Sustainable Ideas...

Computers are notorious energy hogs. Whether you use one at home or at work, you may not realize how much energy you are burning, or, as a result, how much carbon you are pumping into the atmosphere.

But not every computer is built the same, and different hardware uses different amounts of energy. If you're in the market for a new PC, Dell's new online energy calculator can help you pick on that uses less power and has a smaller carbon footprint. Adding a more efficient processor and a flat-panel display are just two of the ways you can reduce your power usage. Dell's calculator even lets you "build" a few different PC configurations and shows you how much each one will save you in your annual energy costs.

Want to save more power? Consider laptops, which often use less energy than tower PCs. Also, think about the devices you have attached to your computer: always make sure to turn your printer off when you're not using it, or unplug devices like webcams and speakers. And turn your PC off at night for goodness sake! Really, the difference adds up.

Speaking of Dell, the manufacturer recently became the first computer company to join The Climate Group, a non-profit that "works with business and government leaders to address climate change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy."

You can find more about Dell's commitment to the environment here, and more tips on using less electricity for your computer here.