| Computers present a tremendous eco-challenge. With | | | | everything that is used together (e.g. computer, |
| Earth Day '09 around the corner, let's have a look at | | | | printer, monitor) into a single power bar and cut the |
| some news on the horizon that may make | | | | power when you are not using your computer. |
| computing more eco-friendly. But before we do that, | | | | For laptop recharging, new technology may help. |
| let's talk about some of the problems caused by | | | | According to recent reports, Toshiba is set to begin |
| computers. | | | | mass production of compact fuel cells for recharging |
| Computing Eco-Issues | | | | laptops. These fuel cells require a small, swappable |
| Our desktops and laptops use tons of power. Most | | | | fuel cartridge that can keep laptops running for hours |
| of us leave them on all day, but even when they're | | | | without any need for AC power. |
| not on, many electronic devices continue to draw | | | | Wondering where the fuel for the fuel cells will come |
| power. You've likely heard of standby power or | | | | from? How about something called Giant King Grass? |
| vampire power. Laptop adapters are a perfect | | | | This fast-growing plant can be harvested four times |
| example of this - they consume power even when | | | | a year and be used in cellulosic biofuels, including |
| the laptop is not in use. On the topic of laptops, | | | | methanol. Methanol is one of the fuels used in the |
| energy is also lost because of inefficiencies in battery | | | | disposable (and we hope recyclable or reusable) fuel |
| charging. | | | | cell cartridges that can power laptop computers and |
| Data centres, located around the world, also require | | | | other portable electronic devices. |
| huge amounts of power. These centres house the | | | | As for our power-hungry data centers, the ocean's |
| servers that store data for companies the world | | | | tides may offer some hope. While this technology is |
| over and provide our Internet access. While | | | | far from proven, a recent report in the Times Online |
| electricity is needed for the servers themselves, the | | | | talked about the potential of tidal energy in the |
| real energy demand is for keeping the centres cool. | | | | Orkney Islands, near Scotland. Because the location is |
| Another issue is e-waste. With our constant demand | | | | so remote, it cannot realistically be used in the |
| for the newest gadget, we generate tons of | | | | national grid. Instead, the planned use for all of this |
| electronic waste every year. Most people are now | | | | power is a "green" data center. |
| more aware of proper disposal so that noxious | | | | The current economic recession has proven a boon |
| chemicals like cadmium do not seep from landfills into | | | | to the concept of reducing e-waste. Many companies |
| the ground, but the best course of action would be | | | | are finding out that they can manage quite nicely |
| for us to reduce e-waste to begin with. | | | | with existing computers, supplemented by used and |
| Solutions | | | | refurbished laptops, desktops, and components. It's |
| For standby power, the best solution is to shut off | | | | an old-style attitude applied to a high tech world - fix |
| devices altogether when they are not in use. Plug | | | | what you have and use "hand-me-downs. |