Vampire Power

When we say "vampire power," we don't mean the hypnotic power of some black-caped, white-fanged Transylvanian. We mean the electricity your home electronics and appliances suck out of the power grid when you're not using them.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates the global energy consumption due to standby power at between 200-400 terawatts per year.

Exact figures on total losses to standby power are not available, but the most recent major survey on the subject estimated that in the United States, 5% of electricity usage is due to standby power. In Europe, the numbers run slightly higher: France at 7% and Germany and the Netherlands at 10% each. Australia comes in at 11%, Japan at 12%.

When you replace a piece of electronic gear that's got a big vampire-power factor with one that's more efficiently designed, you save money over the long run. But remember, since power plants produce pollution when they generate electricity for you, reducing wasted vampire power also helps reduce pollution. We'll all breathe easier when the power vampires are dead!

This is what i have learned from a TV show, 'Protecting Our Earth'. So, guys please be active in turning off your TV's, DVD players, Computers, etc. when they aren't being used. Every one of us is responsible for the global warming problem and following these basic preventive measures can go a long way in protecting our Mother Earth.