Idle computers needlessly waste energy

By simply turning computers off when not in use, significant reductions in energy are possible. This is such an easy and often-overlooked way for everyone to reduce their environmental impact.

A new study by the British newspaper The Independent claims that computers contribute to global warming. By leaving computers running overnight, over £100m (almost $200b) in electricity is wasted by offices in the United Kingdom each year.

To add to the evidence, National Public Radio suggusts over $1 billion dollars in electricity is wasted each year in the United States alone by simply leaving computer monitors on when they are not being used.

Even when the main computer is turned off, energy is still wasted if power adapters are plugged into an outlet. The Smart Power Strip (see picture on the left) detects when the primary user of power is switched off. The Strip then cuts the power to peripheral appliances like fax machines and printers that continue to drain power. For $39.95, the manufactures claim the Strip pays for itself in energy saving. Click here to see the data and decide for yourself.