"Vampire Electronics"

This article on CNN is a great one to read for any of us with a plethora of electronic devices in our homes.

In short, the electronic devices you have around your home can consume as much as 10% of the total power you consume each month while they are lying dormant in "standby" or "sleep" mode. Subject devices: DVD players, TVs, Stereo Equipment, Game Systems, Computers, Coffee Makers, Cell Phone Chargers, Printers, Fax Machines, Battery Chargers, and Electric Toothbrushes.

The International Energy Agency and the US Department of Energy has estimated that 5% of the nations' electrical consumption is a result of the "vampire electronics".

So keep close tabs on your energy bill and make sure to turn off or completely unplug any electrical device that you are not constantly using. When you shut off your computer for the night, make sure to "shut down" and not "hibernate" or "sleep." This will help keep your energy bills and our environment happy.

- Mitch G