I've already written about green power in the Web 2.0 world. This week it's not Google in the news as usual, but Intel. According to the EPA, Intel's purchases of more than 1.3 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources (which accounts for slightly less than half of the company's power needs) make it the #1 purchaser of green power in the US. Surprisingly, there are few other IT companies on the list - others on the list include PepsiCo (1.1 billion kWh) and my alma mater New York University (132 million kWh). [via Treehugger]
While big purchases like these make the news, there are also ways for individual users to cut down on their energy use. The EcoButton plugs into your USB port and puts your computer into energy-saving sleep mode with one touch. When you get back, simply press any key to return to what you were doing. As an added bonus, the EcoButton's software calculates the power and money saved by using it. The EcoButton is currently available for Windows, but a Mac version is in the works. [via Treehugger]
While the EcoButton is a good solution for existing machines, others are looking for ways to make computers more efficient right out of the box. The Aleutia E1 was designed to offer "off the grid computing" in remote locations where access to electricity is not a given. The E1 uses only 18 watts of power (8 for the CPU and 10 for the LCD monitor) instead of the 200W required by traditional desktop computers. Prices start at 179 GBP, but the steeper 499 GBP option includes folding solar panels, allowing you to work pretty much anywhere. [via Treehugger]
Want to reduce your impact in other ways? Even paperless offices have to print sometimes. GreenPrint software will help you cut down the paper you use by "identify[ing] and delet[ing] unnecessary pages or space—like images you don't need to waste ink on or pages with lone URLs—from your print jobs. GreenPrint also keeps track of just how much money, paper, and greenhouse gases you're saving by using it." GreenPrint estimates that the average user will save about $90 a year in paper and ink. You can download GreenPrint World Edition for free here (Windows only). [via Lifehacker]
Even Showtime is getting in on the act and turning to Web 2.0 technology to save money and resources. In the weeks leading up to the Emmy awards, "members of the Academy [of Television Arts & Sciences] often get several hard copy DVDs in their mailbox – 20+ from Showtime alone." This year, Showtime has eschewed the physical DVDs and partnered with Brightcove to offer digital delivery to voting members who will be able to log in and watch Showtime material online. Not only does this move eliminate the need for materials and fuel to produce and package the DVD and related promotional materials and ship them to the recipient, it's also likely to save Showtime a lot of cash, as "online distribution offers the most economical way in which to deliver digital content." [via Mashable]
Here's one of the most brilliant uses of Web 2.0 technology I've seen in a while - The Washington Post reports that the Achuar Indians of Peru are using a digital camera, a GPS device, and Google Earth to document environmental destruction and put the pressure Occidental Petroleum, who they say are responsible for it. Despite living in a remote Amazon region where inhabitants are "largely cut off from environmental defenders in Washington and other world capitals who might have protected their interests . . . [the] Indians have gained access to tools that level the playing field."
A court case filed in Los Angeles by lawyers representing 24 Peruvians against Occidental is currently making its way through the courts, and the plaintiffs hope that the newly acquired photographic evidence will strengthen their case. [via Treehugger]
And finally, in a hilarious rant entitled "Hey, You Condescending Jerk, No One Prints Emails Anyway" Michael Arrington argues against the ubiquitous green reminder seen above. (I happen to agree with him.) [via TechCrunch]
This will be my last Green Web 2.0 Roundup blog for Buddylube. Thanks for reading, and please consider the environment before printing this blog post.
-Annalisa
[Originally written for Buddylube]
