It's always a good idea to turn off electronics when they're not in use, but few people are aware that many devices are still drawing power even when they're offline. By ensuring that unused devices are disconnected from the grid, you can help do your part in conserving power.

Many modern electronic devices don't truly turn off, but actually go into sleep/standby mode when the off button is pressed. Sometimes it's necessary, such as for TVs and DVD players that keep track of ongoing data or remote control response, but often, this power is wasted in the form of idling current that leaks out in non-productive ways.

It is estimated that roughly 5% of the electricity consumed in the average household is used for standby power and appliances in low-power mode leech another 8%. Over time, this can add up. In addition, we often leave peripherals and side components, such as speakers, on even when the main device is turned off.

So how do you combat this? By ensuring that devices that aren't being used are completely turned off. Cell phone chargers and other AC/DC converters will draw power even if they aren't connected so always remember to unplug them from the wall when not in use. Scanners, printers, sound systems, and cable boxes are often left on and running non-stop for the sake of convenience and draw a lot of power even when they aren't in use. One solution is to use a power bar that you can flick a switch on to cut off the electricity after shutting down the main device of the TV or computer.

There are also "smart" power strips, such as the LCG3 Smart Strip, that do this for you. These actually monitor the main device's energy consumption and will automatically cut off the power to the ancillary devices when the main device is turned off. A great gadget to have but it may not be for everyone as it's only really good for a system of devices. One thing to be aware of though, is that these smart power strips themselves use idle current, so you will need to ensure that the one you are getting uses the least amount of power as possible.

Through more conscientious use of our electronics, we can all help cut our power use. It's all a matter of developing better habits, and in time, unplugging a wall charger can become as second nature as turning off the lights when you leave a room.