Welcome to day two of thinking "green" with TRI-102.5 and the Harlem Globetrotters!  Read on to see today's Green Tip of the Day, then submit your own Green Tip for your chance to win Harlem Globetrotters tickets.

Today's tip is all about energy conservation.  Did you know that 40% of the electricity used in your home is consumed by appliances that are turned off? Or that your microwave actually uses more power when you're not using it?  It's true!

A lot of people don't realize that appliances use power, even when they're not in use.  Some of them drain power just from being plugged in!  It's called "vampire power," or "phantom load," and it's hard on the environment and your utility bills.

But there are some simple things you can do to combat "vampire power."  Steps to take include:

  • Turning off your computer when not in use (or at least putting it in a low-power standby mode)
  • Unplugging your chargers for phones, toothbrushes, etc. once charging is complete.  You could even plug all your chargers into a power strip, and then simply turn it off when you aren't charging anything!
  • Upgrade to Energy Star-rated appliances.  From washing machines to high-def TV's, these drastically cut down on energy consumption.

Click the link below for more info on fighting "vampire power!"

[via Earth911]

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