Discovering ways to create a more environmentally friendly lifestyle can be overwhelming. You have to unplug something here, add an efficient item there and search to determine what works best for you.
There is good news: when you take small steps to protect the planet, you can reap all kinds of rewards. According to Lisa Overwater, Best Buy media specialist, it's easier than it seems and you know more than you think.
"There's small tips, small changes people can make," Overwater said. "What do you have plugged in and how are you using it? Clean your appliances and when you're done, recycle them."
According to Overwater, who has worked at the electronics giant for three years, most recently at 2650 N Clark St., these are the most important things to remember when you're revamping your routine and conserving energy.
Overwater explains that it's important to unplug basic electronics when you're done charging them. These items include cell phone chargers, camera batteries, printers and other small items that continue to suck power when they aren't in use, an action that's been dubbed phantom or vampire power.
If you unplug items, you can expect to shave about 10 percent off your energy bill, but more importantly, you'll be reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"Once you get in the habit, as a whole, you'll be pushing toward a more environmentally conscious lifestyle." Overwater said. "These are small tips to save a little and increase longevity, too."
For items that take a lot of power to reboot, like computers and laptops, it's better to leave them on standby mode, which uses minimal power. Rebooting takes the most energy, Overwater explains, so even though phantom power will be in effect, you don't want to turn it off completely unless it won't be in use for a week or more.
For longevity's sake, it's also better to put items on standby because when you run electronics at the highest mode, they're more likely to get worn out faster.
Overwater says to never unplug cable or direct TV and she thinks it's best to plug TVs, VCRs and DVD players into power strips or surge protectors. When you know you aren't going to be using them for a bit, flip the switch.
"Power that comes from the wall is unrefined," she says. "Power strips regulate the power without exhausting items."
Plus, she says, you can plug all basic electronics into one strip, which will make it easier to maintain. Monster recently released an energy-saving powercenter that allows people to have a dual strip. One side regulates power and completely shuts off items that aren't being used, and the other works as a regular power strip. They do come with a hefty price tag: about $130, but it's a long-term investment.
To keep your electronics from breaking down and to help them run efficiently, she says to clean them on a regular basis.
"If you want to maximize your purchase, you have to clean your electronics. When you're spring cleaning, don't forget to check on them," she says.
Clean out vents and filters and dust off parts with a microfiber cloth, compressed air and a dab of water. Don't use water on any objects that you have to open and stay away from alcohol, she warns, as it will ruin products.
To get your money's worth, it's also important to use a DVD cleaner, she says. Most cleaners cost about $10 and if you're planning on using the player for years to come, it should be cleaned after every 24 hours of viewing.
When it's time to part with your electronics, recycle them. Best Buy started a program that offers a place to dispose of old batteries, ink cartridges, computers, cell phones, TVs, laptops and more. Every store now has a recycling center and they allow two items a day, per household, and most items are free to recycle. For further details and rules, go here.
Now you're all set! Use Overwater's tips to green your home, conserve energy and save some money on your electricity bill. Still have questions? Overwater's willing to field them. Just e-mail her at Lisa.Overwater@bestbuy.com.
Happy Earth Day!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
*photos courtesy of samantha celera, lisa overwater, daveclausen and best buy
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