Looking for initial feedback on ‘UnplugIt’ labeling scheme

[MikeF]

Hello,

I’m thinking about beginning to promote an idea I had for a labeling scheme aimed at encouraging people to unplug appliances such as mobile phone chargers which use electricity whenever they are plugged in. However, before getting underway, I wanted to seek some feedback on the idea – hence my post here.

You can find details about the scheme here: UnplugIt. Basically, it asks manufacturers of goods such as phone chargers to include a symbol (details on site) on appropriate products – either on a label or set in the plastic moulding. Alternatively (or additionally), sheets of labels could be distributed to interested consumers (e.g. at conferences, festivals, as part of energy advice packs, etc.) to attach to their own (and others, e.g. their employer's) appliances. The aim is to remind consumers which appliances should always be unplugged.

On the plus side, I believe the scheme is clear, simple and could be very easily and cheaply employed – it wouldn't involve the complexities of the growing number of certification 'standards' schemes (if an appliance draws power when plugged in, then the label is applied). Clearly the ultimate aim is that such appliances should be fundamentally redesigned to avoid the problem of phantom power drain altogether – but until then such a scheme could, I believe, make a significant contribution to energy saving.

I would welcome:
- general thoughts on the idea (positive or negative – for example, do you think it might be something manufacturers would hide behind – a kind of ‘greenwash’? Has the idea been tried before? Etc...)
- suggestions for improvement, of the idea or the way I have described it (or the website)
- suggestions of people/organizations who might be interested in promoting it (if shown to be appropriate)

Thanks very much for your time, and I look forward to reading any feedback.

Mike
mike.unplugit {at} gmail.com

[FabianPattberg]

Hello Mike,

Welcome to the forum and great idea you have there.

Have you browsed the pages of the Carbon Trust?
Helping business and the public sector cut carbon emissions | Carbon Trust

They always have some interesting information and why dont you contact them for further help.

Good job on the website.

Some more information, like research and some useful links would also be great in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Fabian

[MikeF]

Thanks for that Fabian -- will certainly try and bolster the research section. Will try to link to the main relevant organisations too.

I did actually sound out the Carbon Trust some time ago, but they said they focus on helping business/consumers directly... depending on how it goes I'll probably try them again though.

Cheers, Mike

[rc white]

As far as I can see this is just another example of tokenistic piddling about.
In This state for instance a major issue at the moment is the impending need for another base load fossil fueled power station.
What is needed to make this unnecessary is to remove all electric hot water including especially off peak, reducing the number and capacity of air conditioners etc., unplugging a few wall warts is just not going to make it.
I can see the scene now,we have another coal fired power station powering all our water heaters and air conditioners, but we feel comfortable and contented with it because we have done our bit for the environment by unplugging our electric toothbrush chargers, oh how good to be green!

[MikeF]

Thanks. Yes, everything is relative and it's true that what I'm proposing is quite insignificant in relation to the full scale of the challenge facing us. However, I'm a great believer in plucking off whatever low hanging fruit are immediately available and I would hope this idea -- which in theory (if maybe not in practice) is very easily achievable -- is hanging pretty low. It should therefore cost little effort. I also hope it would add to the growing number of little things reminding people about efficiency that should add up to something quite significant.