Super Eco

Photo credit: steved_np3, stock.xchng

Standby mode is for suckers—whether it's mind-numbing budget travel or power-hungry electronics and appliances. Standby modes on so-called vampire appliances drive up the relative cost of running appliances that spend most of their time waiting for action. And it's a lot of waiting. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Standby Power page notes that the typical American home has 40 products constantly drawing power.

The silver bullet? Plug the drain with a new eco-gadget now making its way through the consumer pipeline. 100% Off disconnects electronic appliances in stand-by mode, flatlining their power consumption. The device is compatible with all existing and future appliances. Oh, and it also protects against power surges and extends the useful life of appliances.

According to Science Daily, the device was developed during a research project aimed at improving household energy efficiency by controlling the power consumption of individual appliances. The research led to the development of a microprocessor that measures the current consumed by an appliance, detecting when it is in stand-by mode and switching it off. A Madrid-based company called (we love this!) Good for You, Good for the Planet holds the eco-gizmo's patent and is now developing a marketing strategy for the device.

Unfortunately, until 100% Off becomes available, muzzling vampire appliances will take a little more effort.

• Unplug products that are rarely or only occasionally used.
•  Plug in clusters of appliances to power strips; switch everything off at once when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Use timers to shut off power to single devices for the night.
• Buy low-standby products—difficult to accomplish, since manufacturers rarely list standby power use. ENERGY STAR appliances do better than most. Demand more information from manufacturers.