Which appliance is not considered GREEN?

• A. Refrigerator
• B. Garbage disposal
• C. Dishwasher
• D. Water heater

Answer: (B)

Think about green choices as those that minimize energy and water use and reduce the load on waste and treatment systems. A garbage disposal fits in that it requires electricity to grind food waste and then pushes a lot of organic material into the municipal sewer. That increases the energy and resources needed to treat wastewater, and can raise emissions and environmental impact downstream. Composting food scraps or otherwise diverting them from the sewer is a greener option.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, and modern water heaters can be very efficient with current technology. Energy-efficient models use less electricity or water per use, and when operated with full loads and proper settings, they tend to have a smaller environmental footprint than older, less efficient counterparts. That’s why the appliance not considered green in this context is the garbage disposal.