electronics

By now, most greenies know that computers and their accessories are some of the biggest energy hogs in the home — and that improperly recycled electronics can easily end up in toxic dumps in developing countries.

Want to make sure you’re doing right by Mother Earth when it comes to computers? Follow these three steps to green computing:

When it’s time to leave home, consider the planet as you make your plans. These simple practices take little effort but can make a big impact on the environment — not just for Earth Day, but every day.

1. Start before you go

Unplug your electronic appliances when you leave home for an extended time, especially those with digital or LCD displays such as TVs or microwaves — these suck a lot of power whether they are switched on or not. The Department of Energy estimates that so-called “vampire” or “phantom” energy waste accounts for 5 percent of total electronic energy consumption in the United States. You should also make sure your thermostat is turned down or off, and reduce the setting on your water heater.

Although I prefer intentions to resolutions, January is a time of starting over with a clean slate. Be it ‘Juiceless January’ (meaning no alcohol) or ‘Gym January’ (we all know what that means), many of us partake in some sort of cleansing and/or fitness ritual. In addition to making my (always long) lists of hopes, dreams and intentions, I am ramping up my yoga practice.