Your Guide to the One-Tonne Challenge
Tips For Homeowners – Home office
Ensure your computer system is set up to use its energy-saver option
Machines are often shipped with this feature disabled. If you buy an ENERGY STAR®-qualified computer, the power-saving feature is automatically set.
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Look on the box for ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment
It will keep your home energy use, emissions and costs down.
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Use as little paper as possible
Printing, photocopying and faxing use energy. Use e-mail more often – it is quicker, less expensive and healthier for the environment. Also use recycled paper whenever possible.
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Turn off lights and equipment when a work area isn’t being used
Even better, if you don’t need them, don’t turn the lights on in the first place. Natural light saves energy and is easier on your eyes. And a computer that runs 24 hours a day uses between $75 and $120 worth of electricity each year. You can save about $15 on your annual energy bill with an ENERGY STAR®-qualified computer in standby mode.
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If you are buying a laser printer, look for energy-saver features
Units that automatically switch to standby when not in use reduce electricity consumption by more than 65%.
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Buy a monitor that is the right size for your needs
Generally, the larger the monitor, the more energy it consumes, with the exception of an LCD monitor.
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