Want To Conserve Energy? Turn Off Your Computer
Posted: Monday, March 30, 2009
by Asher Ricard
With the economy continuing to decline, focus has been turned to cutting back and conservation. One big area is with the high cost of energy not only for our pocket books, but for the environment as well.
A new study released shows alarming results on the effect of the simple act of leaving your PC on overnight. In the 2009 1E PC Energy Report, the findings and effects on United States businesses and individuals was astounding.
Not only that, these unused computers that are left up all night and weekend, are expected to emit 20 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This is equal to about 4 million cars running.
In real terms, an organization with 1,000 computers wastes about $26,000 annually.
The report words it like this to make it real to us:
"If all of the world's 1 billion PCs were powered down for just one night, it would save enough money to light up New York City's Empire State Building-inside and out-for more than 30 years."
Can you imagine? O.k., I admit I am guilty. We have two computers and a laptop and we leave all three on all night. However, two of them are Apples and put themselves to sleep rather quickly.
The report also stated that it is a good idea to shut your PC down not only for the energy conservation, but it helps extend the life of your computer as well.
Surprisingly, the report found that most Americans think their company should enact some sort of computer usage policies to reduce energy. I think there is always a fear among employers of ruffling feathers of employees in America. It was shocking to me that the employees wouldn't object to being told to turn off their computers.
More than half those surveyed had horrible reasons for leaving the computers on. Some of those reasons were that it takes to long, or they forget, or the IT policy was to leave it on.
It is my hope that this report sheds some light on some of these excuses and American businesses rethinks their current methods. Energy prices are predicted to continue to rise, it might be a good time to step in and enact this simple policy.
To read the report, visit http://www.1e.com/energycampaign/index.aspx
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Asher, great idea and you won;t lose a thing that is important or relative and not only will you save electricity, water and that payment to your ISP. What a great idea. How about we all do that tomorrow and keep them for one month? I bet many will not turn them on ever again? Yes and we may even save a few jobs in the Post Office to boot. All kinds of rewards. Best wishes.
Asher,Very good article and idea. We always turn our computers off at night. (I think they run better when they get a break -- although I might hear some disagreement on that one!)Thanks for sharing,Nancy
Very informative article. My hubby and I turn our computers off when we are not using them and I do think it saves money. You should send a copy of this article to the government. They are supposed to be looking for ways to cut down on spending. Thanks for sharing.
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