1. The solar charger
There are many types of portable solar chargers available now. Solar chargers from handheld to backpack models are there for recharging cell phones, iPods, Bluetooth headsets, PDAs and Laptops. Most of them have an integral battery pack that gets charged when the solar cells are exposed to sunlight, and subsequently transmit the power to the gadget when required. All of this can help you reduce office energy consumption.

2. Avoid power drain
Most AC adapters when left plugged in will drain power from the wall socket even when the appliances or gadgets are switched off. Appliances put in standby mode also draw current. To ensure non-wastage of energy, pull out the plug when the appliance is not used, or connect all your equipment and chargers to a power strip. Then you can switch off the power strip when the appliances are not used. Smart power strips are also available, which detect switched-off mode of the appliances and turn off the power. Keep in mind that some equipment like Inkjet printers require to be switched off by the on/off switch before turning the power off.

3. Go for energy-efficient types
Some types of appliances draw more power than others. Analyzing the various technologies available and their respective energy efficiency ratings will let you make a wise choice and save money. Visit the Energy Star website to find more about energy-saving electronic appliances and gadgets. Visit this article about Energy efficient freezers for more information.

4. Use rechargeable batteries
Most of the 15 billion batteries produced and marketed each year are of the disposable alkaline type, and the batteries recycled from those are minimal. Check out the rechargeable types. The eco-friendly alternatives are the lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which are also cost-effective. The quickest battery chargers can recharge AA-type batteries in a matter of 15 minutes, and repay their cost very soon.

5. Get the best out of your batteries
Battery recycling schemes are becoming commonplace and are simple; but keep in mind that the recycling process of any material still draws power and uses up resources, and hence shall not be overdone. Get to know how rechargeable batteries can be used and maintained so as to enhance their performance and ensure long life.

6. Recycle or Reuse
Remember the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. If you have bought a new cell phone and want to dispose of the old one, don’t put it in the garbage; it will create the hazard of chemicals being released into the environment. There are various charities and organizations that recycle and reuse old electronic gadgets and appliances. If you want to give away your used gadgets you can also sell them on an auction site on the Internet. Several computer makers have take-back schemes under which they will accept and recycle your old PCs.

If you are not inclined to spend much on hi-tech equipment, you can visit Ebay or Craigslist and get good quality appliances or gadgets in top working condition. This reduces the utilization of more resources to produce more equipment, and also facilitates people to safely dispose of the equipment they no longer require. Freecycle and Ebay’s Easytradein.com are the sites to visit to dispose of your old gadgets or appliances.

7. EPEAT certification
Electronic product environmental assessment tool or EPEAT for short is a new concept in environmental certification for computers, i.e. CPUs, monitors and laptops. Since its inception in 2006 some products have been registered with EPEAT. However this certification process is likely to gather momentum very soon.

8. Buy low-toxic equipment
Europe is going ahead in reduction of toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead and cadmium in electronic products, with a mandate known as RoHS (Restriction on hazardous Substances). Check out which manufacturers are conforming to or surpassing RoHS standards in Europe and elsewhere. Visit ROHS UK homepage or Wikipedia’s RoHS page for more details.