Pratt quoted on easy low-cost ways to lower home utility costs
Another easy tip for significant savings is using electrical power strips, says Kristen Pratt, sustainability manager at the Chicago Academy of Sciences and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (NatureMuseum.org). “Many electronic devices, especially the ones with that ever-glowing little light, are constantly drawing electricity, even when powered down,” she says.
“You can always unplug devices when they aren’t in use, but technological options exist, as well,” says Pratt. “If you use a power strip, you can switch the strip off when you’re done using the electronic device, and that will effectively cut off the electricity. You could also use a ‘smart strip’ for systems like your home entertainment devices or home office. If you plug your TV into the master outlet of the smart strip, turning off the TV will trigger a cut to the power to everything else on the strip (e.g., the speaker system, Blu-Ray player, DVD player, etc.).” Smart strips cost from $25 and up.
