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1. Replace a CRT monitor with an LCD monitor

   LCD monitors can use one-half to two-thirds the energy of a CRT monitor. Flat screen monitors also result in less eye-strain.

2. Turn off your computer when you will not be using it for several hours

   Think about it…Leaving your computer turned on overnight for a year generates about 920 lbs. of CO2 . Yet, research indicates that as many of 60% of workers using computers do not always shut them down at the end of the day. (Wasting Energy While We Sleep)
   New technologies make this easier!

   But my computer will be damaged by frequent shut-downs! Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has found that even older hard drives will not be damaged, and on the contrary, computers may actually last longer if shut off regularly (also see a newer guide by Cornell).
   Enabling users to turn off their computers at the end of the day is a viable way to decrease related energy costs by 60%. Network administrators can now purchase cost-effective hardware and software (W0L) that enables them to perform software and security updates, as necessary. The payback period for network software to enable updates to turned-off computers can be less than one year.
   Wasted energy, unnecessary utility bills, and increased pollution make turning off your computer at the end of your workday an easy way to reduce the University’s environmental footprint.

3. Print smarter!

   You can save money and the environment when printing by doing the following:
   
   • Consider using the OneCard printers on campus rather than purchasing and maintaining your own printer.
   • If you do purchase a printer, ensure that it supports duplex printing and that it is networkable, so one printer can serve all the computers in your home or office.
   • Use recycled paper.
   • Don't leave your printer on when you're not printing.
   • Use the electronic print preview to avoid wasted paper. To get there, often go to the File menu, then choose Print Preview.
   • Print double-sided.
   • Print draft copies when appropriate; these use less ink, and are still readable.
   • Re-use hardcopies (i.e., printouts) with lots of blank space as scrap paper for notes.
   • Of course, try to recycle your paper, as opposed to throwing it out.

4. Enable power management features on your computer

   Power management functions are an integral part of computers that meet the standards established ENERGY STAR. These functions involve setting the hibernation or sleep modes to place the computer on low power after a given period of inactivity.
   Computers with ENERGY STAR certification are required to use 4 Watts or less of electricity when in lower power sleep or hibernation mode. This isless than 5% of the average computer's peak electrical demand.
   Many people keep their computers on when idle for long periods of time. Consider using power management options, such as hibernation or sleepmode.
   General power management settings for Windows and Mac Computers are outlined below:
   How to save power on Windows Vista
   
   1. Go to Start, Run, then Control Panel.
   2. Click on Power Options (you may need to click System and Maintenance first)
   3. Create a power plan.Suggested settings:
      
      • Put your computer to sleep (or hibernate) after 15 to 60 minutes of inactivity
      • Set your monitor to sleep after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.
   How to save power on Mac OS X (10.4 - 10.6)
   
   1. Click the apple symbol
   2. Then choose System Preferences (you may need to choose Show All)
   3. Then select Energy Saver (from the Hardware row)
   4. Suggested settings:
      • Put your computer to sleep after 15 to 60 minutes of inactivity
      • Set your display to sleep after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.

5. Avoid phantom power from connected devices

   When plugged in a computer and other electronic devices still consume energy.
   You could save as much as 10% on your energy bill simply by unplugging such devices when they are not being used. To make this easier, buy a power strip, and plug your computer and its peripherals into that power strip, and shut off the strip when you are not using your computer.

6. Recycle your old computers

   When you no longer are able to find a use for your computer, consider ways to recycle it properly.