so i’ve got lots of stuff plugged into the walls everywhere, some pretty big (desktop computer, larger than necessary monitor, flat screen TV, stereo). i read somewhere that a lot of your stuff sucks a ton of power when it’s not even on. ::gasp!!:: so i took the magazine’s advice and plugged my entertainment center, computer stuff, etc into power strips and i turn the power strips off when i’m not using them. wouldn’t you know i saved 15 bucks in electricity the next month. that’s green and saving green at the same time. heh heh.

Dallas, TX

i do the same thing. my parents also decreased the ac by like 1 degree and saved money lol

Massachusetts

I read that article too Elizabeth. It was like a complete blackout in my place as I was shuffling around trying to get everything plugged back in to power strips!

But you are right, it’s amazing how much electricity is just being sucked out of the house in a day when you aren’t even using an item!

You have to keep in mind though that not all appliances do that, only the kind that need to keep cycling energy in low power (call it sleep-mode) so they can power on quickly.

I’m still waiting for Jetsons-like power generation and fold-up briefcase cars.

BISCAYNE PARK, FL

In addition to saving energy, that’s also a good way to reduce fire hazard.

Madisonville, Kentucky

How about blow drying on low power :P

San Diego, CA

I did the thing of replacing all my standard light bulbs (even in out-of-the-way places and odd sizes) with compact fluorescents (even though their disposal is going to be problematic b/c of the mercury they contain), and literally saved $50 off my bill the next month!

I try to remember to pull the plugs on phone chargers n other things with LEDs but admit I’m not as good with it as need to be. But if I can save another $15 a month, that’s incentive to get busy! My bill gets as high as $300/mo with summer AC in Fla…. :(

Thanks, elizabeth. And happy earth day/ week/ lifetime, all! :)

Sarasota, Florida

BTW, did you know that laptop computers save 90% more electricity than standard desktops?

If you can afford one, or switch, it’s sure worthwhile energywise and certainly pays for itself over time with what is saved on the electric bill.

Thru the electric co’s energy survey, I found that my old desktop was costing $37 in electricity EVERY MONTH (without the printer on)! Hell, it wasn’t even WORTH that much!

Sarasota, Florida

You can always build your own solar energy infrastructure. Right?

BISCAYNE PARK, FL

so i’ve got lots of stuff plugged into the walls everywhere, some pretty big (desktop computer, larger than necessary monitor, flat screen TV, stereo). i read somewhere that a lot of your stuff sucks a ton of power when it’s not even on. ::gasp!!:: so i took the magazine’s advice and plugged my entertainment center, computer stuff, etc into power strips and i turn the power strips off when i’m not using them. wouldn’t you know i saved 15 bucks in electricity the next month. that’s green and saving green at the same time. heh heh.

I actually replaced all my bulbs with CFL’s, then I bought a couple of power strips with the ON/OFF switches and plugged my power sucking devices into that. My electric bill wasn’t that high to begin with, but after doing this each month and turning off the power strips, I saved almost $10.00 a month in electricity costs for my apartment. There are lots of small things one can do to get the bill down a little.

TURLOCK, CA

Keep your thermostat higher for AC and turn on ceiling fans. These use less energy but still keep the house cool. Turn off your computer monitor at night. Keep lights off as much as possible and use natural light instead. I have my back outside lights on motion sensors, so they are not on all night. I have mini thermometers I bought for my fridge and freezer, so I don’t keep the temperature too low. The refrigerator uses a lot of energy. You can also dry clothes on clothes lines/hanging racks instead of using the dryer. If your water heater is not well insulated this can use up extra energy as well. You can learn how to add extra insulation around it. You can use a candle to check for drafts from closed windows and doors (just don’t drip wax on the floor). Don’t forget to check the fireplace as well. Then you will know where to fix these problems, so your heating and AC doesn’t escape.

I think places like Lowe’s and Home Depot have recycle drop offs for compact florescent bulbs.

Jefferson, Georgia

I heard that too, but it’s so much work to unplug everything every night.