Zeroing on Zero Waste
Chris Rodinis
January 11th 2013
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/10/tp-new-county-recycling-rules-for-businesses/
http://www.eweek.com/it-management/10-practical-ways-to-make-your-it-system-greener-more-efficient/
Starting in February businesses that “generate four cubic yards of waste or more each week” in San Diego County will be required by law to recycle.
Most dumpsters are a size that holds four cubic yards.
This new law is in accordance with the California assembly bill that requires 75 percent of waste material to be diverted to recycling.
Based on hauler surveys, the number of business not recycling that should be, is about 500 in San Diego County.
Los Angeles County will be taking similar measures that are to be implemented in the very near future.
A zero waste program at the corporate level applies to different departments and as far as greening an IT department here are some practices that work.
Use “Used” for a Longer Life
The greenest of IT practices is to purchase used replacement parts or used spare parts for your IT equipment because that would be better for the environment and much cheaper. Green has a double meaning in this case.
If It’s Not Deployed, Recycle It
If you are storing old computers you are losing value daily. Recycle it with a partner that would share the revenue from extracting the metals or re-purposing the components. Recycle with a company that follows environmental laws and has experience at securely destroying data.
Always Sell Old Equipment If You Can
That way it does not go to a landfill and you add to your bottom line.
Use Power Saving Techniques
Look for software or scripts that monitor and control the power supply so that you use just enough power but not too much!
Cabinets Are Critical To Green
Purchasing cabinets that rely on front to back airflow is the best way to save the most money and the best way not overheat servers that employ side flow.
Turn Off the Extras
Use auto-sleep, multi-task printers, power down at night, and no screensavers!
The Eco-conscious Buy Used
Computer equipment’s biggest contribution to global warming is in its manufacture. So, buying used saves on carbon emissions.
Check Your Temp
Keep the server temperature within specs, but also test for more energy savings by testing the “lower” territory on your external AC thermostat.
Software Keeps You Aware
A good energy monitoring software identifies and routinely maintains energy levels at their optimum level for money savings as well as carbon emissions savings.
Over Duplication of Data Is Dumb
Why overload your hardware when you don’t have to. Make your corporate policy so as to not duplicate data more than necessary and then get increased savings in storage and cost.
For more information about recycling used computers please contact:
www.EwasteWiz.com