In the last 15 years nothing has changed the way we communicate more than the computer. The information age is upon us which means we are using more electrical devices than ever before. Every computer, cell phone and iPod in the country draws electrical power. The biggest energy hog of them all is the computer. The reason is people leave their computers on constantly, even when they are not being used. According to a recent study, if every American turned off their computer and monitor every night we would avoid emitting 8 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.

Solution? The solution is to adjust the Power Options on your computer to reduce the amount of power your computer draws when you are not using it. Your computer has the ability to adjust itself into a "low power mode" very similar to hibernation. Adjusting your Power Options can reduce the amount of energy your computer normally uses by 75%. (SEE BELOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS). The other option is to simply turn off your computer when you're not using it.

ADJUSTING YOUR POWER OPTION SETTINGS

To adjust your Power Settings, click Start>Control Power>Power Options. Once the Power Options dialogue box appears, choose the "Power Saver" option and click OK, its that easy.

THE FACTS

If every American turned off their computer and monitor every night we would avoid emitting 8 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.