Making Green Computing Changes in Big and Small Ways

Green computing is a rising trend that looks to establish itself as the preferred IT philosophy -- not because techies are tree-huggers, but because green solutions are affecting their bottom lines. Many businesses today are asking the questions: "What is it?" and "Why is it so important to society?''
What is Green Computing?
Today, the term embodies the entire life cycle of technologies, including research, manufacturing, use, and disposal. Green IT takes a much more holistic approach than it once did, especially as companies are brainstorming solutions to cut costs and increase revenue.
Why is Green Computing Important?
Green computing benefits the environment. Reduced energy usage from green techniques translates into lower carbon dioxide emissions, stemming from a reduction in the fossil fuel used in power plants and transportation. Conserving resources means less energy is required to produce, use, and dispose of products. Put simply, saving energy and resources saves money.
The advantages of green technology are realized on both large and small scales. Green technologies are available for an entire organization or for a single employee's workstation. Unfortunately, many companies and business owners are stalled by the initially larger investment in green technology, and fail to realize the long-term benefits and cost savings. As such, let's examine adjustments that can be made regarding green computing and IT support, big or small.
System-Wide Green Computing
When investigating green alternatives for your entire organization, consider technologies like cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing eliminates the need for hardware like servers. Also known as virtualization, cloud computing replaces hardware with "virtual" servers or servers in "the cloud." Essentially, cloud computing allows companies to reduce their need for big, bulky, energy-consuming servers by relocating them on the Internet. Cloud computing may also be used in areas like networking, data storage, software applications, and operating systems, again, potentially reducing the need for hardware. As a result, businesses stand to save a lot of time, money, and resources on maintenance and support by switching to cloud computing set-ups.
Individual Green Computing
There are many other techniques at the personal computer level. For instance, power management can be an easy and effective means of saving green while conserving energy. While many operating systems come with power-saving settings, there are also a variety of products that monitor and adjust energy levels to increase performance and reduce wasted energy. For instance, some surge protectors can sense when a master component (like a computer) is turned off, and respond by cutting off power to any peripheral machines, such as like printers and scanners.
System-Wide and Individual Green Computing
Finally, green computing initiatives can reap savings in both big and small ways. Technologies that save paper, like email, can have a huge impact on costs as well as the environment. As companies and employees develop methods and habits of conservation, simple practices like emailing memos or printing in smaller fonts can bring instant results. Additionally, policies like telecommuting or teleconferences pose additional benefits by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by travel.
Green IT is quickly emerging as the most effective means of utilizing technology. No matter whether your organization's needs are big or small, green IT can reduce costs, increase productivity, and even do something good for the environment.

Meet your Green Printing needs in eco friendly way

All across the globe, offset printing Sydney has a reputed and prominent name known for its eco friendly green printing services, and adherence to the international norms and standards in printing. In fact, almost each and every benchmark has been duly affirmed with the Forest Stewardship council which boosts green printing, along with the preservation of forests. The advent of recycled paper printing technology has emerged the aspect of printing industry.
Post printing subprograms, printing techniques, inks etc. have transformed to eco friendly green printing services and techniques. Innovation and globalization has paved a road path of new dimensions for recycled paper printing. In traditional times, major printing groups make use of petroleum inks that are extremely corrosive volatile organic wastes, often results in asthma or cancer in the long run. During the entire procedure, traditional printing gives rise to inks, chemicals, solvents, filters, dirty rags, waste paper, lubricating fluids, absorbents, and empty product containers.
Eco friendly green printing service providers are good replacements of traditional petroleum inks, which make use of vegetable or soy inks and recycled papers. The uttermost need and concerns related to pollution levels, greenhouse gases and vulnerability to carcinogens or toxic materials makes print houses to shift and go for more green and print green. Nowadays, most of the publishing companies and printing houses have bended and turned to recycled paper printing. Printing company Australia has been reckoned as a trailblazer in adopting waste minimization methodologies in printing. Eco friendly green printing services costs less and saves waste disposal as well as operating costs. Along with preserving environmental quality, green printing techniques also lower down long term liability towards environment.
Eco friendly green printing services use 100% post consumer waste processed chlorine free uncoated, certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), made up from several renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind, vegetable or soy ink. In a nutshell, green printing techniques are highly urged nowadays by several corporate houses, print houses and social activists, as they opt to go with printers, who mainly rely on eco friendly green printing services.

