Reach for the power point

If appliances are left on standby they are still using power and this can really add up.

TVs, DVDs, VCRs, set-top boxes, games consoles, stereos and computers are the obvious ones to watch but actually there are lots of appliances that continue to use electricity if they're not turned off at the power point.

Did you know that mobile phone and other chargers, if left plugged in, use power even if they're not connected to your phone or equipment? In fact, a microwave oven can use more power and generate more carbon pollution running the digital clock than cooking food.

Over a year, this can all add up to 10 per cent of your power bill. Just think about it: if your yearly electricity bill is $1,000 you're paying $100 on powering appliances that you're not even using!

By simply switching your appliances and equipment off at the wall, you can save $125 and at the same time cut your household's carbon pollution by 500kg per year.

As well as switching off at the power point, there are other power-saving features often built into new electronics, computers and office equipment:

• look for new appliances that are ENERGY STAR compliant - they reduce the amount of power used when in standby or idle mode (but switching off is better)
• enable power saving features on computers, screens, fax machines, scanners, printers and office equipment - consult the manufacturer's website or instruction manuals to find out how, or visit the ENERGY STAR website
• choose multi-function devices where possible, to simplify power management and reduce power consumption.