WE recycle much more then we create in garbage. I noticed that since we have gone to single stream recycling that more houses are doing it. I wish it was mandatory like it is in some states. At one point I lived in a condo that did not have recycling so I kept 2 big plastic tubs in the guest room and put the recycling in there. When both were full I dropped it off after work. That was much more work. However, turning all appliances off by unplugging does not seem worth it to me although I only have lights on in the room I am in.