Eco Minute July 18, 2014
Disposable or cloth, incandescent or compact fluorescent, paper or plastic, desktop or laptop. If you have the choice between using a desktop or laptop computer, choose the laptop. Also, if it's time to upgrade to a new computer, consider a laptop. Laptops draw only 15 to 45 watts per hour during regular use, as compared to the 60 - 250 watts used by a conventional desktop computer and monitor.
Plus, laptops also draw just a fraction of a watt when in sleep mode. With that new computer, reduce power usage by closing applications when they aren't in use, setting the screen brightness at the lowest comfortable level, and by putting it instantly into sleep mode when you’ll be away for a few minutes. Don’t forget to turn it off at night. Also, be sure to responsibly dispose of your old computer – bring to the landfill or regional roundup for recycling.