GREEN TIP # 13

The latest in our series of easy ways to help the environment

Off...and still running? Have you ever heard of "vampire energy use?" It describes all the appliances in your house that suck energy even when they're turned off. This includes televisions, DVD players, microwaves and computers. Vampire energy can mean big-time spending for your family. Although it's probably not reasonable to expect you to unplug the microwave every time you're finished nuking a snack, the computer is another story. To help ward off the "vampire," plug your electronics into a power strip rather than a wall outlet. Then, when you've turned off the TV, flick the off switch on the power strip. (Source: National Post)