Getting green with Stefani Newman
Slaying Energy Vampires - Not As Scary As You Think!
If you're reading this, you're most certainly “plugged in.”
In this era of overwhelming technology that follows us wherever we go (hello, iPhone, anyone?) the phrase "being plugged in" is both totally meaningful and completely scary.
But have you thought about all the stuff you're literally plugging and how it equals skyrocketing energy bills?
If you're like me and have young children, you're still limited to your own electronic devices. Can you imagine, however, what a bill is like for a family of three or four (or more), when each kid has his or her own cell phone?
And let's not forget the computers, video game systems, iPods and more. These are items that all use “standby power,” continually sucking energy (anywhere from 7-20% extra energy) and racking up huge bills. They're also fondly knows as ENERGY VAMPIRES.
The website Ecologue has a wonderful array of energy saving articles and videos to help you on your quest to slay energy vampires. Here are practical, room-by-room tips to save energy and money throughout your home:
- Kitchen - unplug small appliances after use. This can include your coffee maker, toaster, blender, etc. For the short amount of time you use these items, there's no need to keep them stuck in the wall!
- Living room/bedroom - use a power strip for a series of energy suckers, and turn them all off at once, without having to unplug them. Your TV/DVD/cable box is a good example. Even though the power strip is still plugged in, it's only drawing a small amount of energy from one source.
- Various rooms - completely turn off computers when you know they won't be in use for a significant amount of time. Sleep mode still draws wasted energy out. Only turning your computer off - and unplugging it as well - will slay the energy vampire. And don't forget your printer!
- Various rooms - time your lights! Putting a timer on lamps you only use during the evening lessens the amount of time they're in use. This is also great for outdoor lighting. Turning off the lights a couple of hours before you wake up to do it can really add up savings over time.
- Laundry room, kitchen - Of course you can't unplug everything, but you can save energy with the right product. EnergyStar appliances, including washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators can save you 10-50% less energy and water! The EnergyStar website is also a great resource to help make your entire home energy efficient, so check it out for even more ideas!
Energy vampires are not only lurking in your home but your office as well. Any of these tips can be easily translated to your desk, from your computer to cell phone charger to office fridge. You may be surprised at how much you can save just from these simple changes!
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