Cloud Computing

Is cloud computing green?

Cloud computing is significantly more energy efficient than using in-house data centers.  Cloud computing is when remote machines owned by companies run everything from word processing, data analysis programs, and even email programs for other companies.  They are web-based services that host all the programs users need to do his or her job.  With a system like this, instead of installing suites of software to each computer the company only has to deal with one shared interface.  This makes adding new employees to your system as easy as opening a Garage Door, it only takes one task to add an employee to the system and give them access to any software and applications they will need available to them. Most people are already familiar with some forms of cloud computing; anyone who uses a web-based email such as Gmail has been able to remotely login to their email without having any form of downloaded software.  There is a significant workload shift, as local computers no longer have to do all of the work for running application.

Cloud computing has been referred to as the ‘Green IT Solution.’  Not only is this form of computing more efficient technically, it is also eco-efficient and energy efficient. Businesses with more than $1 billion in annual revenue can achieve energy savings of $12.3 billion a year by 2020 through cloud computing services. In addition it projects an overall 30,000 metric tons savings in CO2 reduction. Cloud computing is projected to achieve annual carbon reductions equivalent to 200 million barrels of oil - enough to power 5.7 million cars for one year, says the study of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

The structure of cloud computing addresses two elements critical to achieving greener technology; energy and resource efficiency. Cloud computing would be linked to renewable energy, and eventually be completely powered by wind and solar-derived energy.  Cloud computing would use recyclable energy, because unlike carbon-base d fuels, the wind and the sun and the earth itself provide fuel in amounts that are effectively limitless. The energy used to power cloud computing would also be reusable, as it would filter through out all of the systems and power computing loads for dozens of companies, all with one natural energy source.  The system would rely entirely on the earth to provide fuel.

Cloud computing also means computing loads are spread over the day, allowing for increased equipment utilization.  Despite the increased demand for computing resources, data center facilities and electricity cost are growing at 10-15% per year. From a resource perspective, less equipment is needed to run workloads, which reduces data center space and e-waste footprint.  From an energy perspective, with less physical equipment, a data center will consume less electricity.

These energy and cost advantages will over time translate into more and more companies switching to cloud services, the economic and energy advantages are too high to not take advantage of.  The amount of capital lost while supporting in house teams, and in house equipment will no longer be sustainable, and companies will have to look for another system.

Chris Keenan is a green and general blog writer. He writes for many sites including Precision Garage Door. Chris also maintains a personal blog at The Keenan Cookbook

Keeping It Cool

Keeping it Cool – and Green

With the summer months approaching and the temperature line climbing up the Richter scale on a daily basis, the demand for cooling systems is, as always: skyrocketing.  Stores are frantically stocking up on their ACs, ecommerce sites are shipping in crates of cooling equipment like it’s the world’s key to survival and we, the consumers, are eagerly supporting and encouraging it all with our fear to break a sweat at any point in our prim and proper lifestyles.

And, I get that.  I get that we don’t like to be uncomfortable.  I get that life becomes a little more unpleasant when we’re at a temperature we aren’t entirely agreeable with.  I can also get the argument that we’re more productive at our jobs when we’re cool, calm and collected.   But, I know as well as anyone, most systems of “air conditioning” aren’t at the top of the list for eco-friendly/green/environmentally conscious, etc. So, okay.  If we’re not willing and/or able to perform and live life the way we’d like to (sleeping in the heat doesn’t work for me, I’ll admit it), but we don’t necessarily want to wipe out the ozone either, do we have options that won’t make us feel like the world’s worst citizen for the day?  I think we do.  Here’s what I’ve discovered.

COLD AIR

If you must have cold air blowing on you.  First, opt for a portable AC as opposed to a central AC system.  This way you can just heat the room you need to be cool, not the entire house.  You’ll cut your energy use drastically, not to mention purchasing cost and installation cost.  Second, make sure your AC is energy-star rated.  That’s a given.  Third, you need to invest in one that uses R-410A, not R-22.  R-22 is proven to deplete the ozone layer. R-410A, while more expensive, is much the greener option, and since R-22 is being phased out, eventually you won’t be able to find replacement parts or repair shops for an R-22.  It’s well worth the upfront cost.

