PRESS RELEASE: Joint Venture Takes Action to Encourage Greener Future

July 3rd, 2012

Environment, Energy & Water Saving Promotions

03 July: Appliances Online, Australia’s largest online retailer for whitegoods and appliances, and Electrolux have joined with the 1 Million Women charity to take action against climate change and encourage Australians to make practical changes to live more sustainably.

Founded in 2009, 1 Million Women is a national movement of women and girls committed to addressing climate change. It aims to raise awareness for how Australian women can cut pollution from their daily lives and act as powerful voices for change.

As part of the venture, 1 Million Women, Appliances Online and Electrolux will give away an energy-efficient fridge every Thursday in July through a Facebook initiative to raise awareness for 1 Million Women.

Peter Harris, General Manager of Appliances Online, hopes the venture will raise awareness about the benefits of energy-efficient appliances and encourage consumers to take action to live more sustainably.

“Lower priced products are consistently chosen ahead of green products by shoppers on AppliancesOnline.com.au indicating there may be a lack of consumer information about the long-term running costs of products.

“Electrical appliances represent around 30% of a household’s energy use[1]. Investing in environmentally friendly products can save families money on bills down the track. Many Australians aren’t aware that older fridges are some of the worst energy-wasting appliances commonly found in our homes and can dramatically run up electricity bills.

“Replacing a 10 year-old fridge with a new 4.5 star energy-rated model can halve the amount of electricity your fridge uses in a year saving you around $145[2]. As part of Appliances Online service we will recycle all old fridges free of charge,” said Mr Harris.

John Brown, Electrolux Home Products Managing Director, encourages Australians to research appliances carefully before rushing into purchasing a new or replacement item, “At Electrolux, we define ourselves as thoughtful design innovators and address the impacts of manufacturing, product use and recycling and reuse of materials. We’re constantly striving to produce appliances that are more intuitive and energy efficient,” said Mr Brown.

Natalie Isaacs, founder and CEO of 1 Million Women said: “We’re thrilled Appliances Online and Electrolux have come on board to help Australians gain the right knowledge to cut their energy consumption. Over 80% of Australian electricity comes from burning coal, which means on average for every $1 of electricity we about 4kg of pollution is produced. If families are diligent in keeping unnecessary appliances completely switched off households could save 800kg of pollution each year,” said Ms Isaacs.

Prominent women associated with 1 Million Women include Katie Noonan, Melinda Schneider, Margaret Fulton, Layne Beachley, Noni Hazlehurst and Teri Irwin. Ms Isaacs encourages more women to join the campaign and take on the mission to cut one tonne of carbon pollution from their lives over the next 12 months: “We’re asking you to make a personal goal to cut one tonne of carbon from your life within a year of joining. It’s easy and with the help of Appliances Online we’ve put together the below tips to show you how.”

Tips to cut 1 tonne of carbon from your life

1.   Invest in energy-efficient appliances

The star rating gives a quick comparative assessment of the model’s energy efficiency, and should provide an estimate of the annual energy consumption of the appliance. A five star water rating can help you save 21,000 litres of water a year[3] – that’s a heap of money saved on water bills.

2.   Switch appliances off at the power point

Appliances that are thought to be off but are actually on stand-by mode can account for up to 10% of a household’s electricity bill[4]. Believe it or not, microwaves can use more energy in a day keeping the clock display running than it can during a short period of cooking!

3.   Wash clothes in cold water

By washing clothes in cold water you can save around 400kg of CO2 pollution and $30 per year[5]

4.   Recycle your second fridge

Recycling your second fridge or freezer can save over 1 tonne of CO2 solution and $265 per year[5]

5.   Tone down the TV

Reduce the brightness on your television screen to cut its energy use by as much as 30 percent[5]. Newer televisions have multiple screen settings and options that can affect their power consumption. Set your television to the “home” or “standard” setting, to help use less energy.

6.   Set your heating a few degrees cooler

By setting your heater or heating system just a few degrees cooler you can save at least 600kg of CO2 pollution and $150 per year[5]

Join 1 Million in living a more sustainable future at www.1millionwomen.com.au and click here to learn about more energy saving tips from 1 Million Women.

[1] Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Your Home Technical Manual 4th Edition

[2] NSW Government, Office of Environment & Heritage, Save Power – Refrigeration Fact Sheet.

[3] State Government Victoria, Washers & dryers

[4] NSW Government, Office of Environment & Heritage, Save Power – Reach for the power point.

[5] 1 Million women, Our Power to change