We at Mr. Fridge Software think that global warming is one of the biggest threats mankind ever had to face. It is undeniable that all of us are responsible for the climate change we are already experiencing today. So everyone has the responsibility to do as much as he can to reduce CO2 emision now.
Like most scientists we are sure that CO2 emission could easily be halfed just by increasing energy efficiency - without losing any comfort or life quality.
But this is not only a tree-hugging thing, since the 2006 Stern Review has shown that it is economically cheaper to act quickly, than to deal with the consequences.
We guess most people would love to help the planet and by the way save money but they just don't.
There might be many reasons why people are so reluctant, but we think most of you just need a little kick in the ass.
This is why all our Software-Licenses include a Green-License. That means, when using our software you commit yourself to act against Climate Change and Pollution. It is up to you what action you take - bigger is better, but small steps add up, too.
All these actions will reduce your Carbon Foot-Print and save you money, too. It is not only about doing nice things for the planet - this is real hard core capitalism. Energy efficiency makes you richer!
Hey, that's very easy!
And it is really not true that turning lights on and off frequently will shorten bulb lifetime. That was 20 years ago! Turning on the light needs as much energy as letting it burn for 2 seconds.
Turn off your Screensaver
Naturally, the Screensaver is running when the somputer is not in use and you are away - so you never see it. A ScreenSaver uses a lot of CPU power for animation which causes your Computer to need much more power. So just switch it off!
Use your bike instead your car
Using the public transport, your bike or going by foot instead of using your car is, of course, good for the planet and your health. You will feel much fitter and healthier when you use your bike for a tour every day.
We can't tell you exactly how much money you can save by not using your car, because car usage and fuel prices are very different locally. But as soon as you have gone 50 km (30 miles) by bike or foot instead of your car you will have saved at least €5 ($7) in fuel costs and - surprise - that's the price of one of our great software products!
Replace a conventional light bulb with a CFL-bulb
Most people still use conventional light bulbs instead of the more energy efficient CFL-bulbs, because they are rejected by the high prices for CFLs. They cost 3 to 10 times more than a conventional light bulb.
But note that a CFL would reduce your CO2 emision caused by lighting by 80%. Furthermore, the extended lifetime and lower energy use will more than compensate for the higher initial cost.
If you replace one 100W incandescent lamp with a 20W CFL you get the same light but, according to a US-News article, will save about €15 ($20) per year. This will payback the price of a €5 ($6.50) software product within 4 months.
Turn off your computer or put it to sleep when you leave
If you have a notebook you probably already have your energy settings set very energy saving so your battery lifetime will be longer. If you are using a desktop computer you probably haven't cared much about these put-to-sleep-settings.
But did you know that a normal 20" iMac uses 200W when running? If you put it to sleep it will only need about 15W. That means if you put your mac to sleep for 1 hour a day (for example in your lunch break) you will save about 300 hours per year - without losing any comfort, because your mac will awake from sleep within 10 seconds. Oh, and it really does not hurt your Mac to be waken up more often from sleep. There's nothing that will be damaged.
Of course, turning off your Computer over night has a greater effect.
To change your energy settings:
Go to your System Preferences > Energy Settings and set display sleep to max of 5 Minutes. Set Computer sleep to a max of 15 Minutes.
Be creative!
These are only a few easy examples. Be creative and remember:
Each little action - how small it may be - is a step in the right direction.
You have fulfilled our Green-License? - Tell us what you have done for the environment!
