A life unplugged may seem hard to achieve. With all the mesmerizing tools we now have to stay plugged into each others’ lives, it can feel strange to disconnect from all that.
After much experimenting, I think each person’s body is unique, requires different types of care, fuel and healing modalities. Similarly, the level of digital connectedness our minds feel towards each other is relative to each of our unique needs. Keep experimenting every day and listen to your mind and body. Some days we may feel like we need more digital connectivity and some days we may feel that we need to back off. To each his own. So long as we keep our minds open and available to new ideas and ways of being, I believe we are all doing great.
Before you start thinking this post is about stepping back from all the connectivity related to the digital world, let me assure you that it is not!. My purpose in this post is to share my personal experience which represents a different way to physically unplug yourself, a way that will benefit the planet, your wallet and your health.
I am referring to the countless electrical tools and appliances we own, powered by the electric outlets in our homes. Many of the appliances we keep plugged in when the items are not in use, are still drawing electricity from the sockets. Since the exact amount of watts each appliance is consuming is heavily debated, I hesitate to give an exact number. But the fact remains the electricity is still used when some appliances are kept plugged in when not in use. Click here for an article that delves deeper into specifics on appliance wattage usage.
A few years ago, I would not have acknowledged the connection between our personal electricity consumption and the resulting strain on the planet. Now, when I see an electrical socket with cords plugged in and nothing in use, I cringe! We may not realize it but the fact is that our actions have a strenuous effect on the resources of this planet we all share. Unplugging cords when an item is not in use is one of the simplest ways we can reduce our personal footprint load. At first, remembering to take that extra step to unplug things may feel like a nuisance but I assure you that after a while, it will become a constructive and routine step throughout your day.
Personal example:
I am falling asleep and feeling incredibly comfortable. I remember that I left a cord plugged in. It takes every ounce of motivation I can muster to get out of bed to disconnect that damn cord when these moments occur! But I am motivated. I know that if I choose to ignore the thought, I will be passively using electricity for 8 unnecessary hours. I get up, I unplug the cord and I crawl back into bed, knowing that I am making a difference.
Not only will the act of unplugging give the planet a much needed rest, but it will also do you a monetary favor. We are still being charged on our monthly bills for electricity even if we are not actively using an appliance. By unplugging our cords when not in use, we can lower our electricity bills by 10% a month! I speak from experience when I say that this is possible. My bill is substantially lower each month now that I turn lights off and unplug everything I can when not actively using it.
My current living space is very small and delightful. Since establishing the habit of unplugging my cords, I have noticed my space is more serene. Not to get too hokey about it all but it really can have a positive psychological effect on our well being when the electrical energy surrounding us is kept to a minimum. I have read that even the smallest source of light can effect our sleep patterns negatively.
What about when we want to relax?
When we want to sip a cup of tea, read a book or just sit in silence?
Even though we may not be able to physically detect the electrical frequencies in our environment, they can have a negative effect on our ability to wind down after a long day. Electrical frequencies can act as an invisible distraction. One more distraction we really do not need wouldn’t you say?
Next Action:
Try a little experiment. Unplug as many cords as you can and as often as you can for one month and just see if you notice a difference. Maybe it will be the lower electricity bill that motivates you or the fact that you will be giving the planet a high five by unplugging those cords. Maybe the lower electrical frequencies surrounding you at all times will help you relax and achieve deeper states of calm throughout your day. It doe not matter where the motivation comes from. keep experimenting. Keep thinking, asking questions and enjoying the journey.
Zen Habits has a great post called Sitting and Watching. I found it very inspiring in relation to slowing down and mentally unplugging.
Here are two links to previous environmental posts on Treehouse Chatter:
Two more links to previous posts on how to slow down on Treehouse Chatter:
How do you unplug? What are your thoughts on the impact our actions have on our planet and ourselves?
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i have read that DVRs take up an extraordinary amount of electricity all the time. but if you unplug them they won’t record the things you want them to record… what to do what to do.
Dal,
I have heard and read the same thing and this is indeed a dilemma!
