Archive for the ‘Going Green’ Category

LED Bulbs

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

I am slowly switching over from fluorescent to light emitting diode (LED).   My new notebook and monitor from Apple have LED back lit Displays.   These are bright screens (adjusts to make less bright) and with good color and quality.

As my compact florescent lights go out, I am recycling them and replacing them with LED replacement bulbs (with many LEDs inside). Some of these are not as bright as the compact florescent bulbs so you have to look at what you buy.

LEDs are very efficient.  They do not produce the heat that florescents do. LED Bulbs may run at less than 3 watts which is a lot less than flouresent. They last a long time, one I bought was estimated at 30,000 hours.  They also do not contain mercury.

LED  are slightly more expensive to buy, however there will be savings in electricity use.

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What can I do with my used computer or other electronic that I don’t want?

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

If it is working and usable:

  • You can donate it to an organization that accepts it.
  • You can sell it.   Craigslist.org and EBay.com are common places to list your item online.

If it is not working:

  • Recycle it properly. It’s the law.   Some manufacturers such as Apple allow you to recycle your old computer and monitor when you buy a new one.  Some stores will take used electronics for free or for a fee.   Cell phones, ink/toner cartridges, and rechargable batteries are recycled free many places.   Your local recycler, landfill, or garbage hauler may also accept electronics separate from your trash. You may want to call or check the provider’s web site or call the provider.
  • Crow WIng County Landfill
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Reducing Paper and Paper waste

Monday, June 8th, 2009
  • Only print when necessary.
  • Print on both sides of the paper. Set computers to print duplex as the default option.  Collect single side printed paper and use as scratch pad.
  • Print Directly on envelopes instead of using mailing labels
  • Make simple hand written corrections on printed documents instead of reprinting
  • Use smaller fonts and margins to fit more on a page.
  • Avoid printing cover sheets.
  • Do preventative maintenance on copiers and printers
  • Load paper correctly in printers and copiers.
  • Use recycled material in paper.
  • Have faxes go to email instead of having them printed.
  • Save emails in you inbox instead of printing them.
  • Share documents on networks or internet instead of printing to have someone review.
  • Use Online Billing, Online Statements for banks and insurance, and stop having bills and statements in the mail.
  • Subscribe to your newspapers and magazines online instead of getting them in paper form.
  • Unsubscribe from catalogs and other junk mail- some of which can be done online.   Many catalogs have unsubscribe information on the back.
  • Use the calendar/scheduler on your computer/phone/pda instead of a paper calendar.
  • Use a computerized address book on your computer/phone/pda instead of a paper address book.
  • Use computerized keeping of all records including medical records, financial records/bookkeeping, and other business records.
  • E-file your taxes. Find Services at Minnesota Department of Revenue US Internal Revenue Service
  • Register and sign up for events, classes, selective service, FAFSA , Social Security , Changing Address and holding mail with USPS , and other things online instead of mailing a paper copy.
  • For photography, use a digital camera and View and share photos online instead of buying prints (or only print some of your best photos).
  • Besides reducing paper computerizing can make processes go faster, make things easier to find, and can reduce data loss if using proper backups.
  • More Info: California IWMB   HP
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