Computers aren’t the greenest of products. They’re little (or big) energy hogs and most are made with plenty of non-green materials. If you’ve got a computer you can keep it greener by doing the following…

1. Buy a laptop vs. a desk top computer: Desk top computers use a lot more energy and materials in general than laptops.
2. Look for the energy star label: Various computers, printers, and other computer related office equipment now wear the Energy Star label so don’t buy one without it.
3. Buy small: Only buy as much computer as you need. The smaller the better when it comes to eco-friendliness.
4. Turn it off: If you’re not using your computer turn it completely off. Putting it to sleep won’t save as much energy.
5. If you upgrade recycle: You can totally donate or recycle any computer. If you just toss it in the garbage it’s completely irresponsible given all the current recycling options.
6. Go recycled with extras: You can buy recycled or eco–friendly laptop cases, recycled computer paper, and refillable ink cartridges online or even at your basic local office store.
7. Make recycling a rule: When you first set up your computer and work station, also place a paper recycling box next to your desk. If you have a paper bin right there and at the ready, you’re more likely to recycle all that paper.

[image via stock.xchng]

Computers aren’t the greenest of products. They’re little (or big) energy hogs and most are made with plenty of non-green materials. If you’ve got a computer you can keep it greener by doing the following…

1. Buy a laptop vs. a desk top computer: Desk top computers use a lot more energy and materials in general than laptops.
2. Look for the energy star label: Various computers, printers, and other computer related office equipment now wear the Energy Star label so don’t buy one without it.
3. Buy small: Only buy as much computer as you need. The smaller the better when it comes to eco-friendliness.
4. Turn it off: If you’re not using your computer turn it completely off. Putting it to sleep won’t save as much energy.
5. If you upgrade recycle: You can totally donate or recycle any computer. If you just toss it in the garbage it’s completely irresponsible given all the current recycling options.
6. Go recycled with extras: You can buy recycled or eco–friendly laptop cases, recycled computer paper, and refillable ink cartridges online or even at your basic local office store.
7. Make recycling a rule: When you first set up your computer and work station, also place a paper recycling box next to your desk. If you have a paper bin right there and at the ready, you’re more likely to recycle all that paper.

[image via stock.xchng]