Since items like cell phone, iPod and computer chargers, DVD players, stereos, and any appliance with a continually running clock or light pull a charge from the outlet even when they aren’t in use, it’s important to unplug what you aren’t using. Is running around the house pulling plugs too much of a pain in the butt for you?

Plug into power strips and then all you have to do when you’re leaving the house (or even just leaving the room) is turn the strip off.

Umbra Fisk over at Grist answered a question that has been on my mind for some time. Does a power strip still pull power when it’s off? Do we have to unplug the strip?

Umbra says no. Read her full answer here. It’s great.

Don’t think it really matters much? It does. Up to 75 percent of home energy use comes from “phantom loads” of electricity pulled from appliances that have been turned off. A small investment in a few power strips could save lots of money and energy over time.