Started in 1970, the Earth Day movement has mobilized people around the world for over four decades to commit over A Billion Acts of Green to protect the planet. For this year’s Earth Day we compiled a list of 10 Ways to be Green in Technology that can help you do your part to make life greener.
1. Buy refurbished. Refurbished items such as computers, tablets and other IT hardware and gadgets have been professionally tested and certified to guarantee its quality. Buying refurbished not only saves money, but it reduces the carbon output from manufacturing new products.
2. Donate old computers, cell phones, tablets. If you must have all the latest and greatest gadgets, donating your older models is another effective and green way to get rid of them and keep them out of landfills. Help the environment and others by donating old electronics to charities. A great charity to donate to is your local Goodwill. 3. Recycle old electronics, cell phones, chargers, etc. Broken down or really outdated equipment usually finds its way to the dumpster. However, most electronics contain metals and toxic substances that can be harmful. Taking these items to a designated recycling center can reduce the impact of those toxic substances on the Earth. [caption id="attachment_799" align="alignright" width="133"]
Recycle computers, cell phones, and other electronics.[/caption]
4. Refresh older hardware. Sometimes all you need is a little refresher. Items like computers and servers have many removable parts that can be easily upgraded. If your computer is running slow, a simple memory upgrade could revive your sluggish system.
5. Turn off your computer. Almost everyone is guilty of doing this: leaving the computer on instead of shutting it all the way down. Remembering to shut your computer down or put it to sleep before walking away for the day can save you money and help the Earth.
6. Look for energy efficient technology. Energy Star qualified products such as computers, chargers, and networking equipment save energy, money, and help the environment. Just look for the Energy Star decal when shopping for electronics or appliances. [caption id="attachment_789" align="alignright" width="100"]
Look for this logo when shopping for electronics.[/caption]
7. Use an app to monitor your electricity. Want to know how much electricity you’re using and can’t wait for the bill? There’s probably an app for that. Electricity providers like Reliant Energy have gone digital and provide convenient apps that help you monitor your electricity usage no matter where you are.
8. Use a solar powered charger. They say nothing in life is free and it’s almost true. These days you have to pay for water and even air. But one thing they haven’t figured out how to tax and tariff is the Sun! That great big orb in the sky gives off energy that you can actually use. These eight solar-powered mobile chargers allow you to charge up wherever the sun does shine while remaining off the grid.
9. Keep your server room at an efficient temperature. Contrary to popular belief, the server room does not have to feel like Antarctica for the servers to function properly. Many data centers have traditionally set their temps as low as 55°F. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the server room temperature can range from 65°F to 80°F. Raising the temp in the server room could reduce energy costs and carbon output.
10. Put down the electronics and go outside. 
I’ll tell you a secret. Those people that you text, tweet, email, Facebook all day? They exist outside of your computer and phone screen! Go out and socialize. Unplug from the digital world and make human connections on this beautiful Earth Day.
