6 ways to save the environment using your computer

With all the talk of being green and not doing enough to save the planet these days, it's about time that computer users put their hands up and admitted they're sometimes just as bad as their neighbour who still hasn't applied for a recycling box yet.

No need to feel like a hypocrite any longer, though. Here's six ways you can counter some of the more harmful things your PC is doing to your environment that won't break your back doing them.

1. Making IT

The problem. Manufacturing PCs is five times more wasteful than making cars. A 2004 study found that to make one desktop you need 240kg of fossil fuels, 22kg of chemicals and 1,500kg of water. [Source: UN University]

The solution. Check out used/refurbished PCs before buying new.

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2. Wasting IT

The problem. Leaving monitors on standby wasted £41 million in 2005, generating 220,000 tonnes of unnecessary CO2. [Source: Energy Saving Trust]

The solution. Switch them off!

3. Breaking IT

The problem. Four per cent of all Europe’s waste is electronic. PCs and peripherals account for 39 per cent of that amount – in the UK, two million PCs end up in landfills every year. [Source: Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling]

The solution Recycle old hardware.

4. Shipping IT

The problem. In 2003, more than 23,000 tonnes of electronic waste ended up in Asia – often illegally. [Source: Greenpeace]

The solution. Stick with reputable recycling programmes such as those run by manufacturers.

5. Printing IT

The problem. Every year 14,000 tonnes of printer cartridges end up in UK landfills [Source: ICER]

The solution. Charities will happily take old toners and inkjet cartridges, and many retailers sell recycled ones or refill kits.

6. Using IT

The problem. Only 15 per cent of us realise that our energy use is a bigger contributor to climate change than cars or factories. Gadget fans generate 4.1 tonnes of CO2 per person per year. [Source: Energy Saving Trust]

The solution. Add energy efficiency to your shopping list when you buy a PC, consider switching to suppliers who use renewable energy sources and use the power options that Windows Vista gives you to make your PC greener.

Gary Marshall is a freelance journalist who writes about technology, the Internet and pop culture. His website can be found at www.bigmouthstrikesagain.com.