If you don’t need it, but you like it, try a swamp cooler.  These guys are way ahead of ACs in terms of environmentally friendly.  They use no chemical coolants and require significantly less than an AC, as much as 75% less energy in fact.

HOME REMEDIES

If you’re willing to forgo plugging in an electrical source of cooling, try some of these easy tips.

Windows: Open them wide at night, and close them first thing in the morning.  You might also consider covering them and blocking out that extra sunlight heat.  If you wanna go a step further, you can check into mylar sheets or blackout curtains for really blocking the light.

Water:  Water is cooling!  Keep a misting bottle handy, and even consider keeping a cool washcloth on your neck.  This is especially great if you’re sitting at a computer desk for eight hours.  For days off, head to the nearest lake and get your swim on.

Cooking: Avoid it indoors whenever possible!  Stick to cool, refreshing foods like salads and pair them with a barbecue option for your protein.

Shopping:  Not to solely advocate shopping for shopping’s sake, but if you have errands and running around to do, do it during the daytime when you can spend the heat of the day indoors staying cool for free while you’re getting your stuff done.

When all else fails, head to a park, spread out a blanket under a tree, eat a delicious piece of crisp fruit and take a nap.  Right?

Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer currently researching portable air conditioners and the best choices for eco-friendly cooling solutions.

Motorola Citrus

Motorola Citrus Review

Motorola has released what is being called the world’s first “eco friendly” phone. The Motorola Citrus is now available through Verizon Wireless. The phone is considered “eco friendly” because it is made of 25% recycled material, and contains no PVC or BFR. The Citrus is packaged in an eco friendly box, and is certified to be a “carbon free” item, as Motorola takes documented measures to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing, distribution, and usage of the phone throughout its lifetime.

In addition to this phone being easy on the environment, it’s also pretty easy on the wallet as well. You can get a Citrus for a mere $50 after rebate at Verizon if you sign a two-year contract. That is dirt cheap for a brand new Android phone.

Is this a superphone to compete with the Droid, Evo, or HTC Droid Incredible --which is the best of the HTC line in terms of repair ability and therefore green friendly phones? No, of course it’s not, but it does pack a pretty big punch for its size and price. What remains to be seen is how modular it is (ease of repair) because Motorola Droid repair can range from difficult to sort of difficult. So if it is difficult to repair than it's hard to call it eco-friendly.

The small size and curved body of the phone makes it fit into hand and pocket very easily, and the 3 inch screen has full multi touch capability, with an on-screen keyboard that can be used in portrait or landscape.  As seen with the earlier Motorola Backflip, the Citrus also includes the BACKTRACK touch panel on the back side of the phone.  This is a finger pad, much like a smaller version of your laptop’s touchpad, that is placed on the back of the phone so you can scroll and navigate without having to touch the actual screen or a joystick on the front of the phone. This device comes in handy on the Citrus, given the small size of the phone.

The Citrus includes a standard 3 Megapixel camera with digital zoom and autofocus. The camera can also be utilized for video capture. I wouldn’t expect this feature on a low end phone like this, but the Citrus does include Wi-Fi. It also includes Bluetooth, which is becoming standard on all phones anymore. There is 2GB of onboard storage on the Citrus, with the capacity for a microSD card of up to 32GB. The phone boasts pretty good battery life:  up to 300 hours of standby, and 380 minutes of talk time. The Citrus ships with Android OS 2.1 (Éclair) installed. I have not seen any indications of a planned update to Android 2.2 (Froyo), but given this is a new phone, it wouldn’t surprise me if the phone receives Froyo in the near future.

All in all, this seems like a pretty good entry-level Android phone that picks up where other entry level handsets, such as the Droid Eris, left off.  If you’re in the market for a cheap Android option, or just like a smaller phone and don’t need a whole lot of power…. Of if you care deeply about the environment, then I would recommend the Motorola Citrus to you.