Electronic devices that eventually become e-waste are major culprits when it comes to energy use. For this reason, here is an article that suggests some top energy saving tips for your electronics – great to follow not only for your wallet, but also for our environment!
Turn Them Off
Do you use your laptop all day? If not, then turn it off. Whenever an electronic is on, it consumes energy. However, simply turning it off does not always suffice. Turn off the power outlet too, because many devices suck energy through “phantom loads” (they are not turned on but they are still using energy).
The solution? Unplug them. Plug them in only when you are actively using them.
The result? Saving hundreds of dollars every year and reducing the energy pressure on the environment.
Fridges
Refrigerators are electronics that require their own unique tips, because turning them off is often not an option. Most Australian homes have at least one, if not more and they are turned on 24 hours a day: all day, every day.
How many?
Unless you have a particularly large family, you only need one fridge. However, many Australian families have an extra fridge – often coined the ‘drinks fridge’, and it saps energy simply by existing. Do you really need it? If not, sell it.
Keep it Airtight
For the fridges that are absolutely necessary, make sure that they are not wasting energy. Keep all seals completely airtight, so that your fridge doesn’t let any cool air escape.
Customising Your Energy Use
Many of your electronics will come with customisable settings. Your phone can operate in low-energy mode, as can your laptop. Often, this means that the screen brightness is reduced, but it can also mean that the device automatically powers down when not used for a certain amount of time. This can all be customised and adjusted.
Both of these options save energy, reducing the stress placed upon your devices from daily use.
Buying New Electronics
Those tips apply to existing electronics. If you are looking for new electronics, however, there are still ways that you can save energy.
Advancements in technology mean that some new electronics can be especially power-savvy, and can really help you save on your electricity bill. Often, if a device is power saving, it will say so somewhere on the label – normally devices have stars, and the more stars the label has, the more energy efficient it is. If you are looking to purchase, that is definitely something to consider.
However, only replace your existing electronics if you absolutely must. Consider repairing them first, and if you cannot repair them, consider the slogan: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Sell them, gift them, donate them – and if none of that appeals to you, appropriately recycle them. The environment will thank you.
Contact Us
Electronic waste and electricity saving are two things that we believe Australians should know more about. We at Perth E-Waste can help you with both, but we especially understand electronic waste; we have extensive knowledge knowledge and experience in the industry.
If you have any questions about e-waste or this article, feel free to contact us on (08) 9314 7111 or online.