A Simple Mental Shift: HP’s Power to Change Challenge

PR representatives will often approach me about an environmental initiative some huge company is starting, and generally, those emails will wind up in my trash folder. But every once in a while, there’s an initiative that hits home. HP’s Power to Change challenge is one of those exceptions. So why does it resonate with me so much? Well, because it doesn’t require any money, it’s a simple change, it really can help us save energy (and money) as it claims, and it’s something I need a reminder to do myself. That’s why, as much as I appreciate HP for providing my ENERGY STAR rated DV2 laptop for BlogHer, I am only sharing this campaign because it is something I can honestly get behind.

The Power to Change campaign simply encourages computer users, regardless of whether they are HP customers, to turn off their computers when they aren’t using them. It really is that simple. Just turn the things off when you’re done with them.

We don’t have cable at home, so my husband and I tend to watch a lot of our favorite shows online when we lay in bed for the night. After a long day of work and toddler-chasing, this generally means one, or both, of us will fall asleep before our show of the night is over. And the computer and speakers will stay on all night. I also have a nasty habit of leaving the computer on because I tell myself I’ll be back to use it, then never return. We’ve heard over and over again that we should unplug all electronics when not in use, because they draw ghost power. The same concept applies to our computers. HP also created the Power to Change widget, which will help you track your computer’s energy use and remind you to turn it off.

If you need further incentive to turn off your machine(s), there is a gadget that can help you save even more energy. It’s called a smart strip, and it’s essentially a power strip that has a “control” port. Plug your TV or some other device into the “control” slot. When you turn off that device, it will cut power to the entire strip, so it will also turn off any other gadgets you have plugged in to the same strip. For example, if you plug your computer in to the control port and actually remember to turn it off, it will automatically turn off all your peripherals (printer, speakers, etc.)