Welcome to The Digital Environment! The Internet has changed our world dramatically, and not always for the better. Here you can learn about environmental issues related to computers and the Internet and what you can do to minimize your environmental impact.
Trey
Cyber Defender &
Message Center Supervisor
As an environmental activist, Trey believes that technology has the potential to improve our world, but only if it is used and created responsibly. He encourages people to become aware of their actions and to make simple changes in their lives that will have a big impact on the environment.
A recent graduate of the Academy (class of '07), Trey runs the Message Center in Cyberspace. He loves communicating via email because it is quick, easy, and reduces paper waste.
Favorite Quote:
When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.
- John Muir
Vegetable Curry
Interests:Ultimate frisbee, Gardening, Recycling trash into treasure
October 8 2009
Environmental Issues: Carbon Emissions
Carbon emissions, like many other environmental terms, have been in the news a lot lately. So what exactly are carbon emissions? Carbon emissions, mostly carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, are two of the most harmful greenhouse gasses. They get released into the atmosphere from things like cars, air planes, power plants, and factories. And you.
Yes, you. And me, too. How exactly? Well, the computer you're using to read this is using electricity, right? And your television at home? And your video game systems? We're all guilty of enjoying things that aren't exactly eco-friendly, if you think about it. Now, I'm not suggesting we all stop enjoying technology. I'm just saying that if we're smarter about how we use technology, we can make the world a better place.
Here's a really simple thing you can do to cut down on carbon emissions. When you're done with your computer, turn it off. I know it can be annoying to turn it back on and wait for everything to boot up, but it's worth it for cleaner air. It really doesn't seem like a big sacrifice when you consider that devices on standby use 10% of the energy in an average house (http://www.popgadget.net/2008/04/give_your_compu.php). Even better, unplug it! Even if it's off, the battery can suck up a surprising amount of energy. Remember, the greener you are, the happier polar bears will be!