Reducing this type of consumption goes a bit further than purchasing appliances that are energy efficient. There are some other things to look for that can help, such as making an effort to avoid items that have a built-in clock or timer, and buying all-in-one items rather than making several separate purchases. Lifestyle modifications can also help—try unplugging the item when not in use or using a power strip. This enables you to power off multiple items with the simple flip of a switch, saving energy on a larger scale. Identify where phantom loads are raising your energy bills, and eliminate them.