This one's simple: turn it off. Increase the lifespan of your gadgets, reduce your carbon footprint, and cut your electricity bills, just by stamping out standby.
UK households spend between 9% and 16% of their annual electricity bills on 'standby' energy, costing each household £50 to £86 a year.1 By switching off appliances at the socket you can sleep better knowing you’re saving money and energy, little bit by bit.
Here are a few reasons to take action.
Click for more info or scroll to read them all.
Electricity is a beautiful thing. It powers our streets, YouTube and toasters. Why waste it on appliances you’re not using? Most electrical gadgets keep using electricity even when they're switched off, even if in standby mode.
Even if your office computer shuts down automatically at night, does the monitor? When scaled up across a whole office, companies could be wasting £1,000’s a year on overnight standby modes.
Electricity costs money: saving it saves you cash. Simple.
In September 2017, an historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.
By making the 'Computer says no' pledge, you are contributing to the following SDG targets:
12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
For most people and most gadgets, this shouldn't be too tough - but if it is, don't lose sleep over it. For most, this Do Action is a no-brainer, but if unplugging those switches is really going to alter your quality of life, perhaps pick yourself some easier battles and just try to unplug when you're heading away for holidays or extended trips.
Small kitchen appliances: Obviously many kitchen appliances shouldn't or can't easily be unplugged - your fridge, oven, dishwasher. But your microwave, coffee maker, and food processors don't need to be sucking energy all night long. Unplug them before heading off for a weekend, or even over night if you can be bothered.
Phone and laptop chargers: Leaving devices on charge has no benefit to anyone - it also reduces the lifespan of your batteries and risks damage if there's a power surge. So once your devices have charged, unplug them. Even when not connected to a device, the plug draws energy from the grid, so always unplug it from the wall when not in use.
TV and entertainment systems: These are one of the worst offenders for power wastage. With most modern on demand TVs, there's no longer a need to record your favourite shows. In that case, switch your device off when you head off for holiday, or even at night if you're really committed.
Wifi routers: There's varying advice on unplugging wifi routers at night - energy saving and radiation reduction are benefits, but possible problems with connectivity are a risk. Turning them off when away for extended periods is definitely worthwhile though.
When purchasing new gadgets, always check out their energy rating (aim for A+) and look out for the EST Recommended logo.
Pledges
in total
CO2
pledged
“
Such a small and easy thing to do and it makes a difference!
“
A few item couldn't be turned of without needing reprogramming upon their return. But everything else went off and lights in rooms with noone in was the biggest thing for me.
“
Mostly got there other than the rare occasion ran out the door with a booted up laptop I. The bag.
“
I did it!!! I managed to turn everything off standby. I shall endeavour to continue with this challenge.
“
This has been such a simple task which has massively saved on the electric bill too!
“
Great to be incentivised and hence be reminded to do these actions every day. It's about being authentic and not lying to yourself. Thanks
“
A great idea. I have addressed an issue that I ignored before!
“
It's so easy!
“
For our children, gotta be done! Donation is...as I would say...stratofab!
“
Although I don't have many gadgets I have got better at switching the ones I do have right off. Spending less time on the computer is a work in progress - I've got a bit better! Thanks Paula or inspiring me to focus on this, as well as in so many other ways!
“
Once you start you just cannot stop
“
It's a simple change to make.
“
I did not know before that this is better than let the computer on with the screen saver. Easy to continue.
“
It was very effective. These small changes can save so much of energy and electricity.
“
I unplug everything religiously.
“
Things like internet router are just not practical to turn off. Also, electronic wifi connected devices like nest thermostats have to remain on.
“
I started switching off my PC monitor.
“
2 days a week without a PC and use electricals less but better! Books R cool too!
“
I do turn off more now and my light when there is enough daylight!
“
No more laziness
“
Great idea for the pledges to make us think about our actions
“
I still sometimes have to run full virus scans, defragmentaions and big downloads at night, but otherwise I have been trying to save energy with my PC.
“
Very pleased with myself! :-)
“
I now turn off my computer and monitor much more often than I used to before I made the pledge. Feeling chuffed with myself!
“
Has made me take much more care of all 'plugged in' items.
“
I will continue to turn off at the mains, and thanks to Heather I never forgot to do it in the office!
“
I've managed to be able to shut down my PC at work and at home when not in use. I have even purchased a power saver extension so that I can plug my scanner/printer, monitor etc to it and power to them cuts off when my PC is turned off.
“
Gotta save me some electricity.
“
i have become a little obsessed. I especially check everything in the evening..
“
Pledge helped me to build a good habit with regards to turning my computer monitors off when leaving the office, and the behaviour now seems to be automatic. A definite success.
“
I'm glad I decided to do this as it has actually changed my habits!
“
Simple thing to do that's very effective
“
This is an easy one, we should all do it.
“
Much easier than we thought once we got into a routine!
“
Such a small habit to make, can make such a difference!
“
I have few gadgets and after this pledge, I try to ensure that all the gadgets are switched off when leaving my room or house. I would definitely continue with this, as this not only helps the environment, but it helps me to develop a good habit.