A Greener Computer World

From checking your email to conducting a background check on your neighbors, computers and the Internet have become essential tools in this day and age. According to the Center for the Digital Future at USC’s Annenberg School for Communication, more than eight in ten Americans go online and about 24% of American households have at least three computers. That's a lot of plastic, energy, and wasteful materials if you don't embrace a greener computer world. Thankfully, the technology of today, forward-thinking inventors, and eco-minded businesses have accepted the challenge to use less energy, build more efficient products, and supply computer users with planet-friendly options. A few examples include: LG Electronics Eco-Luxe Monitor Take a gander at the seductively slim style of the LG W86 – the latest in the company's designer series of monitors. Helping users outfit their home or office with an attractive design, LG provides advanced picture quality, power saving LED backlight, and an ultra-convenient size. With hints of ruby red and gold, even the external controls look regal. Additional controls remain hidden below the bezel and only become apparent when a hand comes close – to which they emit a soft red glow. The W86 uses on the average 40% less power than normal CCFL monitors. The product also contains no mercury. Consumers will be able to choose from 22-inch 16:10 and 24-inch 16:9 models, complete with Full HD 1080p resolution and 2ms response time. Two HDMI ports allow users to take full advantage of the ultimate level of picture quality when pairing the monitor with computers, game consoles, and Blu-ray devices. Imagine a widescreen movie with no black bars – just pure color and striking imagery. The W86 will make its first appearance to the public during Gitex 2009, which takes place this October. Dell Bamboo Eco-Computer The sleek design of the eco-inspired Dell computer with bamboo casing is 81% smaller than a standard desktop and uses 70% less energy. Enhancing the overall package, the computer also utilizes recycled materials, such as milk jugs, detergent cases, and old bottles, in its construction. While the CEO of Dell revealed the bamboo eco-computer at the 2008 Fortune Green conference, the concept remains nameless, but is slated to hit the market with a price tag between $500 and $700. Bamboo Computer Accessories With an assortment of eye-catching, computer accessories, Micro Innovations uses the luxurious appeal of bamboo to offer sustainable computing equipment. Sorry, but these 2.0-channel speakers, card readers, 1.3 Megapixel webcams, 4-port USB hubs, and keyboards almost look too pretty to put through my everyday PC wear and tear. What's all the fuss about bamboo? This natural resource is harvested and replenished with close to no impact on the environment. Helping to place a dent in our global warming woes, bamboo also contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide gases in the world. When compared to the majority of soft and hardwoods, bamboo harvesting can take place within 3 to 5 years, as opposed to 10 to 50 years. Greenhouse Gadget Add a little color and life to your workplace surroundings. Gardening enthusiasts to gadget geeks will certainly enjoy the eco-gadget dubbed the Ultimate Office Plant, which allows you to power your own mini-greenhouse with the help of a USB plug. An adjustable growth light works with your computer to monitor the progress and health of plants. Your office gardening kit comes with a USB powered mini greenhouse, marigold seeds, artificial soil, user manual, and software CD. Image Credits: earth2tech (Dell bamboo), Micro Innovations, Gadget Shop

Luxury Condo + Green Technology + NY = Riverhouse

A geothermal system heats and cools the building. High-efficiency hot water heaters. An onsite escape called the Treehouse Getaway. Situated in Battery Park City, the 264-unit condominium called the Riverhouse offers an array of cutting edge amenities and green technology features. You certainly won't be disappointed if you've chosen this luxury condo as your green sanctuary. Just ask celebrities, like Leonardo Di Caprio, who have already claimed a sustainable space to call their own. From very start of the building process to the extravagant amenities afforded to residents, the Riverhouse certainly makes it much harder to leave the comforts of your home. Just some of the features of the Riverhouse to consider when shopping for a luxury condo in the New York City region, include: Eco-Friendly Building Process: Built from non-pollutant materials and relying on solar-powered energy, the Riverhouse also supported local products to decrease fuel consumption. Photovoltaic Cells: Following the Sun's path as it travels across the sky, photovoltaic cells supply electricity to the elevators and utilities of the Riverhouse. Water Recycling: Separate plumbing lines makes the most out of the condo's water use. "Gray water" (from baths, showers and kitchens) is reused in the gardens. "Black water" is treated and then recycled. Triple-Pane Window System: An all-weather dream, the space between the innermost and middle panes provides vented cool air circulation during warm days. To prepare for a winter in New York, the vent closes and the space between the panes serve as an additional thermal barrier against cold air. Putting Greenery to Good Use: Plants decorate the roof of the condominium, in an effort to naturally reduce the temperature of the building and place less stress on the city's sewer system by capturing rainwater and putting it to good use. Hanging Out: The Billiards Room allows friendly games between residents to take place. Shoot a little 8-Ball or challenge your neighbor to a chess match – all while surrounded by gorgeous, spacious views. Indoor 50' Lap Pool: Enjoy less-irritating waters. With ultraviolet light killing bacteria, the Riverhouse has reduced its need to use harsh chemicals, like chlorine. 5 Things to Do at the Riverhouse The Riverhouse makes it convenient for busy, on-the-go New Yorkers to find time to accomplish a range of activities without ever having to travel across town or step outside the coziness of their residence.

• Check your email at the media café
• Sculpt rock-hard abs at the fitness center
• Center yourself at the yoga studio
• Pamper resident pooches at the dog spa
• Let the kids burn off excess energy at the children's playroom

Average Price: One-bedroom ($835,000) Five-bedroom ($8 million) Image Credits: The Riverhouse

The Greener Flat Screen - CA Plans for Energy-Sipping Televisions

Decreasing energy consumption is an essential part of a sustainable future, especially within our own homes.  Residential energy accounts for nearly a quarter of all the power consumed in the United States.  In 2001, just our televisions gobbled up 3% of that energy - and that was before the craze of plasma and LCD flat screens that require more power than the traditional cathode-ray tubes.

California is taking initiative to minimize that consumption with new efficiency standards expected to be enacted this summer.  All televisions manufactured after the beginning of 2011 will have to use half the energy of the sets currently on the market by 2013 if the rules are approved.  

The Consumer Electronics Association argues that the manufacturers should be in control of the solution - leaving the energy savings in the hands of the consumer by installing adjustments to control brightness and contrast settings rather than researching and developing cleaner technology.

 

Some manufacturers have already taken the time to do their homework and are producing flat screens that use a fraction of the power.  Samsung's new LED flat screen is only an inch-and-a-half thick and requires 40% less energy than conventional models.  New technology never comes cheap so the thinnest and greenest TV comes with a price tag of close to $3,000.

Prices should drop in the not-too-distant future when competition increases with the introduction of similar low-energy televisions by Sony and LG.

Sources: New York Times; WWAY TV

Images: CNET, peasap via Flickr