I am looking for specific examples of programs that have targeted the issue of standby power use (aka vampire or phantom load). In particular, I am focused on efforts to encourage folks to unplug devices such as cell phones, laptops, and iPods after they are charged. I am interested in both the programs that others have developed as well as any known sources of research on barriers to engaging in this activity.
Jennifer Tabanico
United States
Unplugging Charged Devices
Sign in or Sign up to comment
Hi
Sharon's idea sounds great. My comments are also off to the side a bit - I understand that power points in the US don't have an on/off switch like ours do here in NZ and Australia. It's a lot easier to flick a switch than actually unplug the device - not that I think the behaviour is any better here than in the US judging by the number of little red lights I see on around the place. I've also noticed that many power points are not easily accessed - eg the ones TVs and stereos are plugged into are often behind a heavy unit, making an action that should be simple very difficult, so we run up against design and placement problems as well.
Barbara
Barbara Hammonds
Taranaki Regional Council
New Zealand
Fort Collins (Colorado) Utilities has a rebate program for power strips.
www.fcgov.com/utilities
Michelle Finchum
Fort Collins Utilities
United States
I noticed at my local Jaycar store an electronic powerboard that has a remote to turn it off.
http://www.jaycar.com/stores.asp for Australia 1800 022 888, NZ 0800 452 922.There is also stores in Uk 0800 032 7241, US/Canada 1800 784 0263.
Perhaps a timer switch could be place in line to turn power off.
Russell Anderson
Australia
Hi Jennifer
I have some unpublished preliminary data on barriers from a group in Australia I am assisting with a survey. 77 households have answered the question as to the main reason they do not switch off appliances at the wall, and the main reasons, in order of frequency, are
1. I dont want to have to reset my appliances (eg. The clock on my microwave)
2. I don't think of it
3. My appliances are not set up in a way which allows this to happen
4. I am not the last person to use the appliance
5. It is physically difficult for me to do
As mentioned, this is very much raw data hot off the press, so I'm unable to provide much further detail, but I hope it helps a bit
Tim Cotter
Awake
Australia
www.awake.com.au
There are "smart strips" people can use, http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Bits-Ltd./Item/LCG4/
The url I provided shows one kind, which happens to include a surge protector. You plug your main piece of equipment into the controlling plug. Plug all periferials into the other plugs. When the main piece of equipment is turned off, everything else shuts off, too. We have used this for our TV, with the sound system, VCR, and DVD - it has the added advantage that when the TV is turned off, you don't have to get the other remotes out and turn everything else off! Also, use with the computer, when the laptop is shut down, it shuts off power to the modem, router, printer, etc.
We have power strips on lots of devices but still leave the microwave plugged in all the time. (gotta have that clock!)
Cheers,
Jean Waters
Jean Waters
Program Coordinator
Pollution Prevention Resource Information Center
United States
p2rx.org
Hi All
This is probably not useful for the behaviour change appproaches you are seeking ie. once the product is already with the consumer...
But since all these electronic appliances already create a range of noises [both wanted and not wanted!], then maybe the push is for designers to build in some kind of alarm that beeps...and beeps...and beeps...once the item is fully charged, and there is no way of stopping the beep until the owner switches it off?
Cheers
Sharon Ede
Policy & Project Officer, Sustainability & Resource Efficiency
Zero Waste SA
www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au
Sharon Ede
Australia