Saving electricity is one of the easiest things to do. Who leaves their computer running 24 hours a day. I was guilty of that until recently. I don’t sit 24 hours a day behind my computer, so why would I leave it on? It was pure laziness for just having my computer ready in the morning when I sat behind my desk. I now switch of when I stop working in the evening/late afternoon and switch on in the morning again. So my computer is now off for at least 12 hours a day.
According to Green IT Week
By turning off your computer each night or when not in use (i.e. lunch times, weekends, when in meetings at night) for a year you save as much energy as it takes:
Electricity savings achieved by switching a computer of every night
- to run a clock radio for 1,392 weeks
- to make 9,280 bags of microwave popcorn
- to wash 464 loads of washing
- to vacuum for 464 hours
- to produce 3,480 plastic bags
- to run your microwave 24 hours a day for a week
- to boil your kettle for 24 hours a day for 268 days
By turning off your computer tonight when you leave work you will save as much energy as it takes:
- to run a clock radio for over 3 weeks.
- to make over 20 bags of microwave popcorn.
- to wash over 1 load of washing.
- to vacuum for over 1 hour.
- to light a 100 watt light bulb for over 10 hours.
Food for though isn’t it. This principle can be carried over to many other appliances which consume electricity. By switching of appliances not in use you start saving electricity. By saving electricity you help conserve scarce energy resources like coal, oil and gas and you contribute to a healthier planet. Saving electricity also reduces your electricity bill, the savings of which you can use to invest in energy saving devices.
More tips for saving electricity
- Switch of lights in rooms not in use.
- Lower the temperature of your hot water supply.
- Install a water saving device on your shower.
- Switch of climate control in areas and rooms unoccupied
In conclusion one can easy start saving electricity by just changing some bad habits.