b'pictures: courtesy of Fisher & Paykel and Applico GroupTake time to choose the right settingsdont just hit a set cycle button. Put it on soak rst. This will break up dirt particles, making the wash easier. You can then nish on a fast cycle. So, what should you be looking for when shopping for energy-efcient appliances? As well as having a good energy rating, the appliances you choose should take into consideration the specic needs of your household, says Mark. For example, smaller families should consider a smaller dishwasher. They should also maybe opt for a front-loading washing machine with a larger drum capacity and settings such as pre-soak. From large purchasing decisions to small changes in the way you use your appliances, every little bit helps! NATURALOn the road ECO-FRIENDLYFor some, the most fuel-efcient, non-polluting and eco-friendly way to get around is a push bike; for others, its public transport. For still others, its a hybrid car with bothCORK FLOORINGa petrol-powered engine and an electric motor, a combination that improves fuel economy and helps lower emissions. attractiveHowever, as an environmentally motivated car buyer, you may be concerned about warmswapping one problem for anotherare we creating a toxic nightmare when these resilientbatteries end up in landlls? Are these hybrid batteries the same as conventional quietlead acid batteries, which are lled with nasty, corrosive, carcinogenic ooze? 22 RESENE colours in No, theyre not, says Steven Pollard of The Clean Green Car Company. The toxicthe rangelevels of nickel metal batteriesthe type hybrids useare much lower. And while custom colours availablethe challenge of recycling is some years away yet, the major car manufacturers are prepared.Cork Supplies LtdEvery part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel case09 443 3134and the wiring, can be recycled, says Pollard.sales@corksupplies.co.nzAnd each battery carries as a toll-free number to call for disposal advice. Toyota offerswww.corkconcepts.coma $200 bounty to ensure theirs are returned to the company for recycling. And Honda will collect the battery and transfer it to a preferred recycler.And in the future? Lithium-ion batteries look set to replace the nickel-metal hybrid battery in the third-generation Toyota Prius due to be launched in a year or so.'