Environment-Friendly Computing
November 22, 2008 
Computer was supposed to be the answer in pursuing the paperless society, a move that would greatly help our environment by reducing the use of paper. By reducing the usage of paper we could help preserving trees. That what supposed to be the plan but it was found on several study that we are doing the contrary. Instead of reducing paper consumption, the use of computer tends to increase the amount of paper used in the office that is because computerized output is many times faster than the output done manually. That means the amount of paper used is greater at a shorter period of time. In addition, since it is so easy to make corrections on the computer some of us become lax in looking for errors, since correcting and generating another copy is so easy and so fast compared to doing it manually. In the end, we end up revising a document several times more before getting your desired version.
In addition, the extensive power consumption is another issue environmental. Just like any other electronic devices, computers needed electricity to operate. If more computers are used, then this will ass to the power requirements of a company. If companies increase their power requirements, then the resources of the country will be consumed at a faster rate.
Of course, we cannot just stop using computers and once again start using typewriters. The solution is to change our computing habits which tend to put more pressure on the environment than what is actually needed. We can help preserving our environment by following these steps:
1.Recycle paper. We can use the second side of a used paper in printing drafts. It is environment friendly and at the same time economical.
2.Get used to the idea of editing your documents on screen, rather than generating a printed copy.
3.Maximize the use of e-mail, electronic bulletin boards and other means of sending messages without having to use paper.
4.Use Rewritable CDs/DVD and Flash drive instead of using non-rewritable CDs and floppy disk. Rewritable CDs/DVD and Flash drive can be used for a longer period of time, which means it will reduce the quantity of new ones that must be bought.
5.Turn off the computer when it is going to be used for a long period of time. However, turning it off every time you leave the workplace is not advisable since computers tend to consume more power during startup. Instead set it in a Standby of Sleep (Hibernate) Mode if it is not in use.
6.Recycle printer ink cartridges, toners and ribbons.
7.Support computer manufacturers who use eco-friendly materials and make use of recycled materials.
