Gabrielle Stocker's concern about water use led to her purchase of this front-loading machine. Water-wise members get washing machine rebates by Debbie Bulger Local Sierra Club members have cut down on their water use by replacing their worn out clothes washers with water-efficient front-loading models. Not only are they helping the environment, they received cash rebates for their wise choices. Gabrielle Stocker of Santa Cruz appreciates the advantages of her Frigidaire washing machine purchased in 2000. “I’m concerned about water usage,” Stocker admits. “This washer uses a lot less water than my old machine.” To illustrate this fact, the appliance store sent her six free cases of bottled water! “The washer not only uses less water,” Stocker enthused, “it uses less soap because of its lower water level. And it’s really quiet.”   "Our water bill has definitely gown down," report Peter and Celia Scot   Peter and Celia Scott, also of Santa Cruz, purchased their new washing machine, a Miele, in 2001. “Our water bill has definitely gone down,” reported Celia Scott. “And we got a $100 rebate from the city.” The Scotts particularly like the gentle tumbling action of a front-loading machine. Unlike top-loading machines which agitate the clothes back and forth, front-loading machines do not beat the clothes to death. “It’s gentle enough for sweaters,” Celia noted. Since the Miele is a European brand, the Scotts had to install a 220-volt outlet to run their machine. Both the Scotts and Stocker bought their machines at local appliance stores. Buying a front-loading washing machine can reduce water use in the average household by 5,000 gallons or more a year. And, it’s not just the water the householder saves. Using less water means that less energy is needed to heat the water. In a 1997 U.S. Department of Energy study of front-loading washers, residents of Bern, Kansas (population 200) reduced water use by 38% and energy use by 58%. A household of four does approximately 400 loads of wash a year. Top-loading washers use on average 40 or more gallons of water per load. Front-loading washers use about half that amount. Front-loading washers are reviewed in the July 1998 issue of Consumer Reports. Although the purchase price of a front-loading washing machine is more than the cost of a conventional one, rebates offer incentives to make the switch. In addition, the savings accrued from reduced operating costs can be considerable. And the knowledge that you are saving precious water and energy and protecting the environment are priceless. [ top of page ]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]