Stumbled on a PC World article today about “power vampires”. PC World was not discussing the types of people that energetically suck the life out of us. This is quite literal, it is about electricity use.
“Here’s an offer too good to refuse: Score an extra couple hundred bucks, help save the environment and barely lift a finger in the process. Interested?
The secret lies in an often overlooked but easily corrected problem. Put simply, you’re paying electric bills for stuff you aren’t using. As long as they’re plugged in, your computers, peripherals and home electronics are eating up energy when you think they’re off — and in no small amount, either. “
The author, using a new gadget called the Kill A Watt EZ, found that yearly he could save:
“* Desktop computer: $6.20
* Laptop (fully charged): $2.06
* LCD computer monitor: $1.03
* Wireless router: $4.13
* DSL modem: $5.16
* External USB hard drive: $2.06
* Computer speaker system: $5.16
* Inkjet printer: $4.28
* DVD player: $3.60
* Powered subwoofer: $15.50
* Microwave oven: $2.48
Even things like cell-phone chargers tack on an extra couple bucks when left plugged in, with nothing attached. Factor in other always-on appliances such as DVRs ($27.90 a year) and stereo receivers ($41.34 a year), and the total rises quickly. (Again, these calculations are based on my specific devices and the national average rate of 11.8 cents per kilowatt-hour; your mileage may vary.)”
It may not be necessary to go out and purchase the gadget to become more aware. If we can’t ‘unplug’ for the Earth alone then do it for the budget!
Read the whole article here which includes details about the Kill A Watt EZ as well as solutions to the problem of running around and unplugging things all the time.
Or as Yogi’s we can adopt a new practice and routine in our lives. Before and after using electric items, pause to plug or unplug and remember that we are taking a resource from the planet, that the Earth shares with us every moment. By consuming less we may in fact be paying it forward so that future generations may have anything to consume.
Bumper sticker I saw this weekend said:
“Live simply so that others may simply live.”
