On Green IT

The intersection between IT and being green is something we pay a lot of attention to. A lot of what we know about systems thinking and sustainability would not be possible without the computing power of our electronic machines. It's really nice to see Cynthia Golden, EDUCAUSE vice president, writing this piece in EDUCAUSE Review:

The inability to effectively recycle this hazardous waste is one of a multitude of challenges feeding today’s “green” computing initiatives in government, industry, and higher education. The very real pressures of global warming, excessive energy consumption, and overdependence on fossil fuels, especially coal and oil, pose a serious threat to the planet. We must find ways to reduce our energy consumption, to provide power through alternative methods, and to deal with the electronics we produce, use, and discard: the “e-waste.” IT divisions in higher education can and should take a leadership role in improving the sustainability of their campuses by following environmentally friendly and responsible computing practices.

She goes on to concisely list several things that IT staffers can do. Be sure to forward this to yours!