Next-Generation Appliances from Europe

If you're building a new home, upgrading to EnergyStar appliances is standard practice in this day and age. But why not take it one step further, and shop for appliances on the bleeding-edge of the technological frontier--Europe, that is? Conservationists from a-way back, Europeans are decidedly ahead of the curve when it comes to energy saving household appliances.

Bosch has announced two new lines of dishwashers that it claims are the quietest and most energy-efficient in the country. We like the sound of that--or rather, the lack of sound.

Or how about a detergentless washing machine? According to the FreshHome blog, the Haier WashH20 "works by breaking water molecules into its OH- and H=+ ions components. OH- acts as the cleaning agent by attracting and retaining stains while the H+ ions sterilizes the clothes." It's currently available only in Europe, but hopefully not for long.

In the meantime, why not make do with an EcoBalls Wash Kit, good for 1000 washes, or more exotically, use Sopods Soap Nuts, both British products available from Nigel's Eco Store.

Then try out this low-tech solar and wind-powered clothes drying apparatus: the whimsical Alberto clothesline--perhaps the most energy-saving appliance of all!