Buy, maintain, and repair durable products

We create garbage when we throw a broken or worn-out item away, but that's not the only impact the things we buy have on the environment. The manufacture and transportation of our goods are sometimes just as important as the use and disposal of those goods. A 2005 study found that 58% of the energy "used" by a personal computer occurs before a customer buys it.

When you make a purchase, look for high-quality items. Take care of your goods – you’ve invested in them, after all!

• Select energy-efficient appliances and electronic equipment with good warranties and service contracts. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. You can also check consumer publications for articles on products with a record of high consumer satisfaction, good value, and good repair records.
• Keep appliances in good working order. Follow manufacturers’ suggestions for proper operation and maintenance. Manufacturers’ service departments may have toll-free numbers; phone toll-free directory assistance at 800-555-1212 to find out.
• Purchase items that are designed to be updated or improved.
• Before throwing a product away, check into repair and warranty options. This is often less expensive and more energy efficient than buying a new replacement.

Sometimes we don’t need our durable products any more, but they are still useful. Live green by buying and selling used products. Minnesota has a great network of consignment shops and online reuse networks that you can learn about on the reuse page.