Key facts
- Unplugging non-essential electronics can reduce household electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Apple's Digital ID feature allows U.S. passport information to be stored on iPhones for domestic airport security checks.
- Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can expose users to data theft and malware.
- Extreme heat can damage electronic devices, necessitating precautions in hot climates.
- Energy-efficient product choices and built-in energy-saving settings offer greater long-term savings than unplugging most gadgets.
As summer vacation season approaches, travelers are advised to prioritize their digital safety and efficiency. Experts suggest unplugging non-essential electronic devices to reduce 'phantom power' consumption, which can account for up to 10% of household electricity bills and 1% of greenhouse gas emissions. While the savings from unplugging individual modern gadgets may be minimal, Lifu Tan, a research associate at the University of Cambridge, recommends unplugging anything that does not serve a necessary function, while leaving essential appliances like refrigerators running.