LG High Efficiency Washing Machine and Dryer

18 months ago I purchased a high efficiency washing machine and dryer from LG at Sears. A year and a half in, the machine has performed wonderfully. Although this model as been discontinued, the SteamWashers™ line has several models currently available. Boasting a capacity of 4.2 cubic feet, this washer fits large loads, as well as bulky blankets with ease.

Because of the lower water demand as compared to top loading and less efficient models, Denver Water was offering a $150 rebate on the purchase of the machine. Denver Water has renewed the rebate offer each of the last two years. For information on the 2010 version, click here.

According to LG’s website, “Our innovative SteamWashers™ reduce common allergens [including 95% of pet dander, dust mites] and wrinkles, using LG’s unique steam technology that refreshes and purifies with each cycle. With energy ratings 115% more efficient than the federal standard, SteamWashers™ save 8,000 gallons of water each year compared to traditional washers.”

The dryer – which looks nearly identical – has performed well during the same time. However it has not been as effective as the washing machine. While using an electric dryer is not the most energy efficient way to dry clothes (all hail the line dry), the LG model we purchased has received an energy star rating. We’ve noticed that the sensor, which is supposed to shut off the machine once it has determined if the clothes are dry, has not been 100% effective. In addition, the SteamFresh cycle – which intends to release wrinkles of five garments in 20 minutes – does not seem to be as effective as we had hoped. Perhaps reading the manual would help.

One claim from the manufacturer is that “This LG SteamDryer™ reduces wrinkles and odors in just one cycle, and virtually eliminates static cling. Your clothes will come out of the dryer fresh, pressed and ready to wear.” This reduces the need for dryer sheets. Although we still use them, we are looking at ways to eliminate the superfluous items. At a capacity of 7.3 cubic feet, the dryer is plenty large to fit bulky items that come out of the washer.

On the whole we have been pleased with the pair, which retailed for approximately $1299 each at Sears. As a side note, the retailer is offering up to 20% off selected Energy Star appliances through the end of the today, January 16th.

- Eric Wilson

[Image source: LG]

Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI Clean Diesel

My mother-in-law recently purchased a 4 door Volkswagen (VW) Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan. After 3,500 mi (~6,000km) I had the opportunity to drive it this past week in the less than ideal conditions of an icy Minnesota winter. Not being a northerner (I hail from sunny Southern California) I found the car to provide a smooth ride on the compacted snow and ice. With a six speed automatic transmission, the car shifts into gear at low RPM, furthering its gas sipping reputation. At highway speeds, the engine runs between 1800 & 2200 RPM, much lower than my four cylinder sedan.

According to VW’s website, the Jetta TDI (which retails for $22,660) has won several awards:

• Green Car of the Year (Green Car Journal, 2009)
• Best of the Year (MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Best Awards, 2009)
• Automotive Excellence Award (Popular Mechanics, 2009)
• Best Green Car (Autobytel Editors’ Choice Awards, 2009)
• Top Safety Pick (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2009)
• TDI engine ranked among Ward’s 10 Best Engines (2009)

As a nice perk, the car is rated at 30 miles per gallon city (with a +/-20% margin) and 42 mpg highway. When I asked my mother-in-law about the mileage she had been experiencing, she said that in the late summer/early fall when she purchased the car, it averaged in the mid-30s for miles per gallon. However, in the winter it had dropped – to the low 30s. We happened to fill-up the tank while I was driving. In approximately 9.5 gallons she had driven just over 350 miles (36.7mpg) during the heart of winter.

When I was pumping the gas, I noticed that a note on the door of the gas tank said “low sulfur” diesel only. Having grown up where dirty diesel emissions spewed from the tailpipe, I was glad to see diesel engines had come a long way. While filing up, we paid a premium for the diesel. It ran about $0.35 more per gallon than the lowest octane of unleaded. The blend though was 70/30, with 30% being comprised of biodiesel. Although 70% of the fuel derived from oil, the higher efficiency of the car as well as the significant portion of fuel from renewable sources combined to make the Jetta a powerful intermediate step on the road to a more sustainable mode of transportation. Interestingly, FuelEconomy.gov reports “Use of blends above B5 not yet warrantied by auto makers.” In an archived press release from 2006, VW states that “Volkswagen diesels have also been approved for use of B5 biodiesel fuel.”

