The Disadvantages of Computer : 10 Facts About Gadgets
- 1,400: The dollar amount the average American household spends on new electronics annually.
- 20-40: Number of gadgets the average American keeps on stand by, that suck up energy even when turned off. Televisions, gadgets, computers, electric toothbrushes, phones, radios are more all use up energy and money when they aren’t even in use.
- 1.5 billion: The number of external power adapters, also known as power supplies, currently in use to power small electronic devices–that’s about five for every person. The total electricity flowing through all types of power supplies makes up about 11% of the national electric bill.
- 500 million: Number of consumer gadgets-electronics devices sold in the US in 2008.
- 530: The pounds of fossil fuels it takes to manufacture one computer and monitor. It also requires 48 pounds of chemicals and 1.5 tons of water.
- 700 million: The number of used cell phones in the US today. Each of the 140 million cell phone users discards their old phone for a new one every 14 to 18 months.
- 300 million: Number of obsolete computers in the U.S.today and
- 75-80% : the percentage of old computers from the United States wind up in Asian countries such as India Indonesia and China, where recycling costs are much lower.
- 70%: The percentage of e-waste out of the entire toxic waste stream of landfills. In addition to valuable metals like aluminum, electronics often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury. Only 50%: The percent of a computer that is recycled. The rest is dumped. Non-recyclable components of a single computer may contain almost 2 kilograms of lead.
- 81%: Percent of a desktop’s lifetime energy consumption that is used just to make it. Only a small fraction of a desktop’s total energy consumption is consumed in actually using it.
Gadgets 10 Tips : How to Avoid The Disadvantages computers
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 1 : Get Expert Input Before Buying
Take a look at Energy Star ratings, EPEAT ratings, Consumer Reports, and other expert sources to help you make comparisons among gadgets before purchasing. This will help you find the most energy efficient and eco-friendly items available to you.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 2 : Buy Used
Buying a pre-owned electronic accomplishes two excellent goals. First, you help to extend the lifetime of the gadgets, lowering its carbon footprint, and secondly, you save money. With the rate at which manufacturers churn out new gadgets, buying barely used gadgets that are in great shape is an easy task and usually is much less expensive, even for the latest gear. There are great buyback companies such as TechForward that sell refurbished electronics, and places like Craigslist and eBay are also good places to look. Of course, the manufacturers usually offer refurbished gear at reduced prices as well. You might even find what you’re seeking free of charge on networks like Freecycle.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 3 : Buy Recycled and Recyclable Gadgets
Check out what materials are used in the product and go for gadgets that use low impact materials that are recycled or sustainably obtained. It is tough, so far, to find new gadgets made of recycled materials, but not impossible. If the device you’re purchasing isn’t made with any recycled materials, at least ensure that it is recyclable. If you want to go a step further, write to the company that makes the product you’re after and let them know you’re only interested in purchasing if they make greener choices in their production.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 4 : Charge Gadgets With Renewable Energy
Nope, you don’t have to invest in solar panels on your house, or a wind turbine in your yard. There are small, personal charging devices that use solar or wind to power your gadgets. In fact, the off-grid chargers for gadgets is a booming market already worth over $2 billion, so your choices are vast and growing. There chargers that can soak up energy all day so you can plug in and recharge your gear at night, or even solar chargers that double as iPhone skins. And a popular charger that uses kinetic energy is the YoGen.
Note: Most everything today is rechargeable. But just in case you’re checking out something that isn’t, be sure to go with rechargeable batteries, and ditch the alkaline. Go with Lithium Ion.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 5 : Slay Vampire Power.
For true gadget lovers, this may be the tip you enjoy most because you get to green your gadgets with more gadgets. Vampire power is the energy used by devices when they’re plugged in but not turned on. Yep, even when devices are supposed to be “off” they’re really not entirely off. Manufacturers are getting better at reducing how much energy their devices use while off or in stand-by mode, but you can do your part too. Prevent wasted energy first by unplugging any devices not in use or that are fully charged. Then, try using devices like smart power strips that cut the power supply to devices that no longer need it. Companies like Embertec and TrickleStar have several kinds of great devices that help you save loads of energy.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 6 : Make Full Use of A Gadget‘s Features To Avoid Buying More.
Many of our gadgets are multifunctional so the best way to cut down on gadget consumption is to actually use all those features. This helps not only extend the usefulness of a gadget and make it fully worth the money you put down for it, but it also cuts down on the number of gadgets you feel you need or want in your life. Additionally, it cuts down on how many things you need to continually charge up. For instance, most cell phones can now act as alarm clocks, calculators, PDAs, cameras and music players. There’s five gadgets no longer needed by making full use of your cell phone. We call people who make smart use of a small handful of devices Gadget Minimalists, and they save a TON of money of Gadget Gottahaveits.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 7 : Use A Single Gadget For As Long As Possible.
While some technology changes so quickly that this might not be possible, for the majority of gadgets you can get years of loyal use out of them before it is time to upgrade. This is especially true with cell phones, handheld gaming devices, PDAs and similar gadgets. While it is tempting to get a new phone when you renew your contract, or a new laptop when the faster, smaller version hits stores, ask yourself if you really need it and weigh your options before replacing your gear. If you’re feeling the itch, check out websites like Last Year’s Model that reminds us why it’s awesome to avoid unnecessary upgrades.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 8 : Use Old Gadgets To Make Money.
Buyback programs aren’t only great places to look for new gadgets, they’re also a perfect place for getting rid of your old items if you’ve decided to upgrade to newer versions. Buyback programs buy your old gear, refurbish it and resell it. It keeps gadgets in the loop much longer, and puts a little green in your pocket and your heart.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 9 : Recycle Your Old Gadgets !
If you have a device that has reached the end of its useful life, you definitely don’t want to toss it. Avoid hazardous e-waste by utilizing one of the growing number of free recycling programs. Many manufacturers like Toshiba will take back old gear for free, helping to make disposal easy on you and the earth. Check out local electronics stores, or check online for free recycling programs in your area. But be very sure that you’re turning your electronics in to a responsible recycler — one that promises not to export to e-waste dumps and abides by BAN guidelines. Check eStewards for listings of just such recyclers.
Avoid The disadvatages of Computer-Gadgets 10 : Offset Your Gadgets Carbon Footprint.
Even if you implement all the tips above, it’s likely your gadgets will still make a carbon footprint. You can offset this by purchasing carbon offsets online. Your money goes directly toward programs that reduce carbon emissions. Some manufacturers make it super easy by allowing customers to purchase carbon offsets when they buy their new device. Finding the right carbon offset provider you can trust can be difficult, but here is a handy list of some of the top rated providers.
