Green computing, also called green technology, is the environmentally responsible use of computers and

related resources. Such practices include the implementation of energy-efficient central processing units
(CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of
electronic waste (e-waste).
E-waste is any refuse created by discarded electronic devices and components as well as substances
involved in their manufacture or use.

One of the earliest initiatives toward green computing in the United States was the voluntary labeling
program known as Energy Star. It was conceived by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992
to promote energy efficiency in hardware of all kinds.

Government regulation, however well-intentioned, is only part of an overall green computing philosophy.
The work habits of computer users and businesses can be modified to minimize adverse impact on the
global environment. Here are some steps that can be taken:
Power-down the CPU and all peripherals during extended periods of inactivity.
Try to do computer-related tasks during contiguous, intensive blocks of time, leaving hardware off at
other times.
Power-up and power-down energy-intensive peripherals such as laser printers according to need.
Use liquid-crystal-display (LCD) monitors rather than cathode-ray-tube (CRT) monitors.
Use notebook computers rather than desktop computers whenever possible.
Use the power-management features to turn off hard drives and displays after several minutes of
inactivity.
Minimize the use of paper and properly recycle waste paper.
Dispose of e-waste according to federal, state and local regulations.
Employ alternative energy sources for computing workstations, servers, networks and data centers.





Paul Anastas, then of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and John C. Warner developed
12 principles of green chemistry,[6] which help to explain what the definition means in practice. The
principles cover such concepts as:

the design of processes to maximize the amount of raw material that ends up in the product;
the use of safe, environment-benign substances, including solvents, whenever possible;
the design of energy efficient processes;
the best form of waste disposal: not to create it in the first place.
The 12 principles are:

It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it is formed.
Synthetic methods should be designed to maximize the incorporation of all materials used in the process
into the final product.
Wherever practicable, synthetic methodologies should be designed to use and generate substances that
possess little or no toxicity to human health and the environment.
Chemical products should be designed to preserve efficacy of function while reducing toxicity.
The use of auxiliary substances (e.g. solvents, separation agents, etc.) should be made unnecessary
wherever possible and innocuous when used.
Energy requirements should be recognized for their environmental and economic impacts and should be
minimized. Synthetic methods should be conducted at ambient temperature and pressure.
A raw material or feedstock should be renewable rather than depleting wherever technically and
economically practicable.
Reduce derivatives Unnecessary derivatization (blocking group, protection/deprotection, temporary
modification) should be avoided whenever possible.
Catalytic reagents (as selective as possible) are superior to stoichiometric reagents.
Chemical products should be designed so that at the end of their function they do not persist in the
environment and break down into innocuous degradation products.
Analytical methodologies need to be further developed to allow for real-time, in-process monitoring and
control prior to the formation of hazardous substances.
Substances and the form of a substance used in a chemical process should be chosen to minimize
potential for chemical accidents, including releases, explosions, and fires.
Green chemistry, also called sustainable chemistry, is a philosophy of chemical research and engineering
that encourages the design of products and processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous
substances.[1] Whereas environmental chemistry is the chemistry of the natural environment, and of
pollutant chemicals in nature, green chemistry seeks to reduce the negative impact of chemistry on the
environment by preventing pollution at its source and using fewer natural resources.