Lissa Guilbault from Val-David, QC writes:
I have two questions for which I hope you can shed some light.
1. My fridge is over 10 years old and needs some taking care of. Is it better for the environment that I have it repaired and keep it for as long as I can? Or that I take the deal offered by Hydro-Québec (they come and pick up any fridge that’s 10 years+ and give you $60 for it) and buy a less energy hungry appliance?
2. I have a bit of money in RRSP’s. Where do I start looking to have them transferred to greener investments?
Ryan from the David Suzuki Foundation Climate Change Program replies:
There have been significant advances in the energy efficiency of household appliances in recent years. While in many cases we strongly support reusing (or repairing) rather than purchasing new items, the efficiency of new appliances is so much greater than older models that I would recommend taking Hydro-Québec’s deal and purchase a new fridge.
Natural Resources Canada offers buying and operating tips for refrigerators. They do not show what further progress has been made in the last five years but from 1990 to 2004 the average annual energy consumption for a refrigerator fell from 1044kWh per year to only 465.
Be sure to choose an Energy Star qualified model which ensures that the product meets high energy efficiency standards.
As for transferring savings to "green" investments, here is Corporate Knights’ list of top ethical investment funds:
Corporate Knights is a Canadian magazine for responsible business. You can learn more about these funds by going to their websites.
