Go Green! - Edition 1
By Horrocks, 02 August 2008 - 04:09 6 comments
With technologies and society vastly advancing, we as humans are experimenting with ways to help cut down the amount of resources we use. The exponential growth of human population, emissions, power usage, and use of our natural resources has grown immensely.
This Neowin exclusive series will give you recent news, advancements, and discussion opportunities of 'greener technology'. Your discussion points will help contribute to the focus of the upcoming article.
This week I would like to set focus on product materials and its effect on our technology.
When comparing a computer from 10 years ago to a computer we see available today, there are many significant differences. The origins of materials such as plastics now differ. Today, building a custom rig brings you many options, some of them more eco-friendly. Some distributers now offer lead free parts, and more energy efficient power supplies to help cut the bill in half. Just this week Dell released the Dell Hybrid: an eco-PC that has an optional bamboo case to help cut back on the plastics.
View: Dell Hybrid
Many of the PC's we see today make use of plastic or aluminum parts made from post-consumer recycled material. One of the most noteable companies making use of such plastics and aluminum is Apple Computers. Four areas of particular attention are product and packaging design, responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency, and recycling. Recycled materials are found in many of their product lines, and can all be given back to Apple's environment friendly recycling program. Apple freely recycles your old iPods, displays, and computers responsibly and sensibly.
View: Apple Environment
Have you noticed a company trying to make a difference? Do you feel that 'going green' is helping technology advance? Let's hear your comments and opinions!
Comments (6)
PsykX - 02 August 2008 - 04:27
Of course not, it's something more that we have to think about when creating devices.
It doesn't mean I'm against it though, hell I'm even annoying at times. I'm 100% for it. It's just the question that is a little wrong IMO.
I just feel like every year we're doing a small step towards being greener in technology. It's not big enough maybe, but we're doing steps still.
Apparently now you can bring your laptop in planes and all that and sometimes they let you connect it... and I've heard that even though machines consumes less these days, in this case the plane would use a lot more power. Don't know if it's a rumor though, but it's not good. Also, at University, there's so many computers that I wonder if we're not consuming as much or more power than we used to before.
Anyway, my real concern is with the oil/gas companies. They don't give ***** about the Earth and they will end up killing us if we don't do anything in the next 50 years. Luckily, hybrid/eco-friendly cars managed to get on the market (Toyota, Honda, the Smart...) How come though? Oil and gas companies are rich enough to continue to stop and eliminate these projects.
Let's see where this debate can lead us, I'm eager to see everyone's opinion on this...
bluarash - 02 August 2008 - 16:28
Anyway, my real concern is with the oil/gas companies. They don't give ***** about the Earth and they will end up killing us if we don't do anything in the next 50 years. Luckily, hybrid/eco-friendly cars managed to get on the market (Toyota, Honda, the Smart...) How come though? Oil and gas companies are rich enough to continue to stop and eliminate these projects.
I do actually agree with the majority of what you said, but this is just over the top. I think we need to stop looking at these companies as singular entities, but rather by the individuals that make them up. Do you really think that executive cares little for the Earth? The very same one with three kids and probably a couple of grand kids on the way?
Most companies run on a simple formula of cost benefit analysis. If it makes economic sense they will implement the technology. If it does not, they won't. The main goal of a corporation is not to raise records profits, but rather to stay in business with enough capital to keep things running smoothly.
The reason why you don't see alternative solutions (as often) is because they don't actually make sense on paper. They are significantly more expensive to implement, harder to implement (hybrid SUV/truck) and the savings are not what consumers expect. Worse, the rollover is complicated by the fact that the majority of individuals own traditional cars and likely will not be in the position to change over to a greener solution.
Most solutions are currently still in a novelty stage. They do work, but not as well as the existing proven technology. You will see a shift, but it isn't to a combination of hybrid, natural gas and biodiesel. The markets expects a more uniform solution that a patchwork of what-if alternatives.
artnada - 02 August 2008 - 11:07
Do you know what? I don't give a stuff about this green issue anymore. I have been doing my bit for along time to be "green", yet the Gov still add more taxes to me in the name of green.
Stuff 'em.
The only reason why I use energy saving bulbs, is to try and save money on electricity bills.
The only reason why I use a green electricity supplier is to try and save money electricity bills.
The only reason why I use diesel car is to try and save money fuel bills.
The only reason why I do anything green is for financial reasons now and not green issues. Because no matter how "green" I am, it's still not enough for the Government and local Government depts.
bluarash - 02 August 2008 - 16:14
You pretty much summed up my jaded view of this turn from energy conservation to green propaganda for the sake of government solution based construct to push. I will go along with this if they make sense. I am not going to move out into a major city (and live without electricity, take four minute ice cold showers every third day or replace all of my existing junk with more junk because it has a slightly better energy rating).
Sevan - 02 August 2008 - 17:13
*rolls eyes* IMO, this is bull**** in my eyes.
lt8480 - 02 August 2008 - 21:25
Apple are one of the worst companies out there for "eco thought" - although yes they do have nice looking pages on the internet to make it appear they care (which appears to work!)