Going Green: Green Living is Easier Than We Think

When we discuss the environment, as with any topic, there are as many opinions as people and some will take their points to the extreme- either extreme.
The true need is for each of us to understand that we are borrowing the space we have here on earth for but a short time. When we borrow something, should we not be responsible and do our best to return it in the same or better condition in which we received it? We would expect that of a neighbor who borrowed a tool would we not?
The solution is in learning how to coexist with and "re"learn how to take care of and respect the things of this earth. Let us find ways to teach each other alternative methods for working with nature.
My grandpa was a farmer and my grandma, being part American Indian, was inherently a naturalist. When I was a young girl it was their guidance that taught me things like; garlic and marigolds planted with the crops kept the bugs from "eatin' everything 'afore we get it to the kitchen". And of course Grandma would insist that it was the peppermint she had planted 'round the outside that kept the bugs from goin' in the house. There were no pesticides to be found on the farm but the vegetables and the flower gardens always produced in abundance.
She always said: God didn't put anything here by accident. He gave us everything we need. My grandmother knew how to use almost every plant or weed that grew in the Midwest. It's those little bits of knowledge that I treasure most, like; 'If you find poison ivy you can also grab the cure right from the ground (Spotted forget-me-not) normally not too far off', or that steaming your head in bayberry leaves will kick out the nastiest of colds, or that vanilla is a good insect repellent, and the list goes on. Today, I realize I should have paid much closer attention.
I am not an extremist and I am not the greenest. I do respect the land and space that I borrow and try to be conscious of my behavior. There are things I don't do because of cost, there I things I don't do because of necessity (like trying to earn a living) or because I do enjoy some of the little luxuries of modern day like watching a little TV before bed, but I am mindful of what I do.
We DO compost our kitchen scraps, we DO plan vehicle trips to make every trip as effective and efficient as possible, we DO turn off the water while we brush our teeth and lots of other little things. We look for ways to do a better job of living green because it is the right thing to do. Most often living greener does not require a lot of effort, and frequently it even saves us some money; like the rain barrels we have used for years to water our vegetable garden and flowers.
I know barely a tenth of what my Grandma knew and she always was trying to learn more. Perhaps what we all need is a good teacher...

Making Green Computing Changes in Big and Small

Green computing is a rising trend that looks to establish itself as the preferred IT philosophy -- not because techies are tree-huggers, but because green solutions are affecting their bottom lines. Many businesses today are asking the questions: "What is it?" and "Why is it so important to society?''
What is Green Computing?
Today, the term embodies the entire life cycle of technologies, including research, manufacturing, use, and disposal. Green IT takes a much more holistic approach than it once did, especially as companies are brainstorming solutions to cut costs and increase revenue.
Why is Green Computing Important?
Green computing benefits the environment. Reduced energy usage from green techniques translates into lower carbon dioxide emissions, stemming from a reduction in the fossil fuel used in power plants and transportation. Conserving resources means less energy is required to produce, use, and dispose of products. Put simply, saving energy and resources saves money.
The advantages of green technology are realized on both large and small scales. Green technologies are available for an entire organization or for a single employee's workstation. Unfortunately, many companies and business owners are stalled by the initially larger investment in green technology, and fail to realize the long-term benefits and cost savings. As such, let's examine adjustments that can be made regarding green computing and IT support, big or small.
System-Wide Green Computing
When investigating green alternatives for your entire organization, consider technologies like cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing eliminates the need for hardware like servers. Also known as virtualization, cloud computing replaces hardware with "virtual" servers or servers in "the cloud." Essentially, cloud computing allows companies to reduce their need for big, bulky, energy-consuming servers by relocating them on the Internet. Cloud computing may also be used in areas like networking, data storage, software applications, and operating systems, again, potentially reducing the need for hardware. As a result, businesses stand to save a lot of time, money, and resources on maintenance and support by switching to cloud computing set-ups.
Individual Green Computing
There are many other techniques at the personal computer level. For instance, power management can be an easy and effective means of saving green while conserving energy. While many operating systems come with power-saving settings, there are also a variety of products that monitor and adjust energy levels to increase performance and reduce wasted energy. For instance, some surge protectors can sense when a master component (like a computer) is turned off, and respond by cutting off power to any peripheral machines, such as like printers and scanners.
System-Wide and Individual Green Computing
Finally, green computing initiatives can reap savings in both big and small ways. Technologies that save paper, like email, can have a huge impact on costs as well as the environment. As companies and employees develop methods and habits of conservation, simple practices like emailing memos or printing in smaller fonts can bring instant results. Additionally, policies like telecommuting or teleconferences pose additional benefits by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by travel.
Green IT is quickly emerging as the most effective means of utilizing technology. No matter whether your organization's needs are big or small, green IT can reduce costs, increase productivity, and even do something good for the environment.

