For the environment: Switch off and save

Australians are being encouraged to unplug their electrical appliances at the wall to save the environment during the holidays.

According to the Australian Greenhouse Office website, between five and ten per cent of Australian household electricity is consumed by appliances that are left in standby mode, equating to around 750kg of greenhouse gas per household each year.

A discussion paper issued in August estimated this cost the country $500 million per year, or approximately $100 per year per household.

The most common standby power users include televisions, DVD players, stereos, air conditioners and microwaves.

Home owners going away this holiday season are being encouraged to switch appliances off at the wall or unplug them if they are not being used for an extended period.

"The simple act of unplugging appliances or switching them off at the wall before the holiday period will help the wallet and the environment," Panasonic Australia managing director, Steve Rust, said.

"By spending a few minutes unplugging appliances before departing for holidays, families can have peace of mind that they are doing something positive for the environment, even when they are not at home."

By unplugging your electrical appliances you are also providing your electrical appliances with a level of protection against damage that could be caused by an electrical storm or sudden surge of power.