1931 Refrigerators Win Focus on Energy's Oldest Fridge Contest

MADISON, Wis., Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is proud to announce the winners of the Oldest Fridge Contest, promoting the state's Appliance Recycling Program.  Three 1931 General Electric (GE) refrigerators tied in this year's contest, all earning the title of Wisconsin's Oldest Fridge.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130110/CG40562LOGO)

The winning Wisconsin residents live in Hartland, Nashotah and Middleton.  In addition to the $50 incentive that all participants receive for recycling their old appliance, the contest winners also receive a $1,000 prize for turning in the oldest refrigerators for recycling. 

Middleton resident Mary Walgenbach's 1931 GE refrigerator was a gift to the monastery where she resides, and has been used to store water and equine medications for a summer camp teaching girls how to ride horses. 

"I usually try to read and stay abreast of energy efficiency topics and I wondered how our old fridge was," said Walgenbach said.  "We want to be good stewards of our energy."

The antique refrigerator belonging to Sue Gilmore of Hartland was a gift to her son when he was in college and was then moved to the family barn.  Gilmore decided to not only recycle the 1931 relic, but another old freezer she had in her home. 

"Usually you have to pay someone to haul your old fridge away, so it's great that they will pick it up for free," Gilmore said.

Monica Tighe from Nashotah inherited her old refrigerator from her grandfather.  The family plugged it in during the summer for extra storage when guests came to visit.

"Every time we plugged in our old fridge we were surprised it still worked," Tighe said.  "We came across the newspaper ad about the contest at the same time that we were trying to clear out the basement."

The Appliance Recycling Program is available year-round to all Wisconsin residents.  To schedule a pickup, call 1-855-398-5226 or visit focusonenergy.com/appliance.  Refrigerators and freezers must be in working order.  A maximum of two units per household, per calendar year, are accepted.

About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state's investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control Wisconsin's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sarah Platt
Director of Marketing & Communications
608-230-7031
[email protected]

SOURCE Focus on Energy