By Evan Vitale
Everyone is making an effort to save a little energy and money these days. As a result, many manufacturers have tapped into the market and make products specifically to help accomplish these goals.
Believe-it-or-not, when your power strips and other devices are plugged in, they are using electricity (even if your device is turned off, cell phone is charged, etc.).
However, several companies make energy saving sockets that plug into the electrical outlets in your home. These sockets save money by turning off the electricity to the device that’s plugged into them when not in use.
Take a cell phone charger. This electronic device will still use electricity even when you are not charging a phone. If you are using an energy saving socket, you can set a time limit for the phone to charge. After the time has elapsed, the socket will shut off the electricity to the charger, saving you some cash. A device such as this might also provide you with some peace of mind; you wouldn’t have to wonder if you left the coffee pot on or kept the curling iron plugged in.
A similar product is a power strip that conserves energy with a wireless remote. For example, you could plug in all of the devices used in your entertainment system — TV, DVD player, game console, etc — into the conserve power strip. When you’re done using these devices, instead of unplugging them, just use the remote control to turn off the power strip.
Another product worth considering is a clip, or a cord holder. Something like this sticks to the wall or your desk near an outlet. When you want to unplug a device, it holds the cord for you so you don’t have to go searching for it next time.
These are just some of the many products companies are producing that are making it easier for consumers to save money and energy use.
