Buying a new appliance? Consider used or tested goods, available not only from companies, but also second-hand department stores, waste disposal companies and charities. — Photo: Zacharie Scheurer/dpa-tmn
You may be looking at buying a new appliance, say a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner or a set of speakers.
But you may not necessarily need a brand new device. Around 60% of electrical items dumped at German recycling centres are actually still fully functional, says Philip Heldt, an expert for resource protection at a consumer protection agency.
"This means that a lot is discarded even though it is not even broken. This is an enormous waste."
If you are aiming to buy a new household appliance, consider these five points:
For a number of appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, televisions and vacuum cleaners, they must be repairable under the European Union's Ecodesign Directive.
But not all devices can be easily repaired, as Germany's Environment Office points out. "The business models of most manufacturers are geared towards generating profits through the sale of new goods rather than through durable and repairable products," it says.
Michael Morys of German consumer goods testing service Stiftung Warentest, adds: "When devices do not last long or are quickly exchanged for others because the functions don't work, then this naturally is the opposite of sustainable."
So if you want to purchase a new appliance which spares resources - and ideally also won't cost you too much - check whether it can be easily repaired.
Wherever you are based, there may be a consumer test organization similar to Germany's Stiftung Warentest whose testing includes repairability among its criteria. This also requires that suppliers keep spare parts at affordable prices in store for a longer period, in case your device breaks down.
A further important factor is energy efficiency. "Often, energy-efficient devices are somewhat more expensive," Heldt says. "But it is indisputably so that the cost-savings from saving energy are greater than the higher purchase price, at least for larger appliances." So, regarding refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and such, it is worth buying the more energy-efficient appliance.
Heldt advises buyers to get household devices requiring electricity wires and plugs. "A battery is always a weak point. This means that this appliance will automatically fail after three to four years because the battery is broken." Especially in the kitchen, there are usually enough electric sockets to plug in devices.
We all use electrical household appliances every day, but thinking for the long term, ideally try and buy ones that can be repaired. — Photo: Andrea Warnecke/dpa-tmn
Especially when an appliance is broken and repairs are expensive, you can be tempted by special offers and promotional products. Heldt says you should beware of these. Very cheap appliances are also cheaply made. "There is a lack of eco-design or components are not made as robustly," he says. Cheap goods usually break down more quickly.
Those who nonetheless wish to, or must, save money, can do so. "Used household appliances are often much cheaper to acquire than new ones," says Morys. "Besides your wallet, the environment also profits from purchasing used items. If, through the purchase of a used device it means that one new device less gets produced, it spares resources."
It makes a difference if you buy from a dealer or a private person. "In contrast to private used-product purchases, a refurbished supplier promises that the devices have been professionally examined and refurbished," Morys says.
In this case, you can count on the devices functioning properly and lasting longer, Heldt says. But you must also pay for this added assurance since refurbished devices as a rule are more expensive than second-hand ones bought privately. Private sellers do not have to provide any guarantees while dealers are bound by the warranty obligation.
Used and tested goods are not only offered by specialist companies, but also by second-hand department stores, waste disposal companies and charity organizations.
"Well-known brands and price levels may be indicators for the value and durability, but the handling and use of a device is decisive for a long service life," says Germany's electrical and digital industry association ZVEI.
"As a consumer I can also prolong the life of my device by maintaining it well and following the manufacturer's recommendations," says Morys.
White goods - dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators - last between 12 and 15 years, according to Heldt. Some designs, especially in the premium segment, last even longer. A food processor can keep working as long as 30 years. – dpa
