Get Involved
WWU Unplugged
Climate Change? It’s our responsibility.
The United States is the world's largest single emitter of carbon dioxide. We have only 5% of the world’s population, but account for 23% of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. Our energy use is creating global climate change and negatively impacting many human and natural environments.
Help conserve energy by unplugging unneeded devices that use electricity through "Phantom Load".
What is a Phantom Load? The Phantom load is the amount of electricity that's being drained by equipment when it's off. Any device that has a remote control or instant on capability (TVs, VCRs) is part of your phantom load. Any device that has a digital time display (microwave) or plugs into the wall with a power adapter aka "wall cube" (iPod, Cell Phone, answering machine, hair dryer) is drawing power continuously. We don't gain anything for this electrical use, yet it represents a significant amount of electricity usage. That is, even though each device seems to use just a little bit of electricity and cost us a little bit of money, it really adds up. The amount of electricity now being used by devices when they're doing nothing is enough to meet the electrical demands of entire nations! The phantom load of the United States is approximately equal to the electrical consumption of the countries of Greece, Peru and Vietnam combined. This phantom load continues to drive up demand for power plants with all the negative effects of air pollution, ozone damage, negative health impacts, acid rain, etc.
How to get rid of my Phantom Load?
Wherever possible, the easiest way to eliminate phantom load is to pull the plug. Often, that's not easy or convenient. The other way to eliminate phantom load is to put devices on a power strip. Then turn them on and shut them off with the power strip when you leave or go to sleep.
Be a part of WWU Unplugged!
Download the WWU Unplugged pledge sheets and take the pledge!Pass it on:
Lead by example: If you start turning off your devices, maybe your roommates and family will also.
Make climate-conscious decisions!
- Walk or bike to school and work
- Use only the electricity that you need
- Turn down the heat, put on a sweater
- Purchase locally-produced items that take less energy to make or transport.
It is up to us to make changes in the way we live
to stabilize the global climate for everyone!
Sources and more info, go to:
Program Contact: Seth Vidaña, Coordinator, Office of Sustainability
Email: Seth.Vidana@wwu.edu