02 September 2014 (00:41 UTC-07 Tango)/07 Dhu l-Qa’da 1435/11 Shahrivar 1393/09 Gui-You 4712

The European Union (EU) recently ‘banned’ vacuum cleaners that use more than 1600 watts or fail to pick up a specified amount of dirt or emit too much dust, all in the name of saving the Earth and reducing the EU’s reliance on electricity.

The EU is also considering bans on electric lawn mowers, high wattage hair dryers, electric tea kettles and even your favorite smart phones!  These ‘bans’ could be approved in 2015.

These actions are being pushed by the EU’s Energy Commission, which is currently led by Germany (France takes the led in November): “All EU countries agree that energy efficiency is the most effective method to reduce energy consumption and dependence on imports and to improve the climate. Therefore there needs to be mandatory consumption limits for small electrical appliances.”-Günther Oettinger, EU energy commissioner

British news media reported that most ‘best’ rated vacuums use more than 1600 watts, and the new ban has resulted in people buying up what is left in the stores before the ban goes into effect.  Sales at the British Tesco chain store skyrocketed 94%!

Here’s something interesting: While the EU claims they are only trying to help the environment and the people of the EU with their vacuum cleaner ban, a British consumer group called Which? says it will have little effect on individual’s electricity bills.  Which? tested the cost of using a 2200 watt vacuum against a 1600 watt vacuum, the difference in the yearly electricity cost was only about $16 USD.

But how do you enforce a ‘ban’ on vacuums?   Turn’s out this could be a paper tiger, because the ‘ban’ relies totally on the honesty of vacuum cleaner makers!  You see, it’s a “self regulating” ban.    In other words it’s on the honor of the manufacturer to ‘label’ their vacuums as being in compliance with the new EU “ecodesign and labelling regulations”.