Earth-friendly appliances
What distinguishes a frontload from a traditional top-load washing machine? Apart from the obvious design features, the difference is in liters of water saved. Test results conducted by Electrolux show that using a frontload washing machine can save approximately 60 liters of water per wash. In a prolonged dry spell such as we are experiencing now, the water savings are much appreciated because every conserved liter counts.
More than ever, we recognize that water is precious. The drought in some regions of the Philippines has lessened the sustainability of farmlands and threatens food production. Low water levels negatively affect the generation of hydroelectric power and cloud seeding has done little to alleviate the prolonged dry season. The problem has become so worrisome that bishops of the Catholic Church have appealed for divine intercession for rain. Without succor, we risk the inconvenience of power outages and the discomfort of dry taps. And thus, the effects of climate change cannot be ignored and everyone is encouraged to do his share.
Appliances account for about 20 percent of an average household’s energy consumption and cumulative careless use can have negative effects on environment. By replacing your energy-thirsty appliances with more efficient alternatives, you do more than just save money on utility bills. Reduced demand from energy generation systems means less carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. Since various studies show that around 80 percent of the energy impact occurs during the user phase, you can significantly lessen your carbon footprint as you go about your daily chores by consciously opting for more efficient appliances.
Electrolux, a global leader in home appliances and appliances for professional use, is at the forefront of designing energy-efficient appliances. Aside from the frontload washing machines that use up less water, Electrolux refrigerators are a cost-effective alternative. “Our refrigerators are energy-efficient, as confirmed by the Bureau of Product Standards,” says Electrolux Philippines marketing manager Dexter Ngo. “The higher energy efficiency factor (EEF) translates to less electricity consumed compared to similar models of the competitor.” Of course, Electrolux refrigerators are chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) free. To promote clean interior environments, he mentions that the current model of vacuum cleaners incorporates a High Energy Particulate System to promote extensive health and sanitary benefits.
The bonus is that the company’s efficient appliances look good as well. With a long-standing tradition of leading design management, Electrolux products hold a series of design awards for excellence such as several Industrieform (IF) design awards, Red Dot Awards (Germany), Comapasso d’oro (Italy), Janus de l’industrie (France), the ID Magazine Award (USA) and the prestigious Chicago Good Design Award. Excellent design has been a tradition for the company since 1919 when the company was first put up, and famous design luminaries have worked with the company such as Peter Behrens (founding member of the Bauhaus movement), Raymond Loewy (Studebaker designer who also designed the interior of NASA’s Skylab space station), Sixten Sason (worked with automaker Saab, and with Victor Hasselblad created the first Hasselblad camera) and Hugo Lindstrom (pioneer of Swedish industrial design). Currently, the head of global design for Electrolux Group is Henrik Otto, who moved to the company from Volvo Cars in 2004.
However, the company remains true to its goal of being a “thoughtful design innovator.” By creating products designed around careful observations of human behavior and by paying attention to their customers’ insights, the company is able to make easy-to-operate appliances that ease stress and make people’s lives better. “Every product brought to the market has a story behind it of customer research, development and testing,” explains Dexter Ngo. A sustainable future is important to Electolux, and the company remains true to its brand promise “Thinking of you” as it continues to innovate and develop energy-efficient products to address worldwide concerns on climate change.
