Carbon Foot-Prints Abound

Tech Changes That Reduce Waste When we think about pollution or waste, most of us picture things like plastic bottles, traffic, or overflowing landfills.

But here's something many people don't often think about:

Our technology has an environmental footprint too.

The phones, computers, televisions, tablets, and even the information we store "in the cloud" all require energy and resources behind the scenes.

Your Computer Has a Carbon Footprint

Every device we use requires electricity.

That includes:

• Phones

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Televisions

• Gaming systems

• Smart home devices

And even when something is stored "online," it actually lives in huge data centers that consume large amounts of energy.

Streaming videos, storing thousands of photos, and keeping years of emails all require servers that run around the clock.

Small Changes That Actually Matter

Consider these easy changes:

✔ Turn devices completely off instead of leaving them in sleep mode.

✔ Unplug chargers when they are not being used.

✔ Lower screen brightness when possible.

✔ Enable energy-saving settings.

✔ Shut down computers overnight.

These small steps can help batteries last longer and may even reduce your electricity bill.

Recycle Electronics the Right Way

Old electronics should never simply be thrown in the trash.

Many devices contain valuable materials that can be safely recycled.

Items that can often be recycled include:

• Phones

• Batteries

• Laptops

• Chargers and cables

• Printers

Many places offer electronics recycling programs, including:

• Your wireless carrier

• Best Buy

• Staples

• Local town and city recycling events

A quick search can often help you find a safe drop-off location nearby.

Your Green Tech Checklist

✔ Turn devices fully off at night.

✔ Use energy-saving settings.

✔ Recycle electronics properly.

✔ Keep devices longer when possible.

✔ Clean up digital clutter.

--