Green computing is defined as using computer resources efficiently.  Green computing can also save money as well as help the environment.  A while back we wrote about recycling computer parts, that is one of ways to be more green with electronics.  However there are other things you can do:

Buying energy efficient computers

A lot of vendors now carry energy efficient computers.  This includes using much more energy efficient power supplies.  Normal power supply units (PSUs) are generally 70-75% efficient.  However now there is a new initiative called 80 plus which certifies that power supplies are at least 80% efficient.  The great thing about these power supplies is that you can usually put them in your old computers.

Another thing to look for on a computer is a RoHS label.  RoHS is the Restriction of Hazardous Substances.  It restricts the use of six hazardous materials in electrical equipment: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavent chromium and 2 flame retardants.

Old CRT monitors are a very large waste of energy.  Switching to a thinner LCD monitor can reduce the power it uses by 60%.  However don’t just throw those CRT monitors away.  They contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, tungsten and other toxic materials.  Be sure to recycle those old computer parts and monitors at a local eCycle.

Hibernate or turn your computer off at night

If you don’t have a reason to have your computer on at night, then turn it off.  If you don’t like waiting for your computer to boot up in the morning, then try using the hibernate function instead.  It will start your computer much faster and it doesn’t use all the energy that your computer would normally use if it were on.

Buy refurbished equipment

Electronics carry lead and other toxic materials which are health hazards.  A lot of the time, refurbished equipment is still in great shape.  Most vendors will test all refurbished equipment and make sure that all the hardware is good.  You can buy refurbished computers, servers, printers and pretty much any other electrical component.

Recycle your old computer parts and electronics

Recycling your old computer parts and electronic equipment is very easy in St. Louis.  There are quite a few eCycle locations around the St. Louis area.  Just look one up and drop your old equipment off.

Many people don’t know it but St. Louis has many great programs for recycling.  In 2002 a new program was launched for electronic recycling called e-cycle.  One of the greatest things about this program is that almost everything you recycle with them is free.  They do have a charge for things like monitors however the charge is only about $5.00.  There are numerous location throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County.  E-cycle’s website offers a search so that you can find the closest location to you.

Below is a list of the different things that you can recycle at these locations. Remember to use the search to find the location that will recycle the items you have.  Some locations only accept certain items and some have different pricing.

Computer Peripherals

• CD, CDRW drives
• CPUs
• Hard Drives
• Laptops, notebooks
• Monitors
• Printers
• Routers, Switches and Hubs
• Scanners
• Servers
• Zip, DVD, floppy drives

Office Equipment

• Adding machines
• Copiers
• Fax Machines
• Multifunction machines

Communication Equipment

• Adapters, chargers for phones
• Answering machines
• Cell phones
• Corded phones
• Cordless phones
• Pagers

Miscellaneous

• Battery back-ups
• Data cartridges
• Digital camera
• DVD/video players
• Electronic game devices
• Pocket PCs
• Rechargeable batteries
• Televisions

So if you have any old electrics that you need to get rid of, remember to please recycle it instead of throwing it away.
http://www.ecyclestlouis.org