Teaming for Technology Colorado

If you count yourself amongst the growing population of people seriously concerned with environmental issues like global warming then you will want to read this. Despite the dour statistics about the negative impact technology consumerism has on the environment, there is still hope.

Here are nine great suggestions from the earth-friendly website, The Daily Green, (plus one tip direct from T4T) on how to maintain your technophile status while doing your part to save a polar bear from drowning. Check out these tips and leave us a comment if you have a green tech tip you would like to share—or if you disagree with any of the tips posted here.

1. Revise your printer settings. From double-sided printing and copying to making you sure you only print out what you need, a simple tweak can save ink, paper, time and money.
2. Choose an LCD monitor instead of a traditional CRT model. You will dramatically increase energy savings, spare your baby blues, and get a sleek new look for your desk.
3. Choose an energy efficient machine. Follow the Energy Star to discover savings in energy usage and thus, money. Check out Climate Savers Computing's catalog to find an energy efficient computer.
4. Pick a laptop instead of a desktop. Choose a laptop to sharply decrease your energy consumption, not to mention free up your desk space, relax you arm muscles and give you the hypothetical ability to work outside.
5. Invest in a "green gadget." You know you want to. From a solar-powered Bluetooth headset to a corn-based laptop case, several tech companies get an A for effort. Tried any of these out? Let us know what you think.
6. Get an LED night light. Scare away the monster under the bed with an ultra-efficient night light. Minimal waste heat. Maximum efficiency.
7. Install outdoor solar night lights. Why stop indoors? Take advantage of sunny days to light up your nights. Did you know that Colorado allegedly has more sunny days per year than Florida?
8. Choose LED holiday lights. And while we are at it, instead of buying the classic box of new holiday twinkle lights for celebrations in any season, choose their energy-efficient LED cousin instead.
9. Ditch the phantom load. Even if you are not using an appliance, leaving it plugged into an electrical supply allows it to seep energy away from the earth--and money away from your pocketbook.
10. Join the World Community Grid or other grid computing project. If you are going to leave your computer running (even if it is just during the day while you are working on it), consider using your computer's wasted idle time to help solve serious issues like global warming.

Hoping for more? Watch for news on how and where you can recycle your computer and other tech gear in next month's newsletter.