Designers and engineers have been actively trying to solve the vampire power problem for the last few years.  Smart power-strips and all manner of gizmos have been created to stop devices like home electronics, cellphone chargers and unused computers and their peripherals from sucking up electricity when they’re not in use.  Well, here’s another cool concept submitted by designer Toygar Targutay to last fall’s Design Boom Green Life competition.

The Green Outlet acts like a push button switch with a timer.  Plug in a device or appliance and press in the protruding receptacle, the outlet will automatically set the minimum time duration for that item’s use.  A touch screen on the outlet will allow you to set a longer duration.