The appliances we use have a lot to do with our environmental impact on the planet. From who manufactures them and where to how much energy they require to work, the appliances we use determine how much or how little damage we do the planet at any given time. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever before to get appliances that have been built to maximize their energy efficiency. By using these appliances, you can ensure that you waste as little energy as possible while going about your daily routine.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy run a joint program called Energy Star, which identifies and promotes energy efficient appliances so the next time you’re in the market for a new appliance make sure you find one with the Energy Star seal of approval.
But even the most efficient appliances don’t last forever. Eventually they need replacing but what to do with the old ones? The first option is to donate them to charity if they are still in working other. Organizations like the Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity can often use these appliances or re-sell to raise money for their mission. On the other hand, if your appliance is truly done for, it might still have the potential to be repurposed; construction companies can use old appliances for scrap metal.
However, it’s important to note that many appliances do contain harmful chemicals so be sure to take the proper precautions when you recycle them. Most cities have a local facility that will pick up your appliances for recycling. For information on how you can recycle or re-use your old appliances here in Louisiana, check out this page at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s website.
Understanding energy efficiency and the making of responsible energy policy can often be daunting. There are so many terms and acronyms and organizations that it can be hard to get a handle on all of them or why understanding it all matters one way or the other.
