Comments on: It’s National Vampire Awareness Day!

By: Sally G

Sally G — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:22:08 +0000

Correction: In my immediately preceding post, that should be “answering machine” (from late 1990s), not “answering service”—yes, it is a vampire, but it was paid for long ago and has no monthly fee other than the minimal electric use; a considered and reasonable tradeoff, IMHO.

By: Sally G

Sally G — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:18:37 +0000

I LOVE National Vampire Day! I just bought a SmartStrip for my computer, so when I turn my computer (the plugged into the “controlling device” outlet) off, the printer and monitor (the “controlled outlets”) are turned off as well. My modem I switch off manually. The strip also has an uncontrolled outlet for my answering service.
I haven’t upgraded to Energy Star computer/monitor/printer yet, but I follow the old Yankee saying “wear it out, use it up, make it do, or do without”, so my MacPro computer is from 2002 and still going strong. Not sure what Snow Leopard is going to do with that, but then again, when will I really need the features of Snow Leopard (mac OS 10.6)? I’m still on Tiger (10.4), and that too is working well. What I will probably do when I am ready to buy something new is get a Mac laptop or netbook (when/if the latter comes out) so I am using less energy and not tied to my desk.
Let’s start a campaign to call/fax/e-mail electronics manufacturers on National Vampire Day to demand more easy-to-use off switches on all new appliances!

By: Marc K

Marc K — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:08:38 +0000

I’m glad that UK mains power sockets come with switches! Having to unplug things becomes annoying… It wouldn’t put me off, but it’s hard enough trying to convince someone who lives in my house to actually use his Belkin 6-way power strip as it’s intended, and turn it off when he’s not charging either his phone or his wireless mouse. He just doesn’t care, and doesn’t think that it will make any noticeable difference. He leaves his monitor on standby too — I hate that setting! Manufacturers should’ve been forced to abolish it years ago, or at least be made to keep designing TVs and monitors with mechanical power switches in an easily accessible place… Instead of what we have now, where it is touted as an “eco feature” for the few good devices that have them. Completely backwards.

By: Unplugged! « - The Green Trash Can Blog

Unplugged! « - The Green Trash Can Blog — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:53:23 +0000

[...] phantom power use. Unplug such devices, or plug everything into a power strip that you can turn off when not in [...]

By: Al

Al — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:35:10 +0000

Sorry NOT good enough!

The government and big companies needs to stop just leaving it up to consumers on saving natural resources. It needs to START at the factories not at the consumer level!

Companies need to create electronic products that will terminate any electrical use when powered off/shutdown and not trickle IN electricity(Phantom power use) – these items need to be created at the manufacturing level and not have to leave it to the consumer to unplug or have to buy power strips!

It does not take a rocket scientist to put these thoughts into the process and while its good that the consumer cuts down on usage it would be BEST to start at the manufacturing process.

Imagine how much more we will save if this were put to good use?

By: Madelyn Mateo

Madelyn Mateo — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:03:31 +0000

This is GREAT!!!

I am so glad there is a National Vampire Awareness Day!
I had never heard of this or seen it at BEST BUY but there
should be signs everywhere.

You need to inform the world about this day. I will pass it on
to other environmentalists.

Cheers

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:19:01 +0000

real vampires are better!