We’re getting closer and closer to the point where we won’t be able to function accordingly in modern-day society without a computer. And let’s face it – today, almost everybody owns one. All sorts of opportunities just pop-up on that screen in front of which most of us spend so much time nowadays. But do we ever take the time to think what’s beyond the screen we look at with such interest? Even more so, how many of us realize that the monitor itself could be a threat for the environment?

Most of the monitors out there are Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) monitors. They’re cheaper and still hold a couple of advantages over the wide spreading modern Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Still, they’re bulky and consume a lot more electrical energy then the modern LCD. This is the most obvious effect a computer monitor has on the environment, especially when the monitor is left in a standby mode or screen-saver mode. It’s true that it saves up some energy in any of those modes, rather then it being fully functional, but still energy is wasted because we’re too comfortable to turn it off. A study shows that turning off a 75-watt computer monitor, rather then let it run in screen-saver mode or on standby will save up to 450 pounds of coal each year.



Another effect of computer monitors on the environment is the production process of the monitor itself. It is estimated that the quantity of material used and fossil fuel burned in the process of creating such a monitor is 10 times the weight of the product itself at the end of the production process. So think again when you consider throwing all that effort and energy away with the trash – why not rather recycle it if it’s broken, or give it to someone in need of it, if it’s still functional? Recycling of the monitor for the parts that are still functional will help lower the need for those parts to be created again from scratch, thus wasting all that material and energy all over again. Also, using a monitor for as long as you can will diminish the need to produce new ones, and allow you to save up on some cash as well.

The third problem with almost all monitors is the fact that they contain lead (mostly in solder) and if not disposed of accordingly, in large quantities, lead could have a devastating effect on the environment. Also, older CRTs also have arsenic inside them – this being a very poisonous metalloid which can easily leak into water supplies and cause massive damage to surrounding environment.



Last, but not least there are some rare, but still present cases of over-use of the monitors. This can lead to certain components to malfunction or the monitor to leak energy, or in worst-case scenarios – even a small dose of X-ray radiation. If you notice problems with the monitor, either take it to a specialist or, if not, to a recycling facility. Remember that in most parts of the world it is banned to dispose of monitors in landfills or through incineration! And usually the way to your local recycling center is shorter then to your local landfill.

So if your CRT gets old, buy a LCD – they consume much less electricity and can save you some money on the energy bill. Also, they’re way safer for you and for the environment as well.