Kermit said it best: It’s not easy being green. If you want to shop more sustainably on an individual level, curbing impulse buys and repairing items you already own are good steps. Buying certified refurbished kitchen appliances, air purifiers, and electronics can help, too, plus save money.
“Manufacturing requires raw materials and uses energy and emits pollution. That’s why shopping pre-owned is usually better for the environment,” Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto told us last Earth Day.
“And buying a pre-owned device or appliance through a certified refurbished program makes so much sense, because you get the peace of mind that the machine has passed inspection for quality and safety and is often backed up by guarantees. You save money — often a lot of money — and you skip over that environmentally intensive manufacturing phase. It’s a win-win.”
Refurbishment programs vary, so always read the fine print to ensure an item is manufacturer-certified, backed by a warranty, and returnable if necessary. Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, we’ve saved you the time: These deals on refurbed Wirecutter picks make the cut.
