GREEN COMPUTING OR GREEN IT

 Green computing is the study and practice of environmentally sustainable computing or IT. Green computing is the designing, manufacturing, using and disposing of computers and associated components such as monitors, printers, storage devices, etc., efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment.

One of the earliest initiatives towards green computing was the voluntary labelling program known as 'Energy Star'. It was conceived by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 to promote energy efficiency in hardware of all kinds. The Energy star label has become a common sight, especially in notebook computers and displays. Similar programmes have been adopted in Europe and Asia.

Government regulations is only a part of an overall green computing idea. The work habits of computer users and business firms have to be modified to minimize adverse impact on the global environment. Here are some steps that can be taken: 

• Turn off computer when not in use.
• Power-on the peripherals such as laser printers only when needed.
• Use power saver mode.
• Use laptop computers rather than desktop computers whenever possible.
• Take printouts only if necessary.
• Use liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors rather than cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors.
• Use hardware/software with Energy Star label.
• Dispose e-Waste according to central, state and local regulations.
• Employ alternative energy sources like solar energy.

The environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources is known as green computing.