As Earth Day approaches, now is a great time to evaluate our shopping habits and make more environmentally-friendly choices. In today’s world, being an eco-conscious consumer goes beyond just recycling. It’s also about actively seeking out brands and products that prioritize sustainability and minimize their environmental impact. From innovative appliance manufacturers to forward-thinking sustainable tech brands, a growing number of companies are stepping up to the plate, offering solutions that allow us to reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or performance. Let’s take a look at some of Abt’s favorite sustainable tech brands and products and how these companies work to go green.
LG: Leading the Charge Towards a Greener Tomorrow
LG has cemented its position as an industry leader in sustainability, being named the most sustainable home appliance brand in 2023 by the Green Builder Sustainable Brand Index. The company’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility was further recognized when it was named a 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LG’s ENERGY STAR-certified washers, dryers and dishwashers purchased by American consumers in the past year alone are expected to save about 35 billion gallons of water over their product life — enough to fill 53,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Moreover, LG’s “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2022” refrigerators, washers, dryers, room air conditioners and computer monitors are projected to save over 482 million pounds of CO2 emissions during their lifetime.
But LG’s sustainability efforts don’t stop there. The company is working relentlessly towards achieving carbon neutrality by cutting emissions from its operations through highly efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, fleet electrification, carbon offset projects and innovative product recycling initiatives. By seamlessly integrating innovation and sustainability, LG is paving the way for a brighter, greener future.
Miele: Sustainability Through Green Manufacturing
Renowned for its premium home and commercial appliances, Miele is a brand that truly shines when it comes to environmental responsibility. The company’s focus on sustainability starts right from the manufacturing process, where they strive to minimize their environmental impact through the use of recycled materials and optimized transportation logistics. In a remarkable achievement, Miele has successfully attained carbon neutrality across all of its facilities.
Taking their sustainability efforts a step further, the company has partnered with Salzgitter AG to source green steel for its appliances. This innovative steel is produced using eco-friendly energy sources and steel scraps, enabling Miele to reduce waste and slash its carbon emissions from manufacturing by an additional 66%. The company also prioritizes the use of highly recyclable materials whenever possible, increasing the recycling rate of its appliances and promoting a closed-loop system. Furthermore, Miele optimizes its service vehicle routes to reduce travel time and emissions, leaving no stone unturned in its quest for a greener future.
Smeg: Stylish and Sustainable Kitchen Appliances
When it comes to combining style and sustainability, Smeg is a brand that truly shines. Offering a wide range of eco-friendly products, Smeg prioritizes the use of sustainable materials and energy-saving technologies, all while maintaining its signature retro aesthetics. One of Smeg’s key initiatives is the reduction of plastic use in its products. The majority of Smeg’s appliances are crafted from highly recyclable materials such as glass, steel, brass and aluminum. Additionally, their small appliances are made from Tritan™ Renew, a recycled plastic material, further promoting a circular economy and reducing waste generated from appliance disposal.
Smeg doesn’t stop at just using sustainable materials — the brand also employs a “smart packaging” design that aims to reduce unnecessary layers of packaging while making sure their products stay safe during shipment. This forward-thinking approach helps minimize packaging waste, further solidifying Smeg’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Moreover, Smeg’s cooking appliances are equipped with energy-saving technology that makes them a remarkable 25% more efficient compared to standard cooking appliances on the market. So, not only can you infuse your kitchen with Smeg’s iconic style, but you can do so while contributing to a greener planet.
Nimble: Tech Gear Born from Nature and Recycled Electronics
Nimble has taken a truly innovative approach to creating sustainable tech gear that not only performs exceptionally but also prioritizes sustainability. With a little help from Mother Nature and reclaimed recycled electronics, the team at Nimble has crafted a catalog of sustainable tech products that are gentle on the environment without compromising quality or durability. Explore Nimble’s range of phone cases, cables, and other sustainable tech accessories made from certified recycled plastic, such as their phone case made entirely from recycled CDs or their braided cell phone cables crafted from former water bottles and aluminum cans. Some of their products even incorporate bioplastics, further reducing their reliance on non-renewable resources. What sets Nimble apart is their commitment to designing products that last longer than typical consumer tech, ultimately reducing e-waste in the long run.
