Do you know how much that little red light on your devices costs you? Eliminating standby not only reduces your bill, but also helps the environment. Find out how to do it in a few simple steps.
Have you ever thought that even when you turn off an appliance, it could continue to consume energy? Lo standbythat little bright red dot on your devices, is more expensive than you imagine. Every year, its cost exceeds 60 billion euros globallyof which well 80 euros per family in Italy. These numbers make us think, especially considering that a small gesture is enough to say goodbye to this waste.
But it’s not just a question of economic savings. Wasted energy contributes to environmental pollution, worsening the climate problem. An example? To produce the energy wasted in standby, approx 1 billion liters of water every year. In this guide, I will explain how to recognize waste, the reasons behind this phenomenon and the simplest methods to eliminate it. Get ready to make a smart and sustainable choice.
Standby: an underestimated but solvable problem
What looks like a little warning light is actually a trap for your bill and the environment. Standby allows devices to remain partially active even when they are apparently turned off, consuming energy that ends up directly as extra costs. The problem is especially relevant in the summer months, when you spend more time outside. Even if the appliances are not used, their consumption can reach 15 euros per month during August. This is because many of us don’t completely turn off devices like routers, stereos, or computers before we leave.
In Italy, standby represents up to 10% of the total cost of bills and, on an individual level, it can weigh heavily 500 euros per year. Not only that: the production of this useless energy contributes to CO2 emissions that could be avoided, increasing the environmental impact. Why does this happen? There are three main causes. First of all, many people they don’t know that consumption does not stop by simply turning off the device. Then there are the bad habitssuch as leaving unused appliances on. Finally, the normative UEalthough aimed at reducing standby, are not yet respected by all manufacturers: approximately 35% of devices sold is not compliant.
Simple solutions to eliminate standby
Solving the standby problem is easier than you imagine. You don’t need large investments or complicated interventions: small changes to your daily habits are enough.
Here’s what you can do to say goodbye to this waste:
- Use an electrical power strip with a switch: This affordable tool allows you to completely shut down multiple devices at once. With less than five euros, you can make a big difference.
- Unplug devices when you’re not using them: Devices such as printers, stereos and DVDs consume energy even in standby mode. Unplugging is a simple but effective gesture.
- Replace obsolete devices: If possible, choose appliances and electronic devices that comply with the latest regulations. These devices are designed to minimize standby consumption.
These measures not only reduce bill costs, but also contribute to a more responsible use of resources. And the great thing is that the results are visible from the first month.
Save and live better
Eliminating standby isn’t just about cutting costs, it’s about rethinking how you use energy every day. It is a simple gesture that represents a change of mentality towards a more aware and sustainable future.
Imagine how much you could make by reinvesting that saved money into activities that really improve your quality of life: a gym membership, a special dinner or even a small trip. At the same time, every watt saved helps reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet’s resources for future generations.
Don’t underestimate the power of small daily choices: standby is the symbol of a silent waste that can transform into an opportunity to live better, with less impact and more satisfaction.
Start today to really switch off and discover the value of change.
Photo © stock.adobe
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