Don't ignore the warning

Guess what this is? That's the TV, music system or some other appliance that you supposedly switched off before going to sleep last night. Surprised?
We often switch off these appliances using a remote rather than switching off from the mains. That consumes electricity all the time. Lots of it, if you total up the number of appliances that all the homes in a typical city like Pune would have.
The little red light that remains ON even after we have pressed that remote button should warn all of us of an impending energy crisis unless we take urgent steps to save energy. Start by taking small steps within your home.
Tonight, do get up and switch off the TV from the mains. Don't just use the remote.

Join Earth Hour. Two days to go !

I hope you all remember about Earth Hour? If not, let me remind you. Earth Hour is observed on the last Saturday of March every year. People are urged to switch off the lights and other electrical appliances in their homes for one hour, from 8.30 to 9.30 pm.
In 2009, it is estimated that Indians saved 1000 MW of electricity in that one hour. Now, you might argue whether this is a practical way of saving energy. That is not the point.
The purpose of Earth Hour is to create world-wide awareness about the impending energy crisis. It is not just a symbolic gesture, but it is a wake-up call to realize that our future depends on the careful use of energy.
So Greeny is going to do it. Are you?
And don't just be content by observing Earth Hour once in a year. Start thinking about how you can start energy in your homes.

1. When you switch off your TVs, do you simply press the remote button or do you also switch off the mains? That little red light that keeps glowing if you don't switch off the mains is consuming precious power. So - get up from your couch and make sure you reach out to the switch, not just the remote.
2. What setting do you use on your AC, if you have one? Is it something like 18 deg? Ask yourself whether that is really necessary. Would something like 24 deg not serve the purpose?
3. If you go into your bedroom (or kitchen, or any other room for that matter) just for a short time, do you still switch on the fan? Why? Could you stay without a fan for those 5 minutes?
4. Do you really need ALL those lights on in your drawing room from evening till midnight?

Think. And join Greeny in spreading the word.
Just a reminder - Earth Hour is just about two days away...
To learn more about Earth Hour, you could read this.