Something must be done to change the public’s attitude towards the importance of being greener.
That’s the message of organisations such as the Committee on Climate Change, the United Nations Environment Programme and various political parties.
Today, there is an unprecedented emphasis on the importance of being ‘greener’ both personally and collectively with colleagues at the workplace.
It’s important to be aware of the amount of energy consumed from technology, such as from computers and printers, in the office and at our homes.
Simple changes, such as switching machines off when not being used, can dampen the impact they have on the environment.
Nevertheless, I.T. has a part to play with reducing our energy consumption. By putting into practice the following points – not only will you save some pennies, you will be playing a part in preserving the environment.
Go digital with your communication
There are numerous methods of communicating, with face-to-face interaction being the most effective. However, when it comes to passing on messages which would otherwise be written or printed, use your emails to pass the note on instead!
Produce double-sided documents where possible
Many industries are struggling to embrace ‘the paperless office’. In fact, for some it may appear impossible; we understand there are occasions where something has to be printed. If this is the case, print double-sided to reduce the consumption of paper.
Print on recycled paper
Using recycled paper is a win-win situation! Not only do you feel better for using it, people can see you are playing a part in reducing the negative effect you may have on the environment.
Install energy-saving printers
Printers which ‘sleep’ when not in use, machines that don’t spend several minutes warming-up, and the type of print you are trying to have can reduce energy consumption.
For example, HP is a positive example of taking a green step with their Energy Efficient Printers. The tech company claim the energy-efficient products, which include a colour laser jet printer, use up to 65% less energy than other similar printers.
Recycle computers and accessories
Recycling unwanted computers and accessories can be a challenge. This is one factor as to why people would use general waste to dispose of electronics (even though this should not be done!).
By finding a company who recycle any unwanted I.T. your mind can be at ease knowing your equipment is being disposed of efficiently.
Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions is able to recycle any unwanted I.T. equipment for any of our clients.
Use cloud-based servers
On-locations servers are becoming steadily unpopular – with the number of businesses going to cloud-bases servers on the rise.
By transferring your data to cloud-based servers, you save energy by slashing the requirement for an on-locations server.
Use renewable power
A growing amount of businesses, especially those with their own premises, are turning to renewable energy sources to minimise the negative effect their energy consumption is having on the environment.
Solar panels and wind turbines are the most popular in business – but there are many forms of renewable energy a business could embrace. In addition, with developments in technology, who knows what other ways of generating energy are to be thought.
Overall, understand it is not difficult become greener. Many of the changes are a matter of mind over matter; know if you desire to be greener, it can be achieved.
Small amendments implemented can make a huge difference long-term.
For more information on how Syn-Star: Complete I.T. Solutions can provide you with the technology to make your business, or perhaps even your home, more environmentally friendly, get in touch today.
By Samuel Poole