Best printer options for green printing practices

With advances in green printing taking place each and every year, more consumers are starting to become aware of how they print. We know how managed print services can help save us time, money and also help the environment, and we try to implement effective practices to reduce waste wherever we can. Many of us may use non-harmful ink and recycled paper even. Nevertheless, how many of us take a moment to think about the actual printer we use, and whether or not it is the best eco-friendly printer option?
* Laser ink printers
The most commonly used printer type, laser ink or ink jet printers use a specialised ink system when they print. Ink cartridges are used, which are replaced when they run out, and some models offer refillable cartridges that can be refilled rather than thrown away. While these printers are the least sustainable in terms of waste, ink usage and other factors, you can lessen the impact by following green printing practices such as recycling your empty ink cartridges, using eco-friendly recycled paper or minimising the amount of printing that you do. Many printer manufacturers are implementing green printer solutions too, making this type of printer more sustainable.
* 3D printers
Used by designers, architects, engineers and many other industries, 3D printing is a specialist way of creating a tangible 3D object based on a design made through computer software (CAD or computer aided design). While this option is different to regular printing of paper, studies have shown that 3D printing offers a unique and hugely beneficial way of recycling - by using recycled waste products such as glass, plastic and metals, 3D printers that create new objects are using the ultimate recycling system, in an eco-friendly way that minimises carbon footprint and waste.
* Digital printers
Digital printers are another popular option for green printing. These printers use far less ink and chemicals, and use a plate to print. Rather than laser printing, which impregnates ink into paper during the printing process, digital printers imprint a digital image onto the surface of the paper instead. The costs are much less for this type of printing, making it a popular option for photo printing as well as for items such as business cards, letterheads, envelopes and other corporate material - even promotional items such as t-shirts, mugs or magnets can be printed using digital printing.
* Portable printers
A recent trend has seen portable printers come into the market, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to tradition, often large printers. These printers use much less ink, and are ideal for home use or for small office. As they are generated through an alternative power source such as USB or battery, they do not require electricity to run, making them very low impact on the environment.
* Print companies
Yet another solution for best printing practices from an environmental point of view is to outsource your printing to a green printer company. These companies use a number of eco-friendly printing options, from the type of paper that they use to the type of ink and printers used. This ensures that the entire printing process is as green and sustainable as possible, for a low impact solution that is far more cost-effective than you may have thought. Many managed print services offer this service or advice on outsourcing your print needs.

Green Computers, Software, and Accessories

In consideration to preserve Earth's natural resources, many manufacturers and corporations are starting to produce goods and services, such as hybrid cars, property solar panels to decrease the negative impact to the environment. Computer developers are also producing energy efficient hardware, software, and accessories.

Green Desktops

To minimize traditional computer power hungry needs, major IT manufacturers are coming up with green desktops. One of the most power efficient desktop out in the consumer market is Dell's "Studio Hybrid." Some of the green features featured on this hard drive are:

• 80 percent smaller than standard desktops
• 75 percent less printed documentation by weight compared to tower desktop
• 70 percent less power than a traditional hard drive
• Energy Star 5.0 standard with an 87 percent efficient power supply
• Packaging made with less 95 percent recyclable materials

Mac Corporation is also an environmental conscious company. All products produced by the company goes through the "Apple Life Cycle Impact," a complete analysis for all emission associated with the assemblage of their products, from start to finish. Everything is considered-from the raw material extraction, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, life period of its usage to the recycling. Apple determines that more than 95 percent of Apple's total greenhouse gas emissions come from the products they make.

Energy Saving Software

Users wanting to do their part in saving the plant can also download green software programs that are free and available out in the internet, such as:

• Edison: a quick, easy, one-step setup Verdiem software application for computer power usage optimization when running.
• Aardvark: A Firefox's extension software program that adjusts the layout of a page and removes unwanted elements that are not needed to help save ink and paper when printing from a browser.
• GreenPrint: A freeware application for Windows that save users ink and paper, removing unnecessary pages or space from printouts before it heads to the printer.

Power Efficient Accessories

The new hybrid Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) is the best chargeable batteries out in the market today. Offering the convenience of a high-drain performance of older rechargeable batteries with a shelf-life that can hold their charge over many months, the new Ni-MH are suitable for low-drain devices, like digital cameras.

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