Personally I’ve never been someone who craves the latest technology when it comes to TVs, mobile phones and gadgets. In fact my phone is often a source of much amusement because it can’t take photos or play music.
I am aware however that these things do have an addictive quality and there’s definitely a lure to want the latest flat screen TV or laptop every time an ‘improved’ version is revealed. Some are pretty amazing when it comes to entertainment value.
The Energy Saving Trust have recently released a report called ‘The Ampere Strikes Back‘ addressing this issue and the effect it will have on energy use. They call this the ‘ICE Age’ (Information, Communication, Entertainment) - the wave of new home entertainment equipment - and make some startling predictions about the amount of power needed in the future just to run these home electronics.
Apparently, unlike new washing machines and fridges, these modern types of electrical appliances use more electricity than their older counterparts. The standby option is still being used rather than turning them off completely and there are other types of wastage around such products which may not at first be that obvious.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website and download The Ampere Strikes Back report to find out more.
