This is an article from, out of all places, NationalGrid, residential gas provider. I found it very informative on conserving energy and in the process saving money.
High-tech gadgetry is no longer the province of the dedicated few. With the revolution in consumer electronics, the geek population now numbers in the millions. The typical American household contains 24 electronic products, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. All of this comes at a cost however. Household electronics and office equipment are among the fastest growing sources of energy consumption in the United States, and used electronic products continue to fill landfills across the country. By focusing on energy conservation as well as recycling and reuse, electronics users can save on energy costs and reduce their impact on the environment.
Energy-Saving Measures
By following some simple conservation practices and purchasing energy-efficient equipment, you can save significantly on your electricity consumption.
* Turn off equipment when it is not in use. Contrary to popular belief, turning electronic products on and off will not wear them down more quickly. Leaving them on only wastes energy and costs you money.
* Do not rely on screen savers to save energy. There is a common misconception that computer screen savers lower energy use. They do not. To save energy, turn off monitors when not in use, or switch to sleep mode.
* Watch out for phantom loads. Many electronic devices (such as DVD players, TVs, computers, and stereos) continue to draw power when they are switched off. These phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the device or using a power switch to cut all power when they are not in use.
* Put your computer to sleep. Activate power management features on all computers. These place computers into a low power sleep mode after a period of inactivity. By simply touching the keyboard or mouse, you can resume use in seconds. Sleep mode can help you save energy and money.
* Unplug battery chargers for electronic devices when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use.
* Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified computers and electronic equipment. An ENERGY STAR labeled computer uses 70% less electricity than other models.
* For your next computer upgrade, consider buying a laptop. They use much less energy than desktop computers.
* When purchasing a new television, consider choosing a model with a liquid-crystal display (LCD). A plasma TV uses more energy per year than a refrigerator.
Electronic Waste Disposal
Electronics contain heavy metals and other hazardous materials. When they reach the end of their useful life, it is important to dispose of them properly. Recycling or donating electronics products extends the life of the materials and keeps them out of the waste stream.
* Recycling. Many counties and municipalities have recycling drop-off centers or hold hazardous waste collections or special events. Public and private organizations have emerged that accept computers and other electronics for recycling. Manufacturers and electronics retailers also accept old products for recycling.
* Donating. Contact local schools or charitable organizations about donating your old computers or electronic equipment that is still functional. This can help to support local educational initiatives and provide access to electronic equipment to those who cannot otherwise afford it.
http://www.myenergytips.com/Article.aspx?articleID=481&userID=4122880
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