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Save Energy with Electronics!
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Gadget Greening 101

While we can't always eliminate the results of using our everyday gadgets, we can make a conscious effort to reduce their energy use and avoid impact on the environment. Here are small steps you can take toward an enviro-friendly electronic lifestyle.

SAVE ENERGY WITH PRODUCT YOU ALREADY OWN
  • Unplug mobile phone or PDA chargers when batteries are fully charged or when the chargers are not in use. 
  • Be power-wise with your PC. Most personal computers have management features that control energy use.
  • When you're finished watching a movie or playing a video game, don't forget to turn off your DVD player or video game console as well as the television itself.
  • Plug electronics, such as TVs, DVD players and audio systems, into power strips, and turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use. Just be sure to read the manual first to make sure you won't affect the product.
  • Save fuel by shopping and banking from home on your computer
PLAN GREEN WHEN PURCHASING
  • Look for the "ENERGY STAR" label. It can help you identify energy-efficient appliances and other electronic products. Search for energy-efficient products using the search box at left.
  • Investigate home-networking and automation products and services that let you control heating, lighting and cooling from a central location in the home or while you are away.
  • When in the market for home office products, consider a multifunction device, which combines printing, copying, scanning and faxing. Extra tip: print double sided, and only when necessary!
MAKE YOUR PRODUCTS LAST
  • Review you owner's manuals for cleaning and maintenance of all products. 
  • Take care of your products' insides. Never block or cover the ventilation areas of your electronics—these holes keep the product from overheating, which could shorten its life. Also, never stack components atop one another. 
  • Keep electronics out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and radiators. Likewise, keep out of areas with high humidity or dust.
  • Never use a vacuum to clean dust from electronics. This can create static and harm your components. 
  • Dust your components with a damp, lint-free cloth and a mild, heavily-diluted cleaning agent or specialty anti-static wipes. Be careful with solvents as they can damage television and PDA screens. 
  • Never spray water or cleaners directly onto electronics.
  • If you spill liquid on your electronics, stop using it immediately, unplug it and seek customer service. 
  • LCD (liquid crystal displays) and plasma screens are extremely delicate. Never use glass cleaner or detergents. Electronics retailers sell special cleaners for these screens. Also, do not apply pressure when cleaning wiping and be sure the television or monitor has cooled.
  • LCD and plasma screens should never be stored in enclosed cases, as they are prone to overheating
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