Electrical appliances consume a lot of energy. However, it is entirely possible to reduce your electricity bill by adopting the right ecological gestures. There are practical tips on how to be more eco-responsible, even when using your computer or cell phone.
Disable animated screensavers, dark mode generation!
The energy consumption of a desktop computer varies between 120 and 250 kWh/year. This figure has been established byAdeme, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency. PC and MAC screens account for 20-30% of this energy. Ademe also states that 4% of screens remain permanently switched on, compared with 15% of CPUs. In view of this, it’s best to use standby mode, or switch off the device when not in use. This recommendation applies to individuals, students or freelance consultants who wish to put their eco-responsibility into action on a daily basis. Freelancers in shared offices are already subject to this rule. They have to switch off their computers before transporting them. This preventive measure limits the risk of damage to the machine. It’s also advisable not to use animated screensavers. They prevent automatic activation of the sleep mode.
Prefer reading paper documents
For business purposes, it’s a good idea to read certain documents on screen. On the other hand, if they are too long, or if they are used as a reference, it is preferable to opt for paper versions. If the document takes longer than 3 minutes to read, consider printing it. Provided, of course, that you opt for black and white printing. It’s also advisable to print on both sides to avoid wasting paper. This applies in particular to service contracts between independent consultants and their customers. If the documents are for personal use, they can be printed on the back of other documents used as drafts.
Optimize printer use
A printer is sometimes indispensable for a contractor. In this case, you should opt for a multifunctional device. It can also act as a scanner and photocopier. It consumes up to 50% less energy than standard devices. Coworking spaces generally make one available to those who have signed an office rental contract.
