Whole Life Times: Replacing an Energy Guzzler

October 2004 | Co-op America’s Living Green

Replacing an Energy Guzzler

Dear Co-op America, Is it true that the refrigerator is the biggest energy-hog in the home? — Jan and Mark, Bremerton, WA

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the refrigerator uses the most energy in the average home. If your fridge was made before 1993, when federal refrigerator efficiency standards improved, it is probably costing you big bucks in electricity—and costing the environment in terms of fossil fuel extraction and pollution, as well as global warming emissions.

In July of 2001, efficiency standards for refrigerators improved again. Models made after this date are significantly more energy-efficient than older models and can save you well over 50 percent in energy costs. Typically, the average new icebox with automatic defrost and a top-mounted freezer bought anytime during 2001 or beyond uses less than 650 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, compared to the typical model sold in 1973, which used nearly 2000 kWh per year.

If you decide to get rid of your old fridge and buy a new one, you can save even more money and energy by looking for a super-efficient fridge, which can use as little as 434 kWh per year. To find one, check EnergyGuide labels when shopping, which will help you compare energy consumption between models. Also, look for the Energy Star, which labels appliances that exceed government efficiency standards by at least 10 percent. The ACEEE Web site has a list of super-efficient refrigerators at www.aceee.org/ consumerguide/topfridge.htm.

Be sure to recycle your old model. You can call the Steel Recycling Institute (800.YES.1.CAN, www.recycle-steel.org) to find steel recyclers in your area.

Even if you don’t buy a new fridge, you can save energy by keeping your refrigerator on the recommended temperature settings—between 37-40ºF for the fridge portion and 5ºF for the freezer. Also, remember to keep your coils clean (unless you have a no-clean condenser model) and make sure door seals are airtight.

Sam’s Bad Behavior

Dear Co-op America, I have read about Wal-Mart’s poor labor and environmental practices. Do these negatives also apply to Sam’s Club? —David G., Bearsville, NY

Sam’s Club is owned by Wal-Mart Stores, so anytime you shop from Sam’s Club, you are supporting Wal-Mart’s negative social and environmental behaviors.

Co-op America has significant information on Wal-Mart Stores on our Responsible Shopper Web site (www.responsibleshopper.org), which rates major corporations on social and environmental responsibility.

Wal-Mart’s “Responsible Shopper Profile” lists all the positive and negative social and environmental behaviors our researchers could dig up. It also lists all brands owned by Wal-Mart Stores, including Sam’s Club. Plus, you can compare Wal-Mart to other discount retailers.

Co-op America recently developed a scorecard that reports on labor practices in several major retailers’ supply chains. Wal-Mart got the lowest grade, but many other retailers—including Kmart, Sears, and Target—also scored poorly. For details, visit www.sweatshops.org.

As you know, it’s best to buy from local and green businesses when you can. Consult Co-op America’s National Green Pages™ (see below).

Living Green is brought to you by Co-op America, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that provides green living, purchasing, and investing tips and resources. To join Co-op America and get a free copy of the National Green Pages™ directory of green businesses, contact 800/58-GREEN. If you have a question for Living Green, e-mail it.

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