Stop what you’re doing right now.

Seriously. Stop. Don’t move your mouse.

Stay perfectly still for 60 seconds. You’ll know when time is up. It’s going to be really cool. I promise.

Did it happen yet? If not, just wait a second. It’s coming.

There! Wasn’t that freaking cool? I know, right?!

What you’ve just witnessed is a WordPress plugin from Online-Leaf.com that puts your blog into “Energy Saving Mode” after 60 seconds of inaction. Flash elements are hidden, and the pixels on the screen are darkened. This makes your computer work a little less hard, and in turn saves a little bit of energy.

No, I know it’s not like I’m hosting this websites on a server made of recycled soup cans and low-sodium tofu burgers. And until I become a licensed electrician, I can’t very well power the site on solar or wind power — however much I would like to. But this little plugin helps me feel just a fraction of a kWh better knowing that if you get up while reading one of my excessively long blog posts to make a sandwich, the planet won’t hate me for it.

If you have a WordPress blog, you can install this plugin by searching the plugin directory for “Online Leaf”. If you host your own site or have a different CMS, there are installation instructions on the Online Leaf website.

Oh, and I almost feel bad saying this, because I’m so sure you’re getting sick of hearing it, but after my pseudo-battle with Chris Brogan this week I think it’s fitting:

I have no financial interest in promoting Online Leaf. The links above are not affiliate links. This is not part of a sketchy MLM scheme. I just like the service, and I thought you might like it, too.