I keep my DVR plugged in and unplug the tv and all other mysterious cable cords existing “back there.”
I actually had the cable guy help me with this and explain each cord, which could be unplugged and which needed to stay plugged in in order for DVR to work.
My approach with most things is its not all or nothing. Each cord we unplug is making a positive difference. With millions of people existing on the planet, we could make a huge impact together if our self awareness towards electrical use was a priority. I hope unplugging becomes trendy
-tali
, I can’t help but feel I’m wayyy too plugged in. Moments like winiatg, commuting etc are enhanced by online media. But when I’m with friends, I try to stay away. But the best way to unplug is to go on vacation. Ideally, somewhere in a place with no internet access. It’s refreshing then go back to being plugged. I do wonder though, will Google somehow evolve into the Matrix?
Hi Eayd,
Ha! isn’t Google already the Matrix?
Love the idea of unplugging while on vacation or even traveling. I too have been making an effort to be more emotionally and mentally present when I am with friends. Leave the cell phone in the bag or pocket, its really not that bad! The experience is so much more enjoyable with less distractions. Fewer distractions provide for a more genuine encounter as well.
Tali
Simple answer: Unplug any appailnce that is used intermittently and has a pilot or standby light.Some items may be inconvenient to unplug, such as a DVR or Tivo, or something that shows a clock or timer so use your judgment in selecting what you want to unplug.You won’t be saving a LOT of $ $ $ but it will none-the-less help your budget and conservr resources, especially if many or most US households do this.
As green as i try to be, i have a hard time remembering to unlpug the items that I am not using especially my cell phone and ipod chargers. Hopefully they have one that will fit my phone because I’m sure it will pay itself off in energy savings over time.
Hi Yash,
Yes, I read that cell phone chargers are nasty little energy suckers! Once you get in the habit of unplugging, it just becomes second nature to pull those cords out.
Tali
Clay’s always getting on me about unplugging a cord when I’m done using it (phone charger or what have you). I am getting better at it. I like the satisfaction I know that I’m saving money on my electricity (haha) AND I’m doing my part to help the earth.
In the past, I’ve never really would consider myself environmental conscious but a lot has changed within the past few years. I used to live in Phoenix where the community I live in barely cared about recycling or using your own bags at the grocery store. Moving to the Northwest really opened my eyes. Thanks for this past and the reminder that our smallest actions can make a huge impact.
xx! Mika
Mika,
Thank you for sharing your experience with the eye opening process of awareness that comes from unplugging.
Small actions -> huge impact…love that!
Tali
Yes standby or ghost ernegy exists and yes I unplug things to help conserve ernegy.Most electronics use ernegy when they are off, but still plugged in. The amount of ernegy varies, I found that computers, game systems and dvd/vcr used the most followed by tv’s, ipod docking stations and chargers.I save about $ 25 a month on my ernegy bill by getting rid of standby power. I have a power strip near my tv that I plug it, the dvd, stereo and game system into, when I’m not using these items I flip the switch and they all stop using ernegy. I do the same at the computer, many people turn their computer off, but leave the monitor, printer and speakers on, with the power strip I turn them all off. I have a power strip for all my chargers, cel phone, batteries etc. Don’t forget the electric tooth brush, flashlights, and those little vacuums many people have.
Awesome tips Saliman, I love hearing about and learning through other peoples experiences. Thanks for the comment!
-Tali
This is a good idea. Also because some people are sensitive to electric fields. When you unplug you electrical devices, you don’t only do something good for the planet but also for your body.
So true Alice!
Between two friends of mine, Nan (who unplugged her kids) , and El (who is quickly making a habit out of unplugging for a couple of days at a time) , I have been inspired to unplug for the weekend. Not an electrical unplug mind you, but an internet unplug. I’m allowing my camera and my mobile for phonecalls and text messages only. No facebook, no blogger, no streaming of tv shows, no googling for research, no youtube, no emails, no tv, no laptop even. I’m replacing all that with more reading, writing, painting and exploring. If you have any tips and suggestions they would be most welcome. Think I can do it? I’ll keep you posted…well, I’ll update you when I plug back in on Monday.