Comments on: I bought a used washer and dryer with a clear conscience

By: LeanLifeCoach

LeanLifeCoach — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:28:24 +0000

More power to you!

Last year I needed a new desktop for a shop project. I had never bought used electronics but considered it only because this PC would get limited use. $99 for a refurbished PC and a 1 year warranty! I’ll never buy new again!

By: david @ MBA briefs

david @ MBA briefs — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:57:51 +0000

Good point, most people forget about the second R but that’s the one I’ve been doing my entire life. And by reusing appliances your payback will be much better. It may not be as convenient or pretty as a brand new one but yours will be paid for in no time.

By: Bucksome

Bucksome — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:06:36 +0000

I just bought a used dryer on Monday to replace our dying one. It’s a win-win. I kept a machine out of the landfill and saved money on the purchase.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:41:21 +0000

I think going used is a good route, especially since people often get rid of appliances just because they don’t like the color or style. You might be able to find something that’s pretty much brand new and efficient that way.

By: mbhunter

mbhunter — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:45:31 +0000

First Step: Water usage is a good point, but we have a flat usage fee that gives us so many gallons per month that we’ve never cracked it. Saving money on water isn’t a concern for us at the moment. (Thank you for the state links!)

mapgirl: Right, there are different considerations for rentals. The ones we bought were for ourselves, and (frankly) we didn’t have a whole lot of time to get them.

By: mapgirl

mapgirl — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:11:55 +0000

First Step there is a little overzealous. Three times? eek.

I think reusing an older machine is fine. I struggled with the same idea when I had to buy a dishwasher for my condo rental. I ended up getting a new one since the price on a used DW wasn’t enough to make it worthwhile in balance with value in the condo.

I don’t think people realize all the chemical inputs that go into manufacturing. Dyeing clothing, volatilizing plastics, contaminated effluent, etc. It’s really hard to balance a green lifestyle between the upfront energy cost of manufacturing vs over the lifetime of the appliance. Thanks for raising the issue!

By: First Step

First Step — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:59:32 +0000

I think you’re overlooking the real reason that the “efficient” washers are better for the environment–much lower water usage. If you live in an area where water is scarce and/or expensive, you will recoup the cost of the more expensive washer very quickly. We bought the $1000 washer 6 years ago when we moved to an area where water cost more than twice what we had been paying. On water savings alone, we recouped the cost of the washer in about 3 years. Our washer uses less than 10 gallons per load versus 40 for the previous model.

Since water is becoming scarce in more and more areas, expect to see more incentives to get the old style washers out of use.

Federal money for rebates is being released to the states this spring. Check out this site to see what is eligible in your state.

http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html

Most of my relatives live in NC and VA, and clothes washers are on the list in both states.