Through the end of this calendar year, a limited number of vehicles qualify for a tax rebate from the government. Once the government’s quota for eligible vehicles has been met, the Internal Revenue Service will either decrease or discontinue the credit which was made available through the stimulus package signed early last year. In order to qualify, the vehicle must be purchased on or before December 31, 2010. For more information on which vehicles still qualify, check out the IRS’s website or FuelEconomy.gov.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: VW]

Kill A Watt EZ Energy Monitor

The other day I picked up the Kill A Watt EZ from Costco (mentioned in an earlier post for their recycling program with Gazelle) for $20. Being the type of person that doesn’t read instructions I ripped open the package and plugged the device into a three-pronged outlet. Unsure what to do next, I plugged a computer cord into the other side of the device (see the picture at right). It read 120.6 volts. Since I couldn’t figure out how to change it, I unplugged the device and read the instructions.

The Kill A Watt EZ allows the user to choose from several different settings, including kWh (for kilowatt hours), voltage, or cost – which depends on one’s electricity rate. One neat feature is the programmable electricity rate. Type in the rate you pay (ex. $0.10 per kWh) and the Kill A Watt will calculate the cost to power your device. This feature comes in particularly handy for devices that consume large amounts of electricity (such as flat panel TVs), especially when plugged in but not in use. In addition, when deciding whether or not a new appliance makes sense (and cents), use the Kill A Watt to determine the appliance’s electricity consumption.

While I’ve had the device for a few weeks, it has been more of a novelty. I’d like to use it with larger appliances, as well as the power strip that serves our entertainment center but that requires unplugging the strip and potentially losing any data.

Regardless of the device’s information, the status quo remains unless consumers take the extra step to assimilate the data garnered from the Kill A Watt EZ. The feedback provided by the device helps, but it cannot reduce consumption on its own. The only way to ensure savings for consumers is to go the extra step and either unplug appliances that draw power when not in use or reduce usage of devices that consume excessive amounts of electricity. Consumer behavior will change when information is accessible and economic benefits align.

- Eric Wilson

[Image Credit}

HP Officejet Pro 8500 All-in-one

Earlier this week I purchased a Hewlett-Packard Printer (HP Officejet Pro 8500). After seeing HP receive the number one ranking in Newsweek's inaugural Greenest Big Companies in America issue, combined with an instant $50 rebate offered by HP toward this model when recycling an older printer (from any company) at Staples, I decided to take the plunge. Researching the product online I found that it is Energy Star rated and has Staples' "Eco Easy" designation. This label indicates products that consume less energy when in use and have been shipped in less packaging than comparable units. Furthermore, the free recycling of an old printer, 2-sided printing, and a donation to CarbonFund.org to help offset emissions from the first three years of printing (based on average usage) are features that earned the HP the Eco Easy tag. In addition, this model purports to use approximately 50% less energy versus a comparable laser jet and it further reduces energy use by entering standby mode after a few minutes of inactivity.

On HP's website, the unit is listed with a price tag of $199.99 (originally $299.99). In addition, they are advertising $50 cash back when you buy an 8500 series printer. Coupled with the energy and paper savings from the 2-sided printing, the machine offers some fiscal and environmental benefits.

Reviews on HP's website have been mixed, although BusinessPundit.com gave it a generally favorable review. Thus far the all-in-one printer (which includes scanning, copying, and faxing options) has performed admirably, though it has been less than a week. The duplex unit allows us to print on both sides of the paper, reducing our need to buy and consume more paper. The long term durability and cost-effectiveness (namely having to replace cartridges) will be key to determining the value of the machine. However, so far, so good. If you have an HP product - Officejet or otherwise - with an Energy Star rating, let us know how it has performed for you.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: HP]

Paul Hawken’s The Ecology of Commerce

In his revolutionary 1993 book, The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability, Paul Hawken describes how companies and the country would benefit from taking a new approach to business. Hawken suggests that the climate in which businesses have operated cannot possibly continue. He points out the need for all products and energy sources to reflect their true cost. In order to achieve these goals, Hawken provides a wealth of ideas toward achieving sustainability.

