The total power used while an appliance is on standby can equal as much as when it is turned on. In the UK alone, one million tons of CO2 is pumed into the atmosphere by appliances on standby and the wasted energy could power 400,000 homes.

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In the United Kingdom alone, one million tons of a damaging greenhouse gas is pumped into the atmosphere each year by televisions, DVD players and other appliances left on standby in British living rooms.

Wasted energy of appliances on standby could power 400,000 homes. Up to 85 per cent of power used by a video recorder is consumed on standby. The government says Britain would save 240,000 tons of C02 emissions by switching off televisions

The mains offenders:

* Dishwashers left "on" at the end of their cycle consume 70 per cent of the power used when they are running.

* The average television is left on standby for up to 17.5 hours a day. Last year Britain's 62 million television sets consumed about 8 per cent of their energy consumption in standby mode.

* Washing machines use just under 20 per cent of their normal electricity requirement on standby.

* Tumble-dryers can use 38 per cent of power while waiting at the end of a cycle.

* If lights were turned off when not in use it would prevent 375,000 tons of CO2 emissions and save £55m in bills.

* There is little difference between the power requirement of digital receivers when they are on and on standby.

* Experts say the total power used while an appliance is on standby can equal the electricity used during the time it is on.

* Other appliances with high standby power use are cordless telephones, radios and stereos.

Switch to OFF or get a device that does it for you!