a shut-down appliance can use energy, so try a power strip that automatically cuts power when your equipment is off.
  • Download a power-management program that shows the energy you’re using.
  • Any new PC purchase should be Energy-Star compliant; Nokia leads the pack when it comes to green brands, Greenpeace says.
  • Recycle your old computer, but keep a company’s safe recycling credentials in mind. A list of recyclers is available at tinyurl.com/5yrb9k.
(Read more environment stories.)

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