Canadians are increasingly investing in energy and water saving household devices, including low-flow showerheads, low-volume toilets and energy efficient light bulbs, a recent Statistics Canada report suggests. But is this a case of ‘buyer beware?’

The Government of Manitoba may have a hand in the increased sales of these items. On Feb. 21, in conjunction with several city retailers, the province offered a $50 instant rebate on dual-flush toilets as part of WaterSmart Manitoba, the province’s water waste reduction program.

Dual-flush toilets provide the option of flushing with different amounts of water, at a maximum of six litres, compared to the standard 13.

The growing use of energy saving devices is encouraging, but not enough, said Josh Brandon, Living Green, Living Well co-ordinator for Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM).

“I think it’s a good first start, but it can only have the impact that we need if it’s followed up by regulations on a national level.”

Governments need to follow by setting carbon emission limits like those in the Kyoto Protocol.

Despite the benefits of sustainable options, trading-in your old appliances for new ones means the throwaways often end up in landfills.

“ I think it’s a good first start, but it can only have the impact that we need if it’s followed up by regulations on a national level.

Josh Brandon, Resource Conservation Manitoba

Manitoba lacks the recycling facilities to deal with the aluminum in appliances such as refrigerators, Brandon said.

He thinks companies should take responsibility for sustainably disposing of the products they sell at the end of their life cycle.

Eco-friendly outdoor equipment store Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) follows this philosophy.

“We understand that eventually the things we sell are going to wear out,” said Winnipeg store manager Ken Berg.

MEC provides a battery recycling drop-off station, the costs of which they absorb for the environment’s sake, Berg said.

They also collect and donate used climbing ropes to community organizations for art projects.

“We’re constantly looking for new ways for products to be re-used and recycled,” Berg said.

Despite last month’s toilet rebate blitz, Ron Brunette, owner of Winnipeg’s Phoenix Plumbing, isn’t seeing an increase in business.

“I know they’re selling them a lot, but who’s putting them in, I don’t know,” he said. “Honestly I thought I would get more calls for it.”

Though Brunette is all for water conservation, he is skeptical of calling low-flow toilets the ultimate solution.

The reduced water flow often causes them to plug up or have to be flushed twice, defeating the water-saving purpose.

“I don’t recommend them,” Brunette said.

He suggests simply lowering the water level in a regular tank.

RCM’s Brandon warns against running out to buy the newest environmental product without thinking things through.

“Definitely there are concerns with jumping onto things too quickly,” he said. “We need to take a precautionary approach.”

He feels that consumers should be made aware of health risks, such as possible skin cancer and mercury hazards from energy efficient light bulbs, through a mandatory labeling system.

Published in Volume 63, Number 23 of The Uniter (March 12, 2009)