The presence of electronic equipment in households has soared over the past decade and so has energy consumption. Most people are eager to purchase the latest and greatest gizmos as they hit the market, but as with almost all technologies and tools of convenience they have a negative impact on our environmental footprint when not used conservatively.As consumers of these goods and inhabitants of the planet, we should all do our part to minimise the damage these and other goods are having on our environment. This is probably not the type of content one would expect to find in an article driven by technology, but the devices we use and the time we spend online all draw energy and in turn have an impact on the environment.This Saturday, March 31, 2012, marks the third annual Earth Hour held in Bermuda hosted by local environmental group Greenrock. The Earth Hour concept was started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has grown exponentially with over 135 countries now participating, all with the same common goal preservation of our planet and its people.The event encourages both businesses and those at home to shut down all lights and devices powered by electricity between the hours of 8:30 9:30pm, on March 31, 2012 as a symbol of their commitment to change and sustainable living. In addition, Greenrock will be hosting an event at City Hall that same evening from 5 10pm and will include a bevy of exhibitors, family games, activities and live entertainment.For further information on the Earth Day event go to www.greenrock.org.We can all work toward minimising our personal footprint by curbing our electric consumption and disposing of electronic and other waste properly. For additional informational on how to reduce your personal footprint go to www.footprintnetwork.org.Local cell phone providers have allocated spaces in their retail stores where consumers can deposit their old cell phones and batteries and these in turn are transported to our local MRF (local recycling facility). The MRF then transports these goods along with air conditioners and vehicle batteries to a recycling facility in Philadelphia where all metal and plastic components are stripped and made ready for the recycling market.If you’re interested in disposing of your e-waste, or participating in the E-Waste Recycling Day’s scheduled for July 14 or November 10, 2012, contact the MRF at recycle[AT]gov.bm or call 501-3024 for further information.