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It's no secret that Google has become the leader in internet search, or that the infrastructure this dominance requires uses a tremendous amount of energy. Perhaps it's because of these data centers, or simply because Google sees itself as an innovator capable of entering any field, that the company has recently announced a plan to spearhead America's transition to renewable energy. The company's CEO, Eric Schmidt, recently explained in an interview that "energy matters. And the way you solve the environment problem is you solve the energy problem." With implications for environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change he is probably right, but the question that inevitable comes up is: why Google?
Schmidt had an explanation for this as well. In the same interview he said that "from a Google perspective [solving the energy problem is] the right thing to do for the world. It's also good for our business because we're in the information business. And a lot of the energy solutions involve a lot of information." Curbing energy use and switching to renewable alternatives is indeed the right thing to do, which makes us wonder what we can do to help.
If you want to help Google get renewable energy sources plugged into the national grid, TreeHugger has some valuable advice.
Most of us, however, think a bit smaller and more locally. Setting your computer, whether it's a laptop or desktop, for maximum energy savings, keeping an eye out for phantom power use, is the best place to start.
If your computer is the size of a refrigerator and sounds like a hungry dinosaur when it's running, you might want to consider an upgrade. Don't get me wrong, I suffer pangs of nostalgia for my Commodore 64 too, but a good emulator on a modern, eco-friendly laptop or desktop is a better choice for the environment.
If you do get a new computer, dispose of your old system properly. With all of the potential toxins, not to mention valuable components, contained in an old computer, the dumpster is not the place for it. Consider donating, or at least recycling, it instead. Though the process is easy, you should be sure to take some precautions to protect potentially sensitive data stored on the machine.
Join Google on its quest to lead America to a cleaner energy future. The path may be long, but your first steps can happen at home, with your own computer.
Read more about renewable energy:
Why Does Geothermal Make Sense To Install at Your Home?
Students: Encourage Your Schools to Go Solar
Heed Obama's Advice: Help Drive Change
Green Glossary: Photovoltaics
How to Find Green Energy Anywhere
6 Ways to Green Your Website
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