This is interesting.

Did you know that even when you turn off most of your electronic devices like a television, stereo, computer, dvd player still use energy?

In fact, the US Department of Energy notes that over 75% of the energy used by these devices, the “phantom load”, in a typical home is consumed while the devices are turned off. You may notice that most of the electronic devices have a standby setting and a light is usually on when you turn it off.

Since electronic devices normally average about 20% of a normal home electrical bill, that can account for a good amount of wasted energy use. You don’t use these devices, but still get billed for the energy use plus contribute to global warming, pollution and other environmental issues.

How can we avoid these “phantom loads”?

The best was is to unplug all electronic devices after they’re turned off. Unplugging each device can be cumbersome, so the easiest way is to get an energy saving power strip, plug all the devices into it and turn it off when they’re not in use with one flip of a switch. Some of the newer strips like the energy saving Smart Strip have autosensing built-in to switch off power automatically.

Another way to save is to look for Energy Star rated products when you purchase. These products are more energy efficient and will save you money in energy costs over the long term.

Here are a couple more strategies:

• instead of leaving your computer on overnight with a screen saver, turn the computer on ’sleep’ mode
• opt for a laptop instead of desktop. They are more energy efficient.
• opt for rechargeable batteries to power your portable equipment
• unplug battery chargers when they are finished charging. The adapter still pulls energy after they are charged.
• turn off your computer and unplug it if you plan to be away for more than 2 hours.

Another resource in your quest to reduce energy use and leave a smaller footprint is ‘The Home Energy Diet‘ from Mother Earth News. It helps by making you a more informed consumer, learning about your energy use, quantifying it and then finding ways to reduce it. It comes well reviewed and recommended by readers.

How do you save energy around the house? Share your comments and tips!

Shaklee is the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S. and has been around for over 50 years. Their focus has been to make the planet healthier by what they do everyday.

They started back when green was just a color and biodegradable was barely a word. In fact, as early as 1960, they made one of the first biodegradable household cleaners ever. And interestingly enough, they were the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral™ certification and totally offset their CO2 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment. Not many companies can make this claim.

They do what they do because they think it’s essential to do their part as part of the larger movement to make people and the planet healthier. And in doing so, they believe each of their contributions put together will create the major change they would like to see in the world.

Learn more about Shaklee products.

Chlorine free products include diapers, baby wipes, feminine care products, as well as recycled paper products that are whitened without chlorine, including bath and facial tissue, paper towels, plates and napkins. Non-toxic cleaning products include high-efficiency laundry detergent, liquid dish and dishwasher detergent, and kitchen and bathroom cleaners designed to clean without harsh chemicals. Seventh Generation was founded as a socially responsible business in 1988 and is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont; products are sold in stores nationwide.

A few of their broad line of non-toxic, environmentally friendly products include:

(click on any image for more details)

Drugstore currently has a ‘Go Green Resolutions‘ sale and new Drugstore.com customers can receive $5 off orders of $30 or more through March 31, 2008.