The Future of Green Electronics and 5 Environmental Tips You Can Use Today

According to TreeHugger, Apple has applied for a patent which would allow computer screens to double as solar panels. While there’s nothing certain at this point, the idea is very intriguing. Integrating solar panels into electronic devices could provide significant benefits to the consumer. Think of all the college students and business people that need to lug their battery chargers with them to classes, meetings, the airport, and wherever else.

I often wonder how “mobile” we really are in North America when it seems impossible to survive without a power cord and wireless internet. While solar panels wouldn’t eliminate the problem altogether, they would significantly decrease the frustration - not to mention the environmental benefits.

It would be interesting to see how many batteries are used for electronics each year in North America - as well as the amount of power consumed by plug-in devices. We have our computers running day after day, radios blaring in the mornings, televisions buzzing in the evenings, calculators, video game systems, alarm clocks, cameras, mp3 players, telephones, cell phones, and more.

Certainly there’s a better way to keep all these things going, whether mini-solar panels work (and are affordable) or not.

Nonetheless, there are a number of tips that can help us be environmentally friendly with our electronics right away. Here are 5 things you can do to be greener this year:

1. Use Rechargeables: Billions of batteries are produced and used each year; unfortunately most of them are disposable alkaline batteries. Look for electronics that can be recharged. But for those with removable batteries, try to purchase ones that can be recharged on their own. They might cost a bit more initially, but the long-term savings will quickly pay off.
2. Pull the Plug: Just because your cell phone isn’t attached to the charger or your computer screen is off, doesn’t mean you aren’t using power while running up your electric bill. If you want to make sure you’re not wasting energy, pull the plug or completely turn off anything that isn’t currently in use. Alternatively, you could hook all your electronic devices up to a power strip - and simply turn it off when nothing is in use.
3. Buy Used: Depending on your needs, you might not need the latest and greatest the marketplace has to offer. By purchasing used products you automatically cut down on production while also keeping perfectly good material from the landfills. Amazingly enough, that’s where millions of working devices end up each year.
4. Buy Green: If you’re buying new products there are still ways you can be green. By simply purchasing Energy Star approved products, you can play a major part in helping your environment. The Energy Star seal of approval is only given to the greenest products on the market that meet the strictest requirements.
5. Don’t Trash: When you purchase a new electronic, recycle the old one. Many people would be happy to purchase and use your old TV, computer, cd player, mp3 player, cell phone and whatever else. And if you can’t find a taker, you might want to see if the producer has a recycling program in place.