Washing Machines

How to Screw the Environment with Washing Machines:

"Buy a poorly performing machine and use it badly "

What does that mean?

Washing Machines have several environmental impacts:

1. They use a lot of water
2. They use power to heat that water
3. They use power to complete wash & spin cycles
4. Badly spun clothes take longer to dry

Poorly performing washing machines, used badly, can be a great way to Screw the Environment.

What to look for in a Washing Machine:

Warning! Washing machines that meet the following criteria won't have anywhere near the impact on the environment that an old machine will have:

  • Energy consumption rating of class A or better (machine must use less than or equal to 0.17 kWh/kg of washing)
  • Spin drying efficiency: class A or B
  • Washing performance: class A or B
  • Water consumption <= 12 litres per kilogram of washing
  • Volume or weight related markings on the detergent dispenser to limit the chance of using too much detergent
  • The machine (and handbook) must be clearly marked for the best way of using it, for example through choosing energy saving programmes;
  • Plastic part heavier than 25g must not contain certain flame retardants or substances classified as carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or dangerous for the environment. Plastic parts heavier than 50g: must identify the material used to facilitate recycling
  • The manufacturer must have made arrangements for the take-back or recycling of the machine at the end of its life without further cost.

You have been warned.

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