TVs on standby pump out 1m tonnes of gas

A million tonnes of greenhouse gas is pumped into the atmosphere by electrical appliances - such as televisions and DVD players - left on standby, according to government figures.

The cost to the environment of gadgets, apparently turned off but actually on standby, has prompted calls for modifications to reduce the electricity they waste and the excess carbon dioxide produced as a result.

The figures were released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Liberal Democrats' environment spokesman Norman Baker.

"I am astounded by this. This is absolutely shocking. With climate change the biggest threat we face, appliances are pumping out millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases for no good purpose whatsoever," he said.

Appliances left on standby in Britain's homes and offices waste enough electricity each year to provide power Birmingham for 12 months or keep the nation's street lights switched on for four years. Up to 85 per cent of the electricity used by a video recorder is consumed while it is on standby.