STEP #32

Know Thy Appliances

With Energy Star as a guiding light, appliance and electronics manufacturers are taking steps to reduce our dependency on toxic petrochemicals and fossil fuels.

BOSCH

This German-based company produces some ofthe most energy-efficient appliances for our homes while also leading the way in innovative automotive hybrid technology. One of Bosch’s biggest breakthroughs is the intuitive start/stop system that allows hybrid drivers control over when they go electric and increases fuel efficiency by 8 percent. Ranking among the cleanest companies overall when it comes to petrochemical and other dangerous emissions, Bosch completely discontinued the use of petroleum-based chlorinated hydrocarbons in 2005. Find them at www.bosch.com.

GENERAL ELECTRIC

A household name in appliances, GE uses energy-efficient technologies such as wind and nano-iodides in its product manufacturing. Find more at www.ge.com.

LG ELECTRONICS

Korean-based LG Electronics is emerging as a major manufacturer of home appliances and electronics, including air conditioners and cell phones. Its commitment to health and environmental issues has garnered accreditation by the Korean Eco Label Program, which certifies environmentally friendly products, taking into account their entire life cycle perspective, including reducing pollution and saving raw materials and energy. Many of its products do not contain ozone-depleting or greenhouse gas-related refrigerants, PVC, lead, chromium-6, cadmium or mercury, and do not use flame-retardant substances such as PBBs and PBDEs. Its DIOS refrigerators use environmentally friendly refrigerants and blowing agents that do not harm the ozone layer or contribute to global warming; their compressor technologies also reduce power consumption by up to 40 percent, and their new microwave ovens use less than one watt of power! LG’s WHISEN air conditioners also use ozone-friendly refrigerants and employ an environmentally friendly twin power system which reduces power consumption by up to 65 percent. Find out more at www.LGE.com.

MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi’s entire production facility works toward sustainability, promoting zero emissions and reducing greenhouse gas and chemical emissions. Even before Japan’s national Electrical Home Appliances Recycling Law passed in April 2001, Mitsubishi Electric had already established the Higashihama Recycle Center for consumers to dispose of home electronics products. Joining a consortium of major Japanese electrical product manufacturers, Mitsubishi helped to establish and implement a network of 15 recycling processing facilities throughout Japan, enabling consumers to recycle air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators and washing machines, as well as computer products such as desktops, notebooks, CRT displays and LCDs in 2002. Mitsubishi Electric’s goal to develop Eco-Products and Hybrid Eco-Products that reduce negative environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle is realized in their energy-efficient, non-chloro-fluorocarbon refrigerators. According to its website, www.mitsubishi.com, “In Japan alone, the combined savings in electricity from use of Mitsubishi Electric’s latest model refrigerator throughout its full product life cycle can yield sufficient energy savings to serve approximately 72,000 average-sized homes in Tokyo—a major metropolis with more than 13 million inhabitants—for a full year.”

SAMSUNG

Samsung Electronics has devised a plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below their 2001 levels by 2010 and minimize use of petroleum-based chemicals in the manufacturing of its DVD recorders, cell phones, TVs and other high-tech products. By 2004, Samsung was well on its way to achieving its goal with an impressive 11 percent reduction from its 2001 levels. Its semiconductor plant in Austin, Texas, ranks in the top 30 percent for lowest total environmental releases and had no harmful releases of carcinogens, neurotoxins, blood toxicants or other harmful chemicals, according to the Environmental Impact Report at www.scorecard.org, a “pollution information site.” Another Samsung technology breakthrough is use of “U”-shaped cold cathode fluorescent lamps that cut the mercury content in LCD lamps in half, as well as the complete removal of hexavalent chromium, used for rust resistance, in screws. Learn more at www.samsung.com.

SUN FROST

California-based Sun Frost manufactures stunningly energy-efficient refrigerators and other appliances that easily run on solar or other low output energy sources. Read more at www.sunfrost.com.

VESTFROST

Danish innovator Vestfrost is the first in the industry to document compliance with all EU energy and environmental criteria, setting the standard for low-energy refrigerators and freezers as well as for recycling products at the end of their useful lifespan. Their ConServ Refrigerators not only offer super energy efficiency but are built with all recyclable parts. Visit www.vestfrost.com.

WHIRLPOOL

Whirlpool brands are sold in more than 170 countries and include Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht and Consul. This Benton Harbor, Michigan-based company sells more than $12 billion of products annually, employs 68,000 people and operates some 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. Since 1998, Whirlpool has actively participated in the Energy Star Program, earning the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award five times (1999-2002, 2004). Go to www.whirlpool.com.