First things first. We start with a definition.

Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phantom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances.

So now that you are familiar with the idea, consider that up to 13% of the daily domestic power consumption is due to standby power. This not only means that you cause harm to the environment for not turning off your devices completely, buy also that almost 10% of your monthly power bill accounts to standby devices. This particular problem has been a non-issue for a many years, though by 2013 regulations were made in the majority of the developed countries, restricting standby power of devices sold to 0.5 Watts. However, despite the regulations, the problem is still big. But the solution to this earth- harming habit doesn't get any simpler.

So the next time you leave your house, remember to unplug your computer, turn off your kitchen appliances and make sure no device is "on".

Your wallet will thank you and, most of all, the planet will be grateful. Because the less we consume, the less damage we do to the environment.

It's simple.