watching TV and using computer polluting the earth?

Question

Ok, I've been trying to do some research on whether or not it's true that going on the computer and watching TV is polluting our earth, but I haven't found one source that's made much sense. So, is it true that watching TV and using the computer could possibly pollute our earth? If so, do you think in the future we'll make new and environment safe computers and TVs?

Answer 1

Might be true.Energy that comes from TVs,computers and other electronics comes from the resources that had been melted,burnt that may have caused pollution during the process of producing such energy.
I kinda doubt that the future will make new and environment safe electronics, seeing researchers and scientists crazy about new inventions that's just the same as TVs and computers.

Answer 2

Indirectly, using your computer and watching TV are polluting the Earth.

Just like everything else plugged in in your house, your computer and your TV use up electricity when they are turned on. Some things, for example air fresheners and radios really don't use much electricity. Some, like TVs and electric heaters use quite a bit.

Actually using the electricity doesn't cause any pollution. But remember, the electricity has to come from somewhere. In America, you know where electricity comes from? It comes from nuclear plants, or even worse, coal-burning plants. Burning coal certainly does pollute the Earth, and so can nuclear waste if it isn't handled properly. And when everybody is using a lot of electricity, then they have to use more nukes and burn more coal, which makes more pollution………

Answer 3

well, both use electrical power, say around 200-300 Watts for a PC, and at least 100W for a latest generation flat-panel TV.

That electrical power needs to be produced somehow. In the US nearly 70% of that power is produced by burning coal, gas, or petroleum - this is bad for the atmosphere, the climate, and to top it all the efficiency of the process is at best 25-30% so a lot gets wasted. Then about 21% comes from nuclear power, which does not produce greenhouse gases but has its own problems (nuclear waste). And only about 10% come from hydroelectric power (dams) which can be called clean.

On top of all this, and while some manufacturers are making efforts to limit consumption while in standby mode (some equipment consumes nearly as much in standby, as when in use, what a waste!), others are saying that if connected then their PC needs to be running 24x7 to make sure it receives the proper software updates at any time.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

If you count the manufacturing process most definitely. I remember reading a couple years agon that in Silicon Valley alone, several million gallons of water are used each day in the production of chips, and that the water that is dumped back out of the system after use, is chock full of arsenic and various heavy metals used in the production of computer chips.

Answer 5

the only thing i can think of why a computer could/would pollute the earth is if you dispose of the old monitor's improperly. They have mercury and lead in the them.

Answer 6

I can't see how electronic items used indoors that don't produce any harmful things for the air like smoke can harm the enviroment.