Have you unplugged your refrigerator?

Honestly, it never would have occurred to me as a significant way to save energy.

But a story in today's New York Times  reports on this growing trend, which some consumers are adopting as much for the symbolic value of un-plugging as for the electricity savings. (NOTE: Many folks have been inspired to unplug by my Green Moms Carnival colleague Deanna Duke, who blogs at thecrunchychicken.com.)

What about you?

Have you replaced your big fridge with a smaller model, with a cooler, or with nothing at all?

Are you using just as much energy going back and forth to the grocery store to replenish fresh food since you can't store it in the refrigerator any more?

Do you miss cold beer?

While we're on the topic, here's what I do to improve my refrigerator's efficiency:

* I keep the coils clean on the back.

* I bought the most efficient model available, with the freezer unit on top rather than on the bottom or side-by-side.

* I don't have TWO refrigerators, like many consumers, who keep their old model in the basement or garage for extra groceries, soft drinks, or party supplies.

* I try not to open the door and just stand there admiring my fruits and vegetables as all the cold air escape (admittedly, my kids haven't quite got this habit down).

* I positioned my refrigerator far from my stove and dishwasher and not in direct sunlight, so it doesn't have to work extra hard to keep cool.

I'd love to know if  you've gone "refrigerator free."   Drop a line and share your story.