1. Picture Perfect TV Tips. Whether you’re looking to purchase that perfect gift for Dad or merely on a mission to watch the big game in high definition, there are three key factors to consider for energy efficiency when buying a new TV -- screen size, technology type (LCD, Plasma or CRT), and resolution. All three factors will have different impacts on power consumption, so decide which technology and features are most important to you. Also, remember to compare similar screen sizes and display technologies to make a fair assessment on energy use.
Visit this energystar.gov page for more ideas and guidance on your next TV purchase.
2. Power up, Power Off! A myriad of potential Dad and Grad gifts have battery backs or chargers attached -- cell phones, iPods, digital cameras and power tools. For every person in the U.S., there are an average of five power adapters! The truth is, power adapters continue to draw energy even when they are not connected to devices. So don’t just unplug your device; unplug the adapter from the wall, too. Also, look for products that are shipped with ENERGY STAR qualified power adapters, which are 35 percent more efficient than conventional models.
3. Work Smarter, Not Harder. These words of wisdom translate to energy efficiency, too! Use a power strip as a central "turn-off" point for your computer, printer, router, and other equipment that you can turn off at bedtime, or when you're finished working. Switching off power strips when the devices plugged into them aren’t being used will help reduce your energy consumption.
4. Rest and Relaxation … for Your Computer! We all deserve a little R&R after a hard day’s work or a rough string of finals. Doesn’t your computer deserve the same? Because most computers are left on 24 hours a day, power management features are key to saving energy. Make sure that the “sleep” function is enabled for periods of inactivity. The equipment will enter a low-power mode and use less energy. Remember: screen savers do not save energy!
5. Give a Gift to the Next Generation. As you move on to more energy-efficient consumer electronics, be sure to give your old ones new life. Recycling or donating electronics to your favorite charity helps reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2005, used or unwanted electronics amounted to approximately 1.9-2.2 million tons. Of that, about 1.5-1.9 million tons were primarily discarded in landfills, and only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled (1).
(1) Office of Solid Waste, US EPA (April 2007):
