Energy Star..HELP!

Energy Star Appliances are definitely a great place to start reducing costs. Whether it be out of the electrical outlet, the water meter, or just your wallet. As with most of our green projects around the house, individually they appear to be insignificant. I started monitoring my electrical, gas and water usage when I bought my most recent house, roughly 3 years ago. With each new project, I tried to stay focused on saving energy with whatever I was replacing/upgrading. It has taken some time to see the savings trend but it is becoming overwhelmingly apparent as time goes on.

---If you wish to improve, you must be content with being thought foolish and stupid.

The energy star is definitely something you should look for, but it's not enough. Computers and other electronic appliances are often full of toxic elements that do a lot of damage. Look at the Greenpeace ranking guide for more details:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/guide-greener-electronics -8...
(Greenpeace is funded only by individual, and therefore has no vested interest in seeing one brand raking higher than another. This study is as independent as they get).

According to their website,

"ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models."

But of course they can say anything I guess. I only energy start washer and dryers because all of my other appliances are old, but still good. However, I do like that my washer doesn't use nearly as much water as my old one. With two kids, I do a lot of laundry and my water bills were much less after I got the washer and installed low flow showers heads. (and just became aware of water usage.

And, sure it could be considered green marketing, but appliances that use less energy and water are great considering that we waste so much of those resources. So even if it is green washing, its doing better for the environment and saving us money.