Computers can be good and bad for the environment; one can maximize the good and minimize the bad. When dealing with environmental issues, it's difficult to ignore the computing infrastructure. With an operations carbon footprint equal to the airline industry's, computer energy use is only part of the problem; everyone is also dealing with the use of natural resources in manufacturing and disposal issues. The life cycle of computers--from their manufacture and operation to their disposal--negatively affects the environment. However, their negative effects can be minimized, and this same technology can be used to reduce waste in other areas. To better understand what can be done to reduce the computer carbon footprint at a school or district level, this article discusses options for purchase, energy use, and disposal, followed by some ideas on using computers to reduce waste.