Green Computing

Jeffrey Kraus

Kennesaw State University

Abstract

This paper will define what green computing is as well as the history. There will be information on how this currently impacts our daily lives and will affect us in the future. The following composition will explore the different types of Green Computing. Suggestions will be made of how to improve our computer usage in future to make this a better world at present and in the future. Finally, this work will examine the impression on the global environment taking into consideration the suggestions going forward.

GREEN COMPUTING

Due to advancements in technology, information made available at one’s finger tips has become the conventional way of living. The ability to access information nearly instantaneously is a result of computers, cells phones, and tablets which are connected to the Internet in various ways. This technology is improving constantly. The speed of the devices is improving, speed of the information coming into the device and the size of the device. There is an issue apparent when technology improves the equipment to stay connected at these new found speeds is required to be updated. Unfortunately, older devices are frequently becoming antiquated and are disposed of when they become of no use. This piece will examine the aforementioned concerns detail while offering possible solutions as well as how they will benefit the world community.

Practicing Green Fundamentals may not be en vogue; however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the global society must be made aware of how it has an effect on the environment. The continuous increase of information technology’s (IT) impression on the environment is something that must be acknowledged (Yang & Hsu, 2011). Green computing can have a big influence on the environment according to Swaminathan, (2013). Green Computing “can be defined as environmentally responsible use of computers and their resources” (Swaminathan, 2013). Because the definition of a computer is in a constant state of progression adapting to the end user’s needs, and environmental responsibility ranges from how the unit is manufactured to the responsible handling and appropriate disposal of the unit after it is no longer the latest trend in technology; therefore, the definition presented by Swaminathan is extremely general in nature. In his article, Swaminathan (2013) pointed out on average each year in the United States 24 million computers become out dated and only 14 percent are recycled. When measured in its entirety, it is estimated IT is said to yield close to a gigaton of emissions per annum, which is approximately 2 percent of the entire globe’s emissions. As the world demand for computing and data storage rapidly increases, the harmful secretions into the environment will multiply to 1.54 gagatons attributing 3 percent of Earth’s emissions. This number is said to be obtained around year 2020, which, according to some, will be more than what the airline business can claim (Yang & Hsu, 2011). Computers, including mobile computing devices, find their way to landfills where they are not discarded correctly, which can be detrimental to the environment. While uncontrollable, the insistence for more computer technology and developments must be checked with solutions so the standard of living, progression of civilization, and innovation can proceed effectively and efficiently while decreasing the threat to the environment.

Implementing good practices while utilizing computing privileges is small, yet imperative to the Green Computing movement. Standards for computers and devices have been mandated by governments to use less energy. In turn, these mandates have developed an Energy Star label for products that qualify. Swaminathan (2013) states that new operating systems (OS) are more energy efficient than the older ones; however, a sophisticated OS would require a more advanced