Main > Everything Else

How do you turn off your computer (non-arcade)

<< < (5/6) > >>

ark_ader:

--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on April 12, 2013, 12:49:30 pm ---If you want to reduce your carbon footprint turning off devices won't really do it. 

If you use your computer for say... only 20 mins a day it certainly makes sense to turn it off, but it's apparent that most of us live on the things, so it isn't going to make that much difference in the long run. 

Also you've got to understand the concept of where your power comes from.  It comes from a giant plant.  If you only use 20 dollars less electricity it isn't like they shovel less coal in the generator.  They use the same amount at all times.  It only makes a difference if there is enough of a shift to where they can close a whole plant down, or run it at a fraction of capacity.  And as nice a thought as personal rationing is, that isn't going to make a difference unless literally everyone does it, and that just isn't the case. 

The solution is federally mandated restrictions.... light bulbs can only use this much power, heating and ac systems have to be this efficient, power plants have to be hydro-electric, solar or nuclear, ect.... And the republicans fight that sort of legislation every step of the way, so there's nothing we can do.  Just enjoy the ride while we destroy ourselves in the name of greed.   :badmood:

--- End quote ---

Agreed if I am at home, but I am based in the UK at te moment, and it does matter if you turn off a PC or two, as the electricity rates are quite high over here plus add the 1.50 with the exchange rate and you have one heck of a big bill in dollars.  When I am at home I have all the machines running all the time and again I just pay the bill when it becomes due, but the bill is much lower... :lol

Eventually I will move all my HDDs to one machine, and retire the rest and just use tablets, but it won't be M$ based but linux.  I am also looking at green alternatives such as Raspi or MK808 headless nodes with solar.  Something like a 5c cloud.

Howard_Casto:
I've been dabbling with the idea of a green generator but I can't seem to find a cost-effective solution. 

We have this large creek that runs behind the house (and I live at Cabin Creek, imagine that ;) )  and it has a fairly swift current.  But hydro generators seem to be rather costly.  Solar is out, we just don't get enough sun....  Again it's really hard to be green at the personal level unfortunately. 

ark_ader:

--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on April 12, 2013, 07:09:55 pm ---I've been dabbling with the idea of a green generator but I can't seem to find a cost-effective solution. 

We have this large creek that runs behind the house (and I live at Cabin Creek, imagine that ;) )  and it has a fairly swift current.  But hydro generators seem to be rather costly.  Solar is out, we just don't get enough sun....  Again it's really hard to be green at the personal level unfortunately.

--- End quote ---

I think you could manage something like this Howard.

Heck I bet Le Chuck could make one and morph it into a wave rider arcade game too.  :lol

Dawgz Rule:

--- Quote ---The solution is federally mandated restrictions.... light bulbs can only use this much power, heating and ac systems have to be this efficient, power plants have to be hydro-electric, solar or nuclear, ect.... And the republicans fight that sort of legislation
--- End quote ---

More govt is definitely not the solution.   The comment about Republicans sounds like something from the Huffington Post.  What Republicans oppose (generally) is unnecessary regulations that ties the hands of business.  Take something as simple as light bulbs.  You can count on the fact that in CA you can't purchase anything but a CFL light bulb.   Unfortunately, CFL's are only really efficient in environments where they are on for a long period of time.  A traditional bulb is otherwise more efficient.  I would imagine most people also just throw CFL's in the trash too. 

Hybrid cars is another falacy.  That prius has a much larger carbon footprint than similar sized gas only cars simply because of the manufacturing process.  The breakeven point from a carbon standpoint is approximately 90,000 miles. 

A couple of years back our dishwasher needed repair service.  While the repair guy was over I mentioned that the thing doesn't seem to try as well as my old dishwasher.  The reason....govt mandated requirements on heating elements. 

Thank you govt!  And no, I am not a Republican.

ChadTower:

--- Quote from: ark_ader on April 13, 2013, 06:54:46 am ---I think you could manage something like this Howard.

--- End quote ---


The issue is that even when the creek runs through your property the waterway itself often belongs to the town or state.  You can't modify it or put anything substantial in it without the full process of permitting.  And you often cannot restrict access to others if they can get to it without crossing your land (as in coming down the creek in a kayak).

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page

Go to full version