When it comes to packaging, Nimble goes the extra mile by using biodegradable scrap paper pulp instead of plastic, ensuring a truly eco-friendly unboxing experience. The brand has pledged to become e-waste neutral within a year by implementing a one-to-one e-waste recycling initiative. Each Nimble product also comes with a bag for customers to fill with their unwanted tech, whether it’s old headphones, an MP3 player or an ancient GPS device. Nimble pays for the packaging and postage, making it easier than ever for consumers to responsibly dispose of their e-waste.
In addition to these forward-thinking brands, we want to showcase a few of our favorite eco-friendly products as well. Take a look at how the following products are made with sustainable materials, eco-friendly packaging and more.
JBL GO 3 Eco Bluetooth Speaker: Portable Audio, Sustainable Design
For music lovers who value both audio quality and environmental responsibility, the JBL GO 3 Eco Speaker is a must-have. This Bluetooth speaker boasts a bold, eye-catching design that’s not just stylish but also eco-friendly, with up to 90% of its body made from post-consumer recycled plastic and a speaker grille wrapped in 100% recycled fabric. But the JBL GO 3 Eco isn’t just a pretty face. It delivers the same rich, immersive JBL Original Pro Sound that the brand is known for. With a waterproof and dustproof design, as well as an integrated loop for easy portability, this compact speaker is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, beach days or any occasion where you want to enjoy your favorite music.
Thule Aion: Sustainable Backpacks for the Eco-Conscious Traveler
Thule, a brand synonymous with high-quality outdoor gear, has taken a bold step towards sustainability with their Aion collection of backpacks. The Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack exemplifies the brand’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint without sacrificing functionality or durability. Crafted from 100% recycled materials, including a rugged and water-resistant waxed canvas fabric that develops character over time, this backpack is a true testament to the principles of a circular economy. This multifunctional backpack not only expands from a day pack to a travel backpack for added storage capacity but also features a convenient divider to separate your everyday essentials from your active gear.
The Power of Energy Star Certified Appliances
While shopping for sustainable brands is an excellent step towards reducing your environmental impact, it’s also crucial to consider the energy efficiency of the appliances and electronics you purchase. This is where Energy Star-certified products come into play. Energy Star is a trusted certification program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. To earn the Energy Star label, products must meet strict criteria that are set well above the minimum federal standards. This ensures that Energy Star-certified appliances, electronics and other products not only deliver the features and performance you expect but also consume less energy, saving you money on utility bills while protecting the environment.
For example, qualified Energy Star refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than standard models, while Energy Star-certified TVs consume a mere 3 watts or less when switched off, compared to an average of 6 watts for non-certified TVs. Office equipment that bears the Energy Star label automatically enters “sleep” mode during periods of inactivity, further reducing energy consumption. By choosing Energy Star-certified products from Abt, you’re doing your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These appliances and electronics are designed to be kinder to the planet without compromising on quality or functionality, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Join Abt to Create a Greener Future
As we strive to build a more sustainable future, it’s great to see brands like LG, Miele, Smeg, Nimble, JBL and Thule leading the charge towards greater environmental responsibility. From manufacturing processes to the use of recycled materials and energy-saving technologies, these brands are paving the way for a greener tomorrow. At Abt, we are proud to partner with these brands, offering our customers the opportunity to make eco-conscious choices without sacrificing quality or performance. Together, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others to follow suit, fostering a more eco-friendly future for generations to come. Explore Abt’s collection of sustainable tech brands and Energy Star-certified appliances today. You can also check out how we work to lower our carbon footprint at Abt. Join us to promote a more responsible way of living, and let’s pave the way for a sustainable future together.
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