Buying a New Computer? Get One that is Green

With the high cost of everything these days, and the whole economy in a slow down; everyone is thinking about ways to save money. Along with this; the threat of global warming is no longer something relegated to the back rooms of a few crazy scientists, it is a fact. We are running out of non-renewable energy at alarming rates and it seems as though the end of them may be sooner than we thought, that is unless we all do our part to slow it down.

Now I know that this article is on the web and all of you reading, are doing so on a computer of some sort, whether it is a desk top or a laptop, it still uses electricity to power it right? So with this thought in mind; there are many things that we can do to reduce the amount of energy we waste, one of which is; when we replace our electronics gear, replace it with newer ones that use less. Today we all see electronics equipment that carries the Energy Star rating, telling us that this appliance meets at least the minimum standard for energy efficiency by the federal government.

This is great, but how does it apply to my computer you ask. Like everything electronic there are those that rate at the top and those that sit on the bottom of the list. So when it is time to replace your old one, think about looking for one with the best energy rating for what you need. Something to consider when buying is to not over buy, in other words buy a computer that suits your needs. You don't have to buy the biggest and the most powerful computer just because it is cool. Being really cool means buying a computer that not only meets your needs but will cost the least to operate.

Many of the top manufacturers offer computers that are rated as Gold by the Electronic Product Assessment Tool and are certified through the Energy Star rating program. Currently, according to EPEAT; the Lenovo Company are tops in building energy efficient computers but, like all of the companies listed every time you make a change to the configuration of the computer you change the energy efficiency rating.

One thing to remember when buying a new computer, as with buying any electronic component is to not over buy, get what you need and get the most energy efficient one you can. Every little step you take to reduce your impact on the world, leaves our planet in that much better shape for the future generations. Please remember to dispose of your old computer properly see "You Got a New Computer, What to DO with the Old One? for more information on how to do that.