One thing that sometimes gets forgotten when discussing power saving is efficiency. This is the idea behind power saving light bulbs. They convert more energy into light and less into heat than old style bulbs.

Ecogeek has covered this recently on the subject of computer power supplies. I was quite amazed to read that as much as 50% of the power consumed by the power supply goes into heat and not into the computer.

That may change as Energy Star, the organisation behind the stickers often seen on monitors are now requiring 80% efficient power supplies.

The catch, well apparantly they cost $20 more. Given the power savings, that would be made back quickly in reduced power bills.