When investing in large household, appliances and fixtures, use the government's Energy and Water Ratings (Stars) to guide you to the most efficient, and save money at the same time as you conserve energy and water.

The cost of energy and water is rising, the effect of pollution increasing. In the house it is those large appliances, the fridge, clothes and dish washing machines, and fixtures (toilets, taps and showers) in daily use that consume the bulk of our household energy and water.

The federal government's water rating site notes that replacing an old-style single-flush toilet with a water-efficient dual flush system will reduce household water use by around 1000 litres per year, as well as saving $50 per annum over the life of the system.

Similarly, the product comparison charts in the federal government's Energy Rating site shows that the difference in the ongoing operating costs between an average family fridge (two-door, 300+ litre volume) with an Energy Star Rating of 2½ and a similar fridge with an Energy Star Rating of 5 (out of 6) is between $750 and $1000 over a 15 year period, depending on use and the cost of electricity.

So think medium term and invest more now to get the most efficient appliance and fixture. You'll reap the environmental and financial benefits for years to come.

Do it now!

When you're in the market for large appliances and fixtures use the Star labels to inform your understanding of the operating costs of your home.

Energy and water ratings and consumption measures - Both the Water and Energy Rating systems use a combination of a 6-star rating system and a energy/water consumption estimate to inform you of the efficiency of the appliance or fixture.

Energy labelling - It is mandatory for all of the following electrical products sold in Australia to have an approved Energy label

• refrigerators and freezers
• washing machines
• clothes dryers
• dishwashers
• air conditioners (single phase mandatory, three phase voluntary)

A energy use comparison table of all the products in the above categories is available, with more information about the energy labelling system, on the Energy Rating site.

Water labelling - It is mandatory for all of the following water products sold in Australia to have an approved Water label:

• showers
• tap equipment
• flow controllers
• toilet (lavatory) equipment
• urinal equipment
• washing machines
• dishwashers

A water use comparison table of all the products in the above categories is available, with more information about the water labelling system, on the Water Rating site.

Rebates from water saving - The Smart Watermark site lists the state and/or local government rebate programs available in your area for the installation of certain water saving fixtures and water tanks.

Push to have the energy and water labelling programs expanded - Both the above rating programs don't cover the full range of products available. Write and request that these programs apply energy labels to products such as televisions, home entertainment centres and the like as soon as possible. In addition, requesting that the current labels are extended to indicate the embedded energy and water of a product (ie the energy and water required to manufacture the product), which would enable you to view the full environmental impact of your purchase.

Why this action is important

In order for humans to establish a sustainable civilisation we must mimic and aspire to the efficiencies found in nature. This action is intended to help people understand the win-win nature of efficiency and to assess technology and behaviours in terms of their long-term returns (financial, environmental and intergenerational).