Jump to content
Green Blog
Green Blog
Green Blog

Black is not (always) Green

It's time to clear this up folks. Hopefully you already know that surfing with a black background (on your computer screen) will not always save energy. If not, let me explain why black backgrounds aren't that green.

Black backgrounds can save some energy if you use a CRT screen (CRT screens are those huge and big screens). If you, like the majority, uses an LCD screen (the flat ones) a white background instead of a black will save energy.

LCD monitors are built with a light behind the screen that is always on. So when you show a white page you just let the light shine through the screen. If you show a black page on the other hand the LCD light is completely blocked and it requires more energy to shine through.

According to Google "displaying black may actually increase energy usage".

Blackle and SaveAndSearch are two of a few sites that is based on the idea that surfing with a black background on websites will save energy and therefore be good for the environment. But unfortunately surfing black isn't really that green.

If you are interested in saving energy and helping the environment there are better and more efficient ways than using black or white backgrounds when you surf or search the web.

User Feedback

Recommended Comments

Good thread and I love the idea of the site. In regards to the black screen debate: It is true that a black screen LCD setting does not save the energy that an old CRT screen would for reasons mentioned above (the LCD back-light). Further, I believe that there is a very small current applied to induce the black pigmentation and so one could argue that it in fact wastes energy to use black screen settings on an LCD. However, when a black screen setting is used the LCD back-light intensity can be reduced as low as possible without sacrificing the legibility of text (if white text). If it was possible to extinguish the back-light even further, even more energy could be saved (If anyone knows how to do this in windows I would love to know... my laptop only lets me dim the screen to a very low setting but three or four more stops would be even better.) Don't take anyone's word for it, test it yourself: Time your battery duration at under normal preferences, then change your settings, dim the back-light and check duration again. let us know what happens.

Link to comment
Share on other sites



Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Add a comment...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audience is coming from. To find out more, please read our Privacy Policy. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.