Call Brady (www.callbrady.com)

When “Green Computing” is discussed, there are 4 main components. Green Design and Manufacturing are typically out of the typical user’s sphere of influence, so here I’d like to discuss Green Use and Disposal.

 As home users, our easiest target in Green Computing is power consumption. There are 3 main areas to consider:

1. Look for energy efficient models, such as laptops and netbooks if you do not have a need for a full size computer. These use less energy, and have the added benefit of portability. Replace old CRT monitors with LCD Flat Screens.
2. Use the hibernation settings of your computer (desktop or laptop) so that it will go into a low power state when you are not actively using it. NOTE: Screensavers don’t save energy. You should either use Sleep, Hibernate, or Shut Down when  the computer is not in use, and power the computer off each night.
3. Look for a Green Surge Protector, that will reduce Standby Power Usage (sometimes called Vampire Power Usage) by 80%.

 For Green Disposal, you should consider two primary options:

1. Donation: Goodwill Industries in South Carolina will take any used computer equipment. If it can be refurbished, they will be sold in select Goodwill stores. If not, they will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner (details at http://www.goodwillsc.org/computers.php)
2. Recycle: Due to some of the hazardous materials used in PC manufacturing, computers and computing equipment should not be added to household trash. You can electronics at the following staffed locations, Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-6pm, per SCDHEC.gov:

• Enoree, 1311 Anderson Ridge Rd., Greer — PHONE: (864) 243-9672  
• O’Neal, 3769 Camp Rd., Greer — PHONE: (864) 243-9672  
• Blackberry Valley*, 409 Blackberry Valley Rd., Greenville — PHONE: (864) 243-9672  
• Piedmont, 200 Owens Rd., Piedmont — PHONE: (864) 243-9672   

 From a security perspective, you may wish to destroy data on a harddrive before disposing of it, although Goodwill does offer to do this for you.

 Brady Gilbert is the owner of Call Brady, Computer Services, providing in-home/office computer repair, and webpage design. For more information, call 864-335-8672 or visit CallBrady.com.