I just heard on the T. V. that I am "waisting " (using) energy if I don't unplug my plug-in charger for, e.g. cell phone, rechargeable flashlight, etc.
How can that be if I don't have any of these appliances plugged into the charger, drawing current to the appliance?

You are correct; it is baloney. Now, if the charger has an indicator light, then that would be some electrical use, but only the tiniest bit.

I just heard on the T. V. that I am "waisting " (using) energy if I don't unplug my plug-in charger for, e.g. cell phone, rechargable flashlight, etc.
How can that be if I don't have any of these appliances plugged into the charger, drawing current to the appliance?
Actually they use energy when not in use ( if it feel warm, it is using energy), but not as much as when they are in recharge cycle... but some battery/ equipment/flashlight... etc.. May have the capability to turn on/off (100%)the charger

The usage is so minimal.. you may be talking about cents a month not even dollars... its media attempt to make news over stuff that doesn't matter that much...