Carbon Literacy Pledge - Geeta

My Home is My Working Space: My Carbon Pledge - Switch It Off!

I recently completed my Carbon Literacy training and created a personal pledge that resonates deeply with me. It is a commitment to change. I thought long and hard about what I could do to make a small change.

Working from home has become the new norm, transforming our living spaces into multifunctional environments. This offers us convenience and flexibility, but it also challenges us to manage our energy consumption wisely. One of the most impactful actions we can take is to switch off sockets and devices that are not in use. This small habit can lead to significant reductions in electricity usage and carbon emissions.

It is easy to overlook the energy consumed by devices left plugged in. I often charge my laptop and leave the charger plugged in even when the battery is full. This harmless habit wastes electricity and adds to higher CO2 emissions. By consciously choosing to *switch it off*, I  can make a meaningful difference.

Consider the environmental impact of a common device: WE all use an HP laptop. On average, an HP laptop produces around 275 kg of CO2 annually. When used for 8 hours a day, it consumes between 15-45 kWh of energy. If left on continuously for 24 hours, it can use 0.1-0.4 kWh daily. Over a month, this adds up to 3.7-11 kWh of energy.

Turning off my laptop when not in use,  leads to substantial energy savings, potentially saving about 44-88 kg of CO2 emissions per year. While this may seem small for one person, collectively, it creates a powerful impact on our environment.

Here are some practical tips I use to minimise my energy consumption:

• Unplug Devices: Making a conscious habit to unplug chargers, kettles, and other appliances when they are not in use.
• Set Reminders: Using reminders or smart devices to alert me to switch off unused electronics.
• Energy-Efficient Settings: Adjusting my laptop and other devices to energy-saving modes to reduce consumption.

By embracing these practices, we can all contribute to a sustainable future. Every small action count, and together, we can create a significant difference. Let us be mindful of our energy usage and take steps toward a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle!