Computer networking hardware, and its increased manufacturing and use, pose a problem for the environment. Most components  like routers and switches and even desktop computers contain hazardous materials that should never end up in landfills. So how can we be more responsible about our consumption of these products?

First, consider purchasing smaller, more compact components like the new compact C-series switches from companies like Cisco. Smaller components means less toxicity.  Second, always recycle your old equipment by donating it or selling it to an alternative provider like MULTI-LINK Communications Products. These companies refurbish your used and even non-working components and resell them, keeping them out of the garbage dumps and reducing demand for new components.  In addition to perhaps making a little cash when you sell off old equipment, patronize these companies by purchasing new or refurbished equipment from them! You’ll not only save money again, but you’ll be actively participating in the recycling effort.  If the risk of buying used routers or telephony equipment has you thinking twice, don’t worry. MLCP actually warrants its used equipment longer than Cisco guarantees its new equipment in some cases and these companies will provide the same service and dependability for much less.

Lastly, encourage other companies you work with to do the same and provide employees with information on where and how to recycle their own electronic devices they use at home like computers, laptops, cell phones, printers, and routers.  Offer perks to employees who engage in recycling efforts by giving them cost-free benefits like a reserved parking space or putting them first on the list to receive new office furniture or electronics.

Here are fifty quick tips on going green:

1. Use reusable canvas bags at the grocery store instead of plastic.

2. Recycle paper, plastic, and glass, or donate your recyclables to a school that will.

3. If you live in an apartment complex that has no recycling bin, offer to start one and maintain it.

4. Create a ‘going green’ newsletter in your neighborhood giving tips on how to recycle and recycling locations.

5. Purchase IT products that perform several functions instead of one like the C2811-SHDSL-V3/K9 integrated services router.

6. Buy a water filter pitcher at home and work instead of buying individual bottled waters.

7. Shut off water while brushing your teeth.

8. Don’t water plants and grass during the hottest part of the day.  Water in the evening as the sun goes down so that the water doesn’t evaporate.

9. Use a waterless product to wash your car like RejuvenateAuto.

10. Unplug appliances when going away– even on short weekend trips.

11. Offer coffee mugs at work instead of foam or paper cups.

12. Wash dishes in the sink when there’s not enough to fill the dishwasher.

13. Ride your bike to the bank instead of driving your car.

14. Instead of turning heat up in the winter, wear warmer clothes and add more blankets to beds.

15. Choose Electronic Products Environmental Assessment (EPEAT)-registered products.

16. Buy non-perishable items in larger quantities to cut down on packaging. It will save you money as well.

17. Buy recycled products to encourage other companies to become more eco-friendly.

18. Use light bulbs that draw less current.

19. Compost!

20. Try carpooling or taking mass transit.

21. Pay bills online and ask them to stop sending paper statements. It’s also safer, protecting you from identity theft.

22. Use telepresence technology for sales presentations, training,  project collaboration, and other group activities.

23. Donate old clothes to the Salvation Army. It supports their cause and reduces the number of new products manufactured.

24. Allow employees to work from home one day a week or switch to four 10-hour work days to reduce gas emissions of commuting.

25. Use plastic, reusable containers to store food instead of plastic storage bags.

26. When remodeling your home, consider alternative energy additions like solar power.

27.  Plant an herb garden instead of buying them from a store.

28.  Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.

29.  Wash laundry with cold water instead of hot.

30. Recycle computer networking hardware by selling or donating it to a refurbishing company. Your old hardware can not only make you some extra cash, but will end up refurbished in someone else’s network instead of a land fill.

31. Opt out of prescreened credit card offers to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

32. Ask potential vendors to send brochures and product literature via email instead of in a tangible form.

33. Add “Please consider the environment before printing this email” to all outgoing emails. It will remind others not to print frivolously and waste paper.

34. Fix leaky faucets and toilets that run incessantly.

35. Install motion-detecting light fixtures in restrooms at work. It not only saves energy but reduces the spread of germs.

36. Line dry clothes whenever possible instead of using a dryer.

37. Collect rainwater. Use it to water plants and wash outside decks instead of a hose.

38. Drink Fair-Trade’ coffee at work and at home.

39. Use cloth napkins and rags instead of paper napkins and paper towels.

40. Cut down on the length of your showers. Take a relaxing bath instead.

41. Stop smoking!

42. Populate your lawn with plants that require less water.

43.  Buy locally raised produce from the farmer’s market. Products that don’t need to be shipped across the country save the gas it takes to transport them.

44. Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned.  When you do dry clean, choose one that is eco-friendly.

45. Spend a little more for high-quality products that will last longer.

46. Donate old cell phones to an organization that will recycle them like Cell Phones for Soldiers.

47. Buy a hybrid or electric vehicle.

48. Become a better driver. Slow down and avoid going back and forth between the gas and brake in heavy traffic. It saves gas and reduces emissions.

49. Activate the sleep settings on idle monitors and PCs.

50. Replace old toilets with new, low-flow ones.

Brocade found that:

“In the United States alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates data centers consumed some 61 billion kilowatt-hours in 2006 – using the equivalent of the average yearly energy output for 15 power plants. As the global demand for more data and faster performance increases, data system energy costs continue to rise.”

Brocade is determined to improve energy efficiencies by focusing on programs and products that support the ongoing development of green data centers. Increasing efficiency can be done through a variety of ways including:

1. Power and cooling. Because Brocade’s data centers generate one-third of the heat compared to competitors, they require less cooling and the saved power can be used for other devices.

2. Scalability. Brocade’s products simplify high performance data migration across heterogeneous environments.

3. Management. Because management is easy, centralized information management is more cost effective.

Brocade’s newest products are designed to be green, but don’t forget about the reliability and flexibility of Foundry’s routers like the NetIron MLX-16. New or refurbished, Brocade and Foundry products lead the industry.

If you have used, broken, or no longer needed I.T. equipment, you may be tempted to toss it in the trash bin outside and watch it be hauled away. But there are two important reasons to refrain from doing that: one, you’re throwing away money; and two, adding more lead-based equipment to a landfill isn’t good for the environment.

If you’re a company that wants to go green, here are some important steps to take to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

First and foremost, don’t throw away I.T. equipment! There are reliable alternative hardware providers like MULTI-LINK Communications (MLCP) that will accept your old equipment (even if it’s broken) for a trade-in credit, or will even sell your used equipment (like a Cisco 7905 IP phone) on consignment whether or not your buy anything from them at all. Let MLCP refurbish and try to sell your equipment and all you have to do is cash the check once it sells. Not only will someone else struggling to afford the right I.T. equipment for their company benefit, but so will you financially, and so will generations to come with fewer landfills.

You can also remind staff, vendors, customers, etc. to reduce paper waste by simply adding “Please consider the environment before printing this email” to the bottom of every email sent internally and externally from your staff. Sometimes, people just need a reminder to think before hitting that print button and saving paper not only saves trees, but also reduces supply costs.

Offering a recycling program at work will encourage to bring recyclables from home and not only eliminate how much recyclable material goes into residential trash, but the money can be used to donate to a local school, buy a new microwave for the break room, or given away to the employee (or team) of the month who brings in the most recycling.

Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. It can actually save you money, encourage respect for the environment with your staff, and keep the planet healthy for generations to come.