Although it sounds eco-friendly, green computing is really all about using computer resources efficiently. However, environmental benefits are a welcome side effect of this shift in computer consciousness. Apple CEO Steve Jobs first posted environmental targets online in May 2007 after he and other leaders in the PC industry were slammed for not having environmental policies. This new, friendlier mindset is filtering from the top down in the computer industry.

Going green can mean many things, from purchasing more energy efficient computer components to participating in a statewide recycling program for obsolete computers (a little over half of all US states now have a recycling program). Here are a few things you can do to make your business a little greener:

1. Increase your energy efficiency by purchasing green computers for your business

2. Get an energy audit from one of the many green computing services and find out how to green up your office

3. Dispose of your old computers (e-waste) in a responsible manner (this is a big part of green computing!)

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy the latest and greatest energy efficient green computers

An environmentally friendly computer preserves the environment and saves you money. Nowadays most computer manufacturers offer green computers.

I recommend: Dell offers green computers in their Energy Smart line. These workstations, desktops and notebooks can reduce power consumption by as much as 78%. For more of a selection, visit Treehugger.com for reviews of some of the greenest computers with easy links straight to the manufacturer.

Hire one of many green computing services to get your business on a greener track

When you hire a green computing service, you will get a customized plan tailored to your actual business. They will help you maximize your energy efficiency, and bring you up to speed on other options available to you.

I recommend: The iYogi Green PC initiative has green technical specialists on-hand to help you hand-craft a customized plan for your PC. Get a free energy audit from the Green Computing Impact Organization.

Jump on the green computing bandwagon by recycling your e-waste

Computers and other electronic devices pose a huge disposal problem, because many of their parts are toxic to the environment. Recycling your old computers and technological devices can stop them from taking up space in your closet, or worse, ending up in a landfill.

I recommend: You can pay to dispose of your e-waste at PC Disposal. They will thoroughly erase all data from hard disks, dispose of obsolete equipment responsibly, and resell or donate any non-obsolete equipment to charity. On the flip side, IT Source will pay you for your retired IT assets.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The EPA's Energy Star rating has been upgraded for the first time in 15 years. Their new specs for green computers are much more stringent. Look for their logo on any new system, and you'll know that you truly are going green.