Worldwide, 15 billion batteries are produced annually; about $250 billion is spent per year on powering computers; 70% of all hazardous waste can be linked back to the use of electronics; it requires about 10 times the weight of an average PC in chemicals and fossil fuels to make one computer; and worse still 40% of the energy used for electronics in the typical home is used while these devices are apparently switched off – do we need more of a motive to go green with our electronics; certainly not. Here are some steps you can take to make the best out of the electronics you’ve got.
Keep energy in mind. Some types of electronics require more energy than others. Doing the right research on the technologies available and their respective energy consumption can save a lot in the long term. The Energy Star website will help identify energy-saving electronic devices like cordless phones, stereo systems, TVs, DVD players, battery chargers, and a great deal more.
Update the right-way. Whenever buying the latest, brightest, newest whatever, remember not to just throw the old model in the bin. There are plenty of organizations and charities that recycle and reuse damaged or outdated electronics.
Buy used. This is not just a money saving step. If possible, by purchasing fully functional second-hand goods the activity alone will cut down on the resources that are used to produce any unnecessary new technology. It may also encourage a seller friendly market that permits the recirculation of electronics no longer in use.
Think EPEAT. The electronic product environment assessment tool (or EPEAT) is an innovative attempt at an environmental certification for computers and notebook laptops. Released in early 2006, only a select number of products have been registered, but with support it could become a requisite for CPU production.
The solar charger. There is an increasing selection of on-the-go solar solutions for recharging the majority of rechargeables. Anything from clip-on, handheld, roll-out, to even backpack power, solar chargers now come in a variety of types for charging mobile phones, PDAs, Bluetooth headsets, iPods, and a spectrum of laptops. The majority of solar chargers available run both a docking system and photovoltaic (PV Cells) technology to ensure you get the best from the sun in every season.
Choose rechargeable. Look for electronics that are rechargeable. And to help mitigate the 15 billion batteries which are produced and sold each year (with only a tiny fraction of those being recycled), try to use cost-effective green alternatives such as lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH).
Switch it off (right off). Even when the TV is off and the mobile phone unplugged from its charger, these devices left in the sockets can still draw a current and rack-up your electricity bills. More devices that operate a stand-by mode will do the same thing. A simple and effective way to ensure that energy is not being wasted, put a collective of electronics on a power strip (or extension lead) and when they are not in use, simply flick the switch – turning all of the collected electronics off in one go.
There are hundreds of ways to ‘get greener’, and it can all begin by simply changing habits.
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Posted under Articles, Gas & Electricity, House & Home, How To's & Guides
This post was written by Ryan Whatley on August 15, 2008