Trying to live a greener life? Here's an easy green living tip that can truly benefit the world: make your next computer a refurbished model.

If you're wondering what difference that would make, let's take a look at the bigger picture.

At the time of this writing, almost 232 million computers had been sold worldwide this year alone. For those that are desktop computer, then add a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor, and often a printer.

Most of this equipment will replace older equipment. Some will be recycled and refurbished, but most of it will make its way to the landfill.

Most of this equipment will go through a production process. This is notable because a 2004 United Nations University report concluded that manufacturing an average PC required nearly ten times its weight in raw materials. The caveat, of course, is that it was a UN report, and the world has since awoken to the fact that the United Nations has a very specific agenda and isn't beyond manufacturing numbers to achieve its goals.

However, having recognized this, even if the numbers are way off, they're still quite alarming. The amount of oil, plastic, metal, and resources that are involved in the annual production of the world's computers are staggering.

The more we recycle and refurbish these materials, the better off we all are.

And refurbishing computers is the best way to do this.

There are companies that are working toward creating green computers. Some are trying to recycle parts. Some are trying to use lead-free materials. Some are working toward reducing the power usage of its computers.

However, until the manufacturing process is dramatically redesigned to control the waste and environmental consequences, the best step you can take toward living green is to recycle your computers and all their components. It's a small steps with a big impact.

So check with the manufacturer to see if they have uses for old computers. Or donate your computer to a charity that will make sure it ends up in the hands of someone who can use it. Or check online to find a recycle center in your area.

Every little bit helps.

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