Those are two sides of the same coin though. More durable machines (solid, thick components for example) will be heavier and in the example of a washing machine

Those are two sides of the same coin though. More durable machines (solid, thick components for example) will be heavier and in the example of a washing machine will require more energy to move. Washing machines have also become much cheaper than 40 years ago, making them more of a disposable item.