Filed under: Your Home
There are so many ways to go green for Earth Day. But that includes a lot of things that eco-skeptics can whine about. In our new series, we ask experts to weigh in on the most annoying, hotly debated eco-tasks. This week: Unplugging appliances.
Look familiar? Photo: Getty.
We've all been there: You're running out the door, trying to juggling your coffee, keys, jacket and -- wait a minute, is it raining out? -- umbrella. Surely the last thing on your mind is stopping to unplug your computer, air conditioner and all three lamps...but does that make you a terrible eco citizen? Or does it barely make an impact? We asked Dr. Christopher M. Pastore of EcoMan and The Skeptic: Do I REALLY have to do this?
Dr. Pastore: The simple answer is that you don't NEED to unplug everything, it is your choice. But you should know the implications of your decision. Look at your energy bill and see if you want to save 10%.
ShelterPop: Who doesn't? But can't I just turn things off when I'm done with them?
Dr. Pastore: Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off. Maybe they have an internal clock, or a light, or just keep some energy ready for a rapid start up. These devices are sometimes called "vampire electronics." The US Department of Energy estimates that 5-10% of residential electricity is consumed by these devices.
ShelterPop: What are the worst offenders?
Dr. Pastore: Computers (desktops worst, but laptops bad as well), modems, cable TV boxes, TV sets, cordless phones and VCRs. Clocks too, but most people leave these running for obvious reasons. Also, most of these devices are generating heat, which in the summer means increased air conditioning demands (which adds to cost and green house gasses).
ShelterPop: We know, we know. But it's still a pain to unplug everything. Any ways to make it easier? What about a power strip?
Dr. Pastore: Yes, a power strip is one way to reduce the effort -- just throw the power strip switch instead of unplugging everything. You could have your power strip connected to a wall switch to reduce the effort even more. And some technical solutions are making their way into the market. There are cell phone chargers that internally "un-plug" when no phone is connected, one company has a power card that lights up blue when power is being drawn (a visual reminder that you should unplug) and there are plug adapters and power strips that can be timed so that they only allow power for a pre-determined length of time (thee hours, six hours, whatever you want). You don¹t need to unplug everything, but it will save you money and help the planet.
Thanks, Dr. Pastore! Readers: Tell us what eco-chores are driving you crazy and we'll find out how necessary they actually are. And check back next Tuesday for the next "Do I REALLY Have to Do This?"