Introduction
Green computing, or green information technology (IT), refers to environmentally sustainable computing of IT. It is "the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems—such as monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems—efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment. Green IT also strives to achieve economic viability and improved system performance and use, while abiding by our social and ethical responsibilities. Thus, green IT includes the dimensions of environmental sustainability, the economics of energy efficiency, and the total cost of ownership, which includes the cost of disposal and recycling. It is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently."[1]
Computing can be made more sustainable in several ways. Better practices include hibernating, switching screens off instead of going to screensavers, and turning the computer off when not in use. Each of these examples can save power. More efficient coding means computers use less power and need less powerful hardware.
Energy-efficient computers
The low-cost Inveneo computer is claimed to use only one-sixth as much electricity as a typical personal computer.[1]
Recycling
Computer motherboards contain heavy metals and should not be disposed of with ordinary garbage.
Recycling of computers in countries such as China can lead to serious health problems due to inadequate safety measures in handling toxic components of the waste.
Companies that recycle computers and electronic goods include SIMS E-recycling.
See also
Category:Mech425 GreenIT Project
References
- ↑ San Murugesan, “Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices,” IEEE IT Professional, January-February 2008, pp 24-33.
External links
- Greenlivingpedia:Green computing
- VIA Clean Computing is a commercial site describing several initiatives to make computing more sustainable.