In chapter four he delves into the necessity of a carbon tax in order to represent the entire lifecycle costs of fuels. Furthermore, Hawken states that the time has come for a restorative economy; what 2nd Green Revolution has referred to as the regenerative economy . In chapter nine he sets forth the following principles to serve as the foundation of sustainable businesses:

• Replace nationally and internationally produced items with products created locally or regionally. Hawken argues in favor of local economies that can reduce energy, and keep money within an economy. In addition, he believes that companies need to take responsibility for the effects they have on the natural world.
• Do not require exotic sources of capital in order to develop and grow. This rule (again formulated in 1993) speaks directly to the overleveraging of assets that led to the banking crises experienced last fall.
• Engage in production processes that are human, worthy, dignified, and intrinsically satisfying – which is the heart of social equity component of sustainable development.
• Create objects of durability and long-term utility whose ultimate use or disposition will not be harmful to future generations
• Change consumers to customers through education

Hawken’s argument can be boiled down to a manifesto that aims to reconnect businesses with their essential purpose: serving the needs of the customer. In order to do so society, must align itself with a set of values espoused in Japanese business where customers (not consumers) are treated deferentially. By gearing ones message to this constituent group, it is possible to create long term, restorative growth.

Check back tomorrow for more thoughts on Ecology of Commerce.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: PaulHawken.com]

Motorola’s Eco-Friendly W233 Renew

Going green is everywhere these days. I am certainly trying to do my part by using reusable shopping bags, recycling, riding my bike to work, and unplugging all of my appliances when they are not in use. That said, going green has meant making big changes in my lifestyle and learning how to live without some of the luxuries I was accustom to. Long hot showers, air conditioning, frozen dinners, and fancy cell phones…

I recently lost my Razor cell phone. My husband decided to purchase T-Mobile’s, Motorola W233 Renew, their new eco-friendly cell phone, because it was the cheapest phone available. I was delighted! At first, I loved the phone’s compact size, stylish green color, fun wallpaper pictures, and as always, it felt great being greener. Although the Renew has everything you need in a cell phone (you can make and receive phone calls), it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles I was used to in my old cell phone. For example,

• There isn’t a volume control button easily accessible.
• There isn’t a camera, but it does have mp3 capabilities.
• When you are texting it doesn’t finish your words for you.
• It doesn’t have any games to play when you are bored.

Although I have to admit that I miss my old phone, the above are things I can definitely live without. Cutting back is a mindset and even without these features, life is good. Plus, there are added bonuses like less cost. After all, I am certain Apple is already working on an eco-friendly iPhone.

By the way, here is a link to the “ecofacts” from Motorola with a few green design highlights:

1. It is produced without the use of asbestos, dioxins, CFCs, and other toxic chemicals (see yesterday’s post for more information)
2. All of Motorola’s new charges feature standby power rates of 0.1 watts, with some even lower.
3. Batteries contain no hazardous materials and are completely recyclable

- Angela Moriera

The Toyota Prius Hybrid- An Owner’s Assessment

by Guest Author Harold Manger

My evaluation of an automobile is similar to how I assess art: Do I continue to enjoy it over time? Two weeks after purchasing a 2009 Prius, the initial enthusiasm has not waned; it has deepened. The Prius is easy to drive, provides a smooth, comfortable ride, and has matched the manufacturer’s performance estimate of 45 miles per gallon. Both at high speeds (including 80+ miles per hour in a rush to the airport) and in stop and go Maryland-DC traffic, there is no diminution of responsiveness. The most pleasing aspect of driving the Prius is the satisfaction I get when stopped at a traffic light. While I hear other car engines running, there is absolute silence from the Prius’ combination gasoline engine and electric motor. Furthermore, there are no toxic exhaust fumes emanating from the car. It is virtually noise and air pollution free. I finally feel that I am making a tangible contribution to our environment. My only concern is why I waited so long before buying the Prius. – Harold A. Manger, Ph D