We all know how much energy is wasted by all devices in "stand-by": TVs, VCRs, even battery-chargers...Having them "ready to start" just to a button press is really cool and useful, and VCRs even NEED this feature: if you unplug them, they loose date/time data!
But there could be a solution both for environment and comfortable: solar panels!
We just need an electronic circuit which switches power from electrig grid to solar panel as soon as power consumption falls below a threshold (10-20W): a 10-20 W solar panel costs around 100-200$... which is the price you pay for keeping your devices in stand-by for 1 year! So, you'll payback your panel after just an year.
It's just a matter of designing the switching circuit.
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Plus you'd have to install the solar panel outside your home (likely), and run wiring to your appliances. You also need a battery storage to account for night-time.
When it all is said and done, it may be worth a couple bucks a month to keep some devices in standby. Other devices you can put on a power strip with a switch, or unplug when not in use.
No need for the switcher. You want compensation for every watt of power you don't buy from the utility company. (Some homeowners are actually paid for supplying surplus electricity.)