Turning things off...

purpleivy

http://generous.org.uk/actions/planetary/43/unplug-your-chargers-reduce-your-emissions

havent' found the kettle answer yet, but am guilty of the above... and I have several!


from this page...............

Basically, the electriciy that comes out of the mains isn’t the kind that is suitable for phones, so your charger has to convert it into a (usually lower powered) version.
Consequently, whether there’s a phone on the end or not, the charger will be converting the electricity and loosing all that power as heat, etc.
This applies to any appliance that has an adapter – on laptops you’ll see them as plastic blocks with little lights, and they are usually found inside most other appliances.

Stephen_Leak

LittleTinker wrote: »

I dont understand why anyone would say switch the kettle off at the socket. It doesnt use any power unless the kettle is switched on.

Some people just don't understand electricity. This in itself is understandable, as it's invisible and intangible, therefore mysterious and magical. On the other hand, water is different, and you wouldn't dream of turning off the sink tap and then turning off the stop tap underneath.

thanksalot

jackieb wrote: »

I had an energy saving bulb in the lamp in my livingroom for a couple of months - it was a 20w, so equivelant to a 100w. I had to remove it though. It made a very poor light. I actually felt down. That sounds daft, but I hated it. I use one in a lamp in the kitchen in the evenings instead of turning on 6 spotlights - it's okay in there though.

Explore the low energy bulbs a bit further.
I recently found some halogen bulbs to be fitted in normal fittings that were about 25% more efficient for the same light.
Also when buying low energy bulbs it pays to buy slightly more expensive ones from electrical shops: you can find some with "warm" light (ask for warm light, it has a specific lumen range) that feel a lot more like conventional incandescent bulbs once they have warmed up.

wendy+5

LittleTinker wrote: »

I dont understand why anyone would say switch the kettle off at the socket. It doesnt use any power unless the kettle is switched on.

But don't you still have power going into the appliance? But just not being used?

mumoftwo

wendy+5 wrote: »

But don't you still have power going into the appliance? But just not being used?

My kettle still uses energy because it has a pretty blue light in it when it is just sitting and when you push the switch to boil the water it switches to a red light and turns back to blue when the water is boiled. Looks cool but wonder now how much extra electricity it uses.. oops

free4440273

I hate the fact that some broadband routers do not even have an off/switch - really bloody annoying:mad: Mine does (Ozenda modem/router) but many do not. Might be worth thinking about....yes, I know you can still unplug from the mains but even still it is quite ridiculous.

skint_spice

I've always just switched things off at the socket but not pulled out plugs, however we had fire safety training from the fire brigade the other day and he said you should always take plugs out at the socket when not in use (eg at night or when you are out) because a power surge could cause a fire. Not money saving but safety issue.

Justamum

jackieb wrote: »

I had an energy saving bulb in the lamp in my livingroom for a couple of months - it was a 20w, so equivelant to a 100w. I had to remove it though. It made a very poor light. I actually felt down. That sounds daft, but I hated it. I use one in a lamp in the kitchen in the evenings instead of turning on 6 spotlights - it's okay in there though.

I don't like the light from the low energy bulbs. It's no good if you actually need to do anything like reading or sewing. I also find it a depressing type of light. I read somewhere that there are a couple of colours on the spectrum which they don't emit which is why it's a very odd light. I'm stocking up on normal bulbs whenever I can.

Bongedone

Justamum wrote: »

I don't like the light from the low energy bulbs. It's no good if you actually need to do anything like reading or sewing. I also find it a depressing type of light. I read somewhere that there are a couple of colours on the spectrum which they don't emit which is why it's a very odd light. I'm stocking up on normal bulbs whenever I can.

You can buy different light temperatures. Have a look at Megaman
http://www.megamanuk.com/

They have improved alot over the last year.

poppett

Olliebeak wrote: »

Also all plug-in air fresheners,

I typed a long reply to this earlier then the pc went down and I lost it :mad:

I used to use these plug in's quite often until I read somewhere that they are a fire risk if left on overnight or for prolonged periods of time. The plastic pins melt and causes fires. They are so easy to plug in and forget about.

Now, I never use them. I would much prefer a safe home to one that has a few seconds of fragrance pumped out from a plastic fire hazard.