“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J. R. R. Tolkein

Introduction:

With Earth Day fast approaching us next Monday, we take a look at the things we can do with our tech to be a little bit nicer to our planet.

One of the clearest things we can do is to use less power

Here are some tips on how to do it

Switch it off

Shut down your machine at the end of each day. This simple gesture can reduce your power consumption by up to 66% (based off of an 8hr workday).

Turn off your monitor(s). It will save a tiny bit more power.

Turn off printers. Printers can often be in a warm standby mode, which consumes a reasonable amount of power. Shut them down to prevent this power use and turn them back on when you return to the office in the morning, or when you next need to use them.

Laptop Users

Only plug your power adaptor in when your laptop is between 20% and 80%, this will keep your machine running optimally, whilst charging in the most efficient way, The last 20% takes a lot longer to charge than the preceding 80%, so disconnecting at 80% can save a lot of power.

Uninstall Unwanted Software

This can reduce the load on your machine (amount of work it is doing) and save power

Recycle

Recycle, don't throw away

Donate your old machines to a good cause and give back to the community and the environment at the same time.

Bitwise-IT recommends the UK Charity Computers 4 Charity, who will put your old devices to a great cause. Not only will you get a certificate of data destruction for your devices, you'll be left a warm fuzzy feeling inside and the knowledge you helped the community, those in need and the planet all in one go.

Click to read more about Computers 4 Charity and how you can donate your old tech.