How can we reduce the energy use of computing Essay

How can we reduce the energy use of computing - Essay Example Yeang talks about many features in his article which can effectively help in reducing the level of energy consumption as a result of computer usage (2009). Blackle is one such feature which is meant to provide a front end to Google with black background. Now, more energy is consumed by displaying a white screen than is consumed by a black screen which helps people in adopting an eco-friendly attitude while still having an access to all the information needed by Google. This may appear to be an action of a very ordinary nature, but â€Å"this small tweak to Google has a potential to save 750 Megawatt hours a year.   As of now, they’ve already saved more than a million watt hours with this tool† (Yeang, 2009). According to the shocking facts revealed in a research report regarding energy consumption as a result of desktop computers left on even when they are not being used, â€Å"the energy used by 1,000 workstations in one year is equivalent to 880 barrels of oil, or 43,180 gallons of gasoline† (Stevens, 2008). Now, it is further revealed in the report that consumption of energy on such a large scale results in the release of about 380 tons of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere, which hugely lays stress on the need to promote greenwashing. Greenwashing refers to the practice of urging the businesses to make their operations eco-friendly and promoting eco-friendly product features. If 380 tons of carbon dioxide gas gets released into the atmosphere, as mentioned earlier, then such energy consumption results in costing the government more than $90,000 if those 1000 desktop computers always remain on. Energy wastage at such a huge level resulting in costing such a huge number of do llars and release of tons of poisonous gases in the atmosphere can simply be reduced significantly by switching off the desktop computers when they are not being used