Appliances
Appliances are essential parts of a household but tend to use a lot of energy and water. One of the main steps to making homes more efficient and environmentally friendly is reducing the amount of non-renewable resources used. The future is clean energy and it starts with regulations. In early 2021, the New Jersey state senate approved legislation on the standards on the efficiency of appliances. The bill discusses reducing climate changing emissions through efficient energy use and emphasizes the importance making utilities more affordable for low-income families. More states need to enact legislation like New Jersey’s to give people the opportunity to make their houses more energy efficient. These standards benefit the consumer’s wallet and the state of the environment.
DIY
The best DIY for appliances is reducing the amount of energy and water you use. You can do this in a few different ways. With your washers, always wash a full load so you aren’t wasting water. For most clothes, washing on cold works fine and it saves energy. That goes for dishwashers too. As long as it isn’t overcrowded, filling it completely up keeps you from doing multiple washes a day. With a powerful washer you can even skip the rinse beforehand. Using the right setting is also key to efficiently using water and energy.
Another option for making your home more energy efficient is making the switch to green energy. Contact your power company and ask about their green programs! In most cases, you’ll spend a few more dollars a month for renewable energy. Learn more here.
Second-hand
Second-hand appliances are such an affordable option and are often like new. Charities like Habitat for Humanity have restore locations that sell gently-used appliances and a majority of big stores have outlet stores where they also sell gently-used appliances or ones with minor flaws. These flaws tend to be as small as a scratch or a dent that won’t effect the efficiency of the appliance. It’s even better when you can find locally-owned appliance outlets. These stores are selling new and refurbished appliances at discounted prices. When it comes time to get rid of your old appliances look at what recycling programs exist for the brand of your appliances. GE is one of the many companies that has a recycling program.
Buy New
When buying new you not only want to support companies that have more efficient appliances but ones that are working to be sustainable on multiple levels. Whether this be reducing emissions at power plants or getting their factories LEED(Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design) certified, a company that makes the switch for the good of the environment, regardless of the cost, is one to purchase from.
My Picks
Electrolux
A Swedish appliance company who has been top-tier for over 100 years. Their appliances are energy efficient and keep food and clothes lasting longer. Electrolux has an extensive sustainability plan that includes phasing out high impact greenhouse gases and harmful materials.
ENERGY STAR certified options
read their sustainability report here
Bosch
Bosch has been taking climate action seriously for many years. As of 2020, the Bosch group has been carbon neutral. Their circular economy strategy is one of the shifts that has made their sustainable practices effective. They are producing efficient products and maximizing the use of their resources. Learn more here.
Responsible Business Alliance member, ENERGY STAR certified options
Whirlpool
A leading appliance brand that has made a solid commitment to sustainability. Whirlpool is working towards 100% renewable energy usage and has made 25 out of 35 of its sites zero-waste to landfill. Whirpool is constantly innovating for example its dishwasher uses 3 to 4 times less water than other brands.
ENERGY STAR certified options, partner with Habitat for Humanity
read their sustainability report here
Nest Thermostat
Nest Thermostats are very easy to use and allow for efficient use of energy in your household. When you leave the house, the thermostat turns itself down to avoid wasting energy. You also have the ability to control the thermostat on your phone wherever you are. The home report makes it easy to tract your energy use each month.
ENERGY STAR certified
LG
LG has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout a products different stages. They have been a reliable brand for over 60 years and are planning on reaching 95% in waste recycling rate at production sites by 2030.
certified asthma and allergy friendly, ENERGY STAR certified options
GE
GE has been a trusted brand for many years. They have aligned their sustainability standards with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This includes innovating technology that will decarbonize the energy sector. They plan to be carbon neutral by 2030. Their energy star fridges are 20% more efficient than standard models.
ENERGY STAR certified options
read their report here
Let’s Compare
On average, washers use 5,605 gallons of water per year and 130 kilowatts per year. These energy star certified models use around 33% less energy and tend to cost a few hundred dollars more than a standard model.
Electrolux
Model #:ELFW7537AT
Price: $1,047
Size: 4.5 cu. ft.
Annual energy use (kWh/yr): 85
Annual water use(gallons/year): 4248
GE
Model #: GFW510SCNWW
Price: $999
Size: 4.5 cu. ft.
Annual energy use (kWh/yr): 150
Annual water use(gallons/year): 3983
Whirlpool
Model #:WFW5620HW
Price: $854.99
Size: 4.5 cu. ft.
Annual energy use (kWh/yr): 89
Annual water use(gallons/year): 4210
Check it out
EarthRise Studio
Earthrise Studio, created in 2020 by Alice Aedy and twins Finn and Jack Harries. They create incredible videos and articles that examine topics such as the importance of involvement from indigenous communities in the fight with climate change. Members of Earthrise Studio are amazing story tellers. Check out their article about the tech industry here.
Immy Lucas
Immy, a London native, shares her low-impact lifestyle on instagram, youtube, and through her blog posts. You can follow along with her environmental activism and learn a thing or two about hiking, gardening, and vegan cooking. Check her website out here.
Sources
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2018-3-may-june/ask-mr-green/gas-or-electric-which-stove-better
https://www.smartwatermark.org/smartwateradvice/saving-water-home/laundry/
https://store.google.com/product/nest_thermostat?hl=en-US&gclid=CjwKCAjw7rWKBhAtEiwAJ3CWLG5L8Lqu_p80bSh0E0hBbaY4szfL141Yi5kUl89U1hViZ8ZzNeqt_BoC754QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/building_recognition/building_certification
https://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/2020SustainabilityReport/
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/S3500/3324_I1.HTM
https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-much-water-do-dishwashers-use/
https://restore.habitatebsv.org/shop/used-appliances/
https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/he-washing-machine-water-usage.html