Today is the era of information technology where computers, servers, data centers, internet, and other forms of technology are being used in almost all industries. The information technology aims to help a business increase profitability and operational efficiency. With the increasing demand for information technology, experts are promoting green technology to make it sustainable in the competitive global market.
The increasing demand for information technology is faced with several issues. High power consumption and increasing carbon footprint are common issues. There is an urge to shift into green information technology to reduce the negative environmental impact. Green information technology is the practice of the utilization of computers and IT resources efficiently and responsibly that can benefit the environment. How can green information technology resolve the issue of sustainability?
Why Green Information Technology Matters?
Computers and other technologies related to it eat up a lot of natural resources. These technologies make use of raw materials to manufacture them, utilize fossil fuels to power them, and it creates problems with disposal. To achieve sustainability, the goal is to lessen the use of natural resources without degradation into its functionality.
Almost all people use technology, it is not only important to know what it can offer but its side effects as well. If you are concerned with the environment, knowing how green technology matters allows you to do simple things on how you can help achieve sustainability.
Best Practices for Green Information Technology
Extend product life-cycles
People always have the habit of upgrading their technology items into the latest model but this is not always a good idea. It doesn’t only mean an added cost but it adds up to the things that need to be disposed of. Before upgrading, think twice if you need to do it. If you are just doing it to be on-trend, consider weighing its pros and cons to know if the shift is worth it. As much as possible only replace the things that need to be upgraded.
Minimize energy consumption
Most gadgets nowadays are equipped with power-saving features that can also help lessen power consumption. If you are using your computer, a way to save power is to set it into hibernate if you will not use it for how many minutes or hours. There are other best practices that you can do to manage the power consumption of your technology items.
Purchase and use efficient technology
Consider purchasing gadgets that are energy efficient. The most common way to verify if that item energy is efficient if it has the “energy star” label. Nowadays, gadgets or appliances that have energy-efficient features are the ones that are more competitive in the market. A great way to save power is to invest in things that are only needed. It is ideal to use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones
Disposing of e-waste
There are things to consider in disposing of e-waste. Gadgets may contain harmful materials such as mercury and lead. Ideally, these things shouldn’t end up in landfills and water areas. The disposal of electronic waste has been an issue for decades. The best way to lessen the disposal of e-waste is to know how to recycle and to practice minimalism. If you wish to upgrade, you may donate or give your old gadgets to someone who needs them.
Opt for all in one/multi function equipment
If you have a business, it is recommended to look for equipment that has multi functionalities like an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax. Not only that you are saving up a lot of space, but you’ll save up money and energy in the long run. If you are in the office, make it a habit to only operate equipment that are needed. Turn off equipment that is not currently used to conserve power.
How Green Information Technology Resolve Issue of Sustainability
- It tackles issues with global warming
One of the most prevalent issues in the world is global warming. The efforts towards a greener environment aim to give attention to climate change. Through green information technology, awareness about this issue is properly disseminated. The creation of technological devices and equipment that are eco-friendly is the main focal point of green IT. If the processes of information technology shifted into green IT, the effects of global warming will be reduced.
- Cleansing of land and oceans
A symptom that you are living in an unsustainable world is the presence of garbage, especially in water areas. The role of green IT in resolving waste is to be able to find ingenious ways on how to incorporate waste materials into a new, useful product. Plastic is the leading waste, with the help of information technology, alternatives to plastic are researched and developed.
- Reducing poverty
Green technology can reduce poverty by creating sustainable jobs. It aims to utilize manpower rather than solely depending on the productivity that it can get on natural resources. Information technology also improves the way people can access financial, health, education, and government services. For small businesses, information technology helps to connect them to different markets and industries.
Final Thoughts
Green information technology helps solve problems on how it can help issues of sustainability. As an individual, you can also contribute to achieving sustainability through green IT in your simple ways. Like other forms of green technology, green IT focuses on reducing the impact of both hardware and software materials to the environment. Through continued efforts towards change, a few years from now, all activities related to designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems are sustainable.
