July 2008: A Note from Jeff Mack
Deliver More Green to Your Bottom Line - Part III:
Cutting Power Consumption and Disposing of That Old Computer
You may recall that in Part I we discussed some no-brainer tactics that you could use to reduce your electric bill, specifically as it relates to your IT equipment. And in Part II we discussed several things you could do to ensure that your networks are as environmentally friendly as possible. This month we will discuss tips for reducing your power consumption throughout your company - or your home - and for disposing of or recycling the computers you're replacing as you upgrade your network.
Power Consumption Monitoring
Monitoring specific devices is a good start - but think of how much more you might gain from monitoring your power consumption across your entire business or your home. Today you can find a variety of products designed to provide you minute by minute digital readouts of your current power consumption. These products make it easy to draw a direct correlation between the operation of an appliance or light bulb and the immediate cost of doing so. They serve as great tools for teaching children (or in my case other adults in the household) real life cause and effect principles.
See some examples of what’s available:
The PowerCost Monitor is very easy to install.
The Energy Detective (TED) requires more care to install.
Most of these devices are priced in the $150 range and claim 6 - 20% anticipated savings once awareness of usage and cost is raised. Given those numbers, these devices should pay for themselves in a year or perhaps less.
Computer Disposal and Recycling
Shopping smarter for environmentally friendly computers is again a good first step - but as we all know, when you buy a new computer, you are frequently also disposing of an old computer. The disposal process requires just as much, if not even more, care to safeguard the environment. The older the computer, the higher the likelihood that it has a higher concentrations of toxic materials. Discarded computers must be disposed of at facilities specially designed to disassemble and recycle the resulting parts, or given to someone who can reuse the computer.
Effective January 1, 2009, a new Washington State law will require manufacturers to provide free electronic recycling for computers, TV’s and computer monitors. Fortunately, some manufacturers are already doing this voluntarily. For the options and processes in your local area, consult:
If you would rather see your used computer equipment redeployed and placed in the hands of the less fortunate, the National Cristina Foundation is dedicated to providing training to those in need using your donated computer equipment.
Coming Next Month: Transportation Costs
Transportation costs are skyrocketing. Next month I will share some strategies on containing those costs while enhancing your bottom line. Stay tuned!
