One thing I am trying NOT to do while I am at home during the day is turn on the TV for "company," or background noise. I read recently that a 42-inch plasma TV can use more energy per day than the average REFRIGERATOR, even when only turned on for a couple of hours per day. No way am I going to waste that much energy just to keep myself company, especially when it spends plenty of time on at night when everyone is home.
See the whole article from the Wall Street Journal here. And, if you have to get a flat-screen TV, look for one that is Energy Star compliant. I sure wish my husband had.
