Yes, that thing is a washing machine—a washing machine designed to use steam on small loads (so that people can do their laundry individually). We were always taught growing up that small laundry loads were bad—a waste of energy and water. So we're skeptical of this contraption. But it is using steam, and running for a shorter time than a regular washer...
Small loads were really only bad in top loading washing machines because they fill up the same amount regardless of the load size and it takes similar amounts of energy to swish a large load as a small one. In front loaders, especially this one using steam, I wouldn't think it would be all that bad. This one is also clearly designed for small loads, making it probably a lot better energy and water-wise.
One could also argue that being able to do smaller loads would be easier on your clothes, making them last longer and thus allowing you to buy clothes less frequently which would probably fall into the green category.
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