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A cool green option: $30 for extra refrigerators

Print | Comments () Posted by Beth Daley June 4, 2009 11:08 AM

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By Beth Daley, Globe Staff

That extra freezer or refrigerator humming in your garage or basement is probably an energy hog.

Can you live with just one?

Older refrigerators – and most extra units in homes are older – can use more than three times the energy of newer models sold after 2001. And if my family is any indication, there might only be a few frozen pizzas and last year’s left over birthday cake in them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are about 23 million secondary freezers or refrigerators operating in the country.

Now, as part of an energy efficiency effort by National Grid, someone will come to Massachusetts and Rhode Island customers’ homes and take extra refrigerators and freezers away – and hand you $30 for the privilege.

A new JACO Environmental recycling facility in Franklin, MA will recycle about 95 percent of the material in the units and safely dispose of any chemicals and ozone-depleting substances them.

It seems to be a win-win situation on many levels.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates removing a secondary refrigerator can save a household over $100 a year. Add to that of course, the reduction in greenhouse gases and the permanent removal of toxins in the appliances.

“It works for the planet, it works for your wallet and it works for conserving our precious resources,” said Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for JACO. His company says most consumers don’t realize that the money that they spend by buying refrigerated or frozen goods in volume is wasted on the cost of storage.

Here’s how it works: Figure out if you can live without your extra freezer or refrigerator. Make sure it is working. Up to two freezers or refrigerators in a household in Massachusetts or Rhode Island are eligible.

Then National Grid customers should call 1-877-545-4113 or go to www.coolturnin.com.