Network Computers, Technology and Pollution

As the IT industry continues to grow worldwide, energy consumption and pollution caused by computer use and end-of-life electronics disposal are becoming a cause for concern. Computer usage worldwide is at an all time high, which also means that energy consumption and the improper disposal of environmentally hazardous materials are also at their peak.

Thanks to the raised awareness of these issues and the demand for “greener” technologies, there are ways for us to increase our use of information technology while reducing the escalation of energy consumption and our impact on the environment. We can’t create an inverse relationship and reverse our negative impact, but we can minimize it if we all make a commitment and do our part.

Why are your Computers, Servers, Network and that new Google Nexus such a Problem?

Inefficiency

Computers and related equipment are not terribly efficient. Chances are, the computer you are working on right now is only being used at 5-15% of it’s working capacity and, while idle, is consuming about the same amount of energy as when you are using it fully. Laptops, desktop computers, and servers, are energy-hungry machines – they’re consuming electricity even when they sleep.

It has been estimated that in 2006, in the United States alone, datacenters consumed $4.5 billion worth of electricity. Can you imagine where that number is today? With industry growth continuously reaching new heights worldwide as an increasing number of people and businesses adopt current technology, one can only assume that energy usage is increasing dramatically.

E-waste

Information Technology is a very large global contributor not only to wasted energy, but to waste in general. The fact is, end-of-life electronics such as computers and monitors contain large amounts of hazardous materials that can be disastrous to our environment. These materials can be properly disposed of and recycled, but more often than not they are dumped in our landfills or sent overseas where they are cheaply and harmfully processed.

The main reason for this is that correctly disposing of E-waste in an environmentally friendly manner can be costly and resource intensive. Unfortunately, awareness has not yet been raised to a level where we take the steps necessary to stop the disastrous effects of improper E-waste disposal on our environment. We aim to help change that.
Here are a few facts about E-waste that you should know:

1. At least 60 million PC’s have already been dumped in U.S. landfills.
2. 250 million computers have become obsolete between 2004-2009.
3. Computers and monitors contain 2-8 lbs. of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other neurotoxins that are not safely contained in landfills.
4. When neurotoxins are dumped in landfills or incinerated, they release toxins into the air and soil that according to health experts, can cause cancer, birth deformities, and arrested brain development.
5. According to Basel Action Network (BAN), 75%-80% of American E-waste wind up in Africa, China, India, and other developing regions – where much of it is processed cheaply, under unsafe and environmentally unsound conditions, exposing them to dangerous chemicals.

As you can see, the disposal of E-waste is a big issue not only in the U.S., but worldwide, and it becomes a bigger issue every day.

How do you Continue to use your Computers, Servers, Network and that new Google Nexus with Minimal Impact?

Increase Efficiency

There are many things you can do to cut energy consumption while improving your bottom line.

• Centralized cooling and air/heat containment for your datacenter. There is no longer any reason to air condition an entire room to keep your systems cool.
• Server and desktop virtualization allow you to consolidate workloads so that you don’t have five systems at 20%, but one at 100%.
• Cloud and application hosting services for email, Microsoft Office, backups, etc. These alternatives are not only affordable from an cash-flow standpoint, but will actually prevent costly upgrades that create e-waste in the future.

The time has come for you to do away with excess hardware and start saving money, space, and, most importantly, energy

E-waste Recycling

Taking necessary action by recycling your end-of-life electronics is extremely important. There are a growing number of E-waste recycling companies that offer pickup services at a very low cost and, in many cases, free of charge. Please join in helping stop the improper disposal of E-waste and start looking towards a cleaner and greener future. Contact your local E-waste recyclers today!
If you have any questions at all on how to accomplish your goals of becoming more energy efficient or regarding how to recycle E-waste in your area, please contact the a managed services provider in your local area.

This article was contributed by Highroad IT. They are a managed services provider in Newport Beach that specializes in “Green IT”.