All of you have calculated your emissions and you have surely discovered the unexpectedly high impact of some of your behaviors (eating meat, flying to a sunny destination, etc.) on your total footprints.
Are there any behaviors that you are really willing to change or to improve for the sake of the environment? What challenges do you encounter or think you will encounter while trying to change these things? What help, support, and insights from others would make your life easier with these new behaviors?
Let's discuss these issues and make our pledges here!
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Leaving Appliances Plugged In
Whenever we watch a movie or heat up food in the microwave, we are aware of the fact that we are using electricity. But did you know that these appliances also draw on energy even when we’re not using them? They may seem like they’re turned off when not in use, but they still use up energy, especially if they have those little blinking lights or digital clocks. An estimate from Cornell University suggests that the average household pays about $200 per year for these energy-sucking appliances, called vampires. This standby power is accountable for roughly 1% of global CO2 emissions. It may not be much now, but it might increase as the age of gadgets and electronics rises.
One way to solve this problem is by using a power strip. Power strips can be fully turned off, thus saving electricity. They can also sometimes be used as extension cords, saving you the time and effort to reach for that charging phone that’s so far away…
Sources:
http://grist.org/green-living-tips/ask- … lugged-in/
Wow! I didn't know this. I can't believe I have been using up that much energy. I am definitely guilty of leaving my appliances in. I didn't realize the effect doing this had. I think using a power strip is a great solution.