How can I minimize my computer's impact on the environment?

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Avoid wasting electricity

In addition to the tips below for saving electricity, see the Climate Savers Computing Initiative energy saver guide.

Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
Note: At Indiana University, computers in campus offices may be set to receive updates while you are not using your computer; check with your local support provider (LSP) for options before changing your current practices. See Is it safe to leave my computer on all the time? for more about possible disadvantages to turning off your computer. However, it is always safe to turn off your monitor when not in use and, with older (CRT) monitors, can make a significant difference in energy use.
Use power management settings, available on most newer computers. Power management settings determine when the computer and monitor shut off or go into sleep or hibernate modes, which use less power than regular operating mode. For specific instructions, see the Climate Savers Computing Initiative energy saver guide.
Note: Power management settings are different from screen savers. Screen savers use more energy than allowing the monitor to go black, and are unnecessary on all but very old monitors.
Turn off peripherals such as printers, scanners, speakers, external drives, and gaming systems when not in use.
Fight phantom power, the power electronics use when they are in standby mode, which accounts for up to 10% of the power electronics use. Plug all your electronics into one power strip and turn the strip off when you are finished using them.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops typically consume less power.
When buying a new computer, consider energy efficiency. The Energy Star label indicates that an appliance is efficient compared to similar products. For more information, see the Energy Star home page.

The IU Energy Challenge invites residents of dormitories at IU Bloomington to compete to conserve the most electricity and water.

Avoid wasting paper

Don't print if you don't need to. Share information electronically and read on the screen when you can. If you need a hard copy, finish editing first rather than printing early drafts, and print on the fewest number of pages possible. For specific tips, see At IU, how can I conserve paper in the STCs? Recycle any unwanted paper; at IUB and IUPUI, recycling bins are available in most buildings and all Student Technology Centers and Residential Technology Centers.

Dispose of old equipment responsibly

Electronic equipment, such as computers, monitors, and some other peripheral devices, frequently contains toxic materials such as lead and mercury; thus, you should never throw old computers in a landfill.

For more information, see the US Environmental Protection Agency's eCycling page, including the guide to donating or recycling computers and electronics.

In Monroe County, Indiana, take old electronics to the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District's (MCSWMD's) main recycling and hazardous materials center at 3400 S. Walnut Street in Bloomington. See MCSWMD's Electronics Recycling page for details about specific items. (Note that for some items, including computers and monitors, there is a fee.) Call 812-349-2020 or 812-349-2848 for more information.

At IUB, many residence halls and buildings on campus have ways for you to recycle cell phones, used toner cartridges, and old batteries. Several of these programs allow for the items to be remanufactured and used again, extending their lives and avoiding the landfill altogether. Campus housing residents, ask your center desk for information.

Specific actions for instructors

At Indiana University, instructors can reduce resource use both in and out of the classroom:

Save paper

Accept and grade assignments electronically, using Oncourse CL.
Share information electronically. Keep class resources on Oncourse CL or on a web page for students to access, or email documents to students.
Encourage students to print only what is necessary. Consider carefully whether students need hard copies to meet learning objectives before asking them to print materials. When students must print, encourage them to use print settings that minimize paper use, e.g., setting margins to 1" instead of the default 1.25", and using duplex printing if acceptable.

Save classroom projectors

Turn the projectors on when you need them, not at the beginning of class. Bulbs cost a lot of money and burn electricity even when they aren't visibly shining.
Make sure you log out of the system and power the projector down at the end of class.

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Last modified on May 13, 2009.