The Three “R’s”: Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle

Most consumers aren't aware that many appliances can be harmful to the environment when disposed of improperly. Disposal of appliances should always be the last resort. The best choices would be to repair, resell, or find an authorized recycling center for your old appliances.

Reduce or Re-use waste

Instead of throwing away used appliances, see if there is someone else who could use them. Consider donating your goods to charity, gifting them to family or friends, or selling them on a website like craigslist.

Repair

Repairing an old appliance can keep it out of the junk yard. Environmental impacts may be reduced if you repair instead of recycling or just junking the old unit. Many times someone will take a used appliance off your hands to repair it instead of buying a new one.

Recycle

By far, recycling is the best option to dispose of an old appliance or electronic, if you are not repairing or finding a new home for your goods. Orsini’s has an on-site recycling container for most appliances. We even have an agreement with a handful of companies for free recycling of their products.

Tips for Energy Conservation

The Natural Resources Defense Counsel (NRDC) has some simple steps for making your life a little greener:

Unplug electronics and appliances when they are not in-use. To make it easier, try using a surge protector or power strip that has an on/off switch. That will make turning your appliances on and off. When appliances are plugged in, even if they are not "on" they can still consume the energy of a 75-100 watt light bulb running constantly.

Save energy by turning your computer off or put it in stand-by or hibernate mode. Computer hibernation is the best way to conserve energy with your computer. Starting it when it is completely off uses more power than start up from a hibernation state.

Rechargeable batteries are a great way to cut down on waste. If you are able to recharge batteries, you won't be recycling or throwing away as much waste.
Setting your refrigerator to between 38-42 degrees Fahrenheit and freezer to 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit will save energy too. It's always best to use any energy-save options on appliances; they will conserve the most energy.

Appliances like ovens can use a lot of energy. If you keep the door closed for the length of the time that you are cooking, heat stays in and uses less energy to stay heated.

Microwaves are a way to cut down energy consumption. If you reheat and cook small meals with a microwave you won't have to use the energy it takes to heat an entire oven.

Use dishwashers on their short cycle for full loads. Turn the washer off during the dry cycle.

Remember when using your washer and dryer there are ways to save energy too. Set the water to cold. If you have a small load, set the water to small. Dryers should always have a clean lint tray. Don't add wet clothes to those that are mostly dry. Contact us to find out about New High Efficient Washers & Dryers to reduce even more energy consumption.

Always turn lights off in rooms that are not in use. Think twice before printing, and when ever possible recycle!