Modern technology is great, but computers, TVs, DVD & Blu-Ray players, games consoles, stereo systems and so on all use energy.

Did you know, for example, that TVs and set top boxes account for some 75% of all electricity consumption within the consumer electronics sector?

Newer, larger flatscreen and plasma TVs actually use more energy than older cathode ray and LCD sets. But the latest LED TVs use up to 50% less power than plasma sets.

Use this site to find out how much energy each TV uses before you buy a new one. And, of course, try never to leave any device in standby mode – the power consumption may not be much, but it’s still a waste of energy.

Remember, all mains powered electrical devices emit electro-magnetic fields. These have been linked to health problems. So make sure everyone sits at least six feet from the screen and that the power is always switched off at the plug when not in use.

A trip to the local tip will show you just how much electrical and electronic stuff we throw away. Each year, in the UK, we are throwing away around 1 million tonnes of electrical and electronic waste!The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations came into force in 2007 aiming to improve recycling and recovering rates and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfill. The law requires producers to pay for the collection, treatment and recovery of waste electrical equipment. It also means that retailers, including those on the Internet, must take back WEEE from householders free of charge. The only exception to this is if the retailer is part of Distributor Takeback Scheme created, as an alternative to in-store take back for retailers and other distributors who have joined. This network is based mainly on the existing network of local authority civic amenity sites.

What items are included in WEEE?

Fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and other kitchen appliances, TVs, computers, mobile phones, games consoles, vacuum cleaners, electrical and electronic tools. Any product that features the wheelie bin with a cross through it and that includes some light bulbs.

How can you find out where to recycle old appliances?

When you buy a new appliance check with the retailer if they have a free collection service, if not they should be giving you information on where to recycle it. Recycle Now has a useful postcode locator to find local recycling centres that accept waste electricals. It is important for the environment to recycle old electrical and electronic products as they can contain valuable raw materials.

For more information visit the Governments Environmental Management website.

With so many labels on electrical appliances it can be confusing to work out what they all mean, what is reliable and what is a marketing gimmick by a manufacturer or retailer. So we’ve explained what the energy labels mean.

European Energy Label (mandatory)

What is it?

The familiar EU Energy label, rates products from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient) and is required by European law to be displayed at the point of sale on the following products:

• Washing machines, washer-dryers tumble dryers
• Fridges, freezers and fridge freezers
• Dishwashers
• Electric ovens
• Energy-saving light bulbs
• Air conditioners

Fridges and freezers have two additional ratings A+ and A++. And, to make it more confusing, from end 2011, new A+, A++ and A+++ energy ratings for fridges, washing machines and dishwashers will be compulsory for all new models on the market.

How is it awarded?

Appliances are graded on their energy consumption in kWh* (units of energy used per hour). So the less kWh used, the more efficient the appliance. Manufacturers are required to self-certify products based on EU criteria set for each product type.

In the UK, the National Measurements Office is responsible for enforcement, overseen by Defra.

*Electricity is charged in ‘units’ or kWh (kilo Watt hours). A one bar electric fire uses 1kWh in one hour. It takes a 100watt light bulb 10 hours to use 1kWh.

Sust-it GreenPlug Award (voluntary)

What is it?

GreenPlug Awards are only given to products that have topped, or have appeared in Sust-it’s Top 10 energy efficiency charts. Unlike other energy-labelling schemes we highlight only the ‘Best-in-class’ products.

How is it awarded?

GreenPlug Awards are given to promote energy efficient products that achieve the highest rankings within Sust-it’s efficiency charts, in any given category. Each product must have reached No. 1 or entered the Top 10 and maintained its position for a minimum of 30 consecutive days.

Find out more here.

European Eco Label (voluntary)

What is it?

You may have noticed the flower logo on some products, not just electricals. The Eco-Label is an official Europe-wide award for non-food products that have a minimal environmental impact. These labels take into account the whole lifecycle of products from production, transportation, usage and disposal.

How is it awarded?

To use this label, products must be independently certified and meet strict criteria to prove they have minimal impact on the environment.

Defra runs this voluntary scheme in the UK.

Energy Saving Trust Recommended (voluntary)

What is it?

The Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo endorses products that are amongst the most energy efficient. Manufacturers can join to get their products accredited.  As well as washing machines, tumble dryers and other appliances, the logo can also be found on energy efficient boilers, insulation, glazing and hot water cylinders.

How is it awarded?

Run by the Energy Saving Trust, a non-profit organisation set up to reduce carbon emissions, funded by the UK government and the private sector. The criteria products must meet is set by an independent panel and reviewed annually, and a percentage of products are tested. Manufacturers and retailers pay a fee to the Energy Saving Trust to enter this scheme.

Energy Star (voluntary)

What is it?

The Energy Star logo means that the energy consumption of an appliance is below is an agreed method in stand-by mode. Office equipment such as computers, fax machines and printers often carry the logo.

How is it awarded?

Developed in the USA, as a government backed symbol of energy efficiency. The European Energy star is a voluntary labelling scheme, controlled by an agreement between the USA and the European Community.

Find out more at www.energystar.gov.

Most kitchens are full of appliances which use energy or water – or both! becoming more aware of how you use them efficiently, that is only running dishwashers when full, and using the lowest temperature setting. Plus, when it comes to replacing them, choosing the most energy and water efficient models as possible.

Using your washing machine at a lower temperature cycle means using less electricity without sacrificing results. And you’ll find modern powders and liquids are just as effective at low temperatures.

Buying new appliances

When buying a new washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher or electric oven, choose the energy efficient one. You could find yourself making significant savings every year and help to cut down on general energy usage.

By law, new machines must carry the European Energy Label rating them from A (most efficient/least energy used) to G (least efficient/most energy used). An Energy Saving Recommended logo will appear on the most efficient products.

For cookers, hobs and ovens, gas or electricity are most common – or a combination of both. Again, look for the European energy ratings – plus always check this site to compare the latest products on the market.

The term green electricity is used to describe electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, wave and solar power which, have less impact than fossil fuels create far less pollution and are infinitely renewable. So this also includes other non-fossil and non-nuclear sources such as tidal power, geothermal, biomass, biogas, landfill gas and energy from waste.

By 2010, legislation will require all suppliers to buy 10% of their electricity from renewable sources. They will also need to provide other information related to emissions and radioactive waste.

Changing to a greener supplier

Changing to a green energy supplier is easy. You won’t need a new meter, wiring or anything else and will receive exactly the same service through the National Grid as before. This is because all suppliers feed the Grid, making it impossible to say how any particular units of electricity were generated.

However, green energy companies who offer a 100% renewable energy guarantee, buy as much electricity from renewable sources as they supply to their customers. (But note, some companies offer combination schemes where they guarantee to buy some electricity from renewable sources and also put money into green energy funds).

Even when changing to a green supplier, the aim should still be to use less energy in the home so that companies need to generate less.