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Are Microwaves Eco-friendly?

February 11, 2009 in Eco Kitchen, Save Energy by Jennifer | 1 comment

Microwaves can be eco-friendly; if you use them properly.

Eco-perks:

  • Cook faster than the oven or stove (in most cases). Thus saves energy.
  • Uses less energy overall than an oven or stove (if you’re cooking for the same amount of time).
  • Microwaves are recyclable.
  • Microwaves are not emitting toxic heat waves into your kitchen and home. Although, in the past, microwaves have been followed around by rumors of radiation attacks, this is no longer an issue. The FDA currently continually runs tests on microwave brands and also notes that as of right now, none on the market are a problem. I do always like a little grain of salt with my FDA, but overall new microwaves are safe. (see below).

Eco-cons:

  • If you microwave plastic containers bad chemicals can be released into your kitchen. You can avoid this by using good eco-friendly food containers vs. plastic.
  • Can zap nutrients if you cook food too long. This is not exactly an eco-problem, but if you pay for organic veggies, why zap them to death? Make sure you cook for short time periods.
  • Most people leave their microwaves plugged in because of the handy clock. Unplug your microwave when its not in use for maximum energy savings.
  • Older microwaves can be a hazard. Not only have older models been shown to leak radiation, but they’re not as energy efficient as newer models. It’s not worth the $5 you’ll save to buy an old one – just go new.

Going Green? How to Cover the Basics….

November 17, 2008 in Green Your Home by Jennifer | No comments

Get motivated. Look to eco blogs like this, green living books, or even your TV for green shows to get inspired. When you surround yourself with green, it makes going green a snap.

Own your actions. Yeah, some folks don’t believe in global warming. Whatever, that’s your choice. However, some use theories like this to avoid green, as in why bother, we’re not the ones making the problem. Even if you don’t believe in global warming, your actions are important for other reasons. Clean beaches and forests, green spaces for kids to play, and your health. Believe what you like, but green actions are for us all.

Invest in green companies and products.

Naturally clean your space – cleaning products are one area that anyone can green up in no time flat. Why buy toxic chemicals when you don’t have to?

Green all of your special events, vacations, and holidays, along with your everyday world.

Get a child involved. Kids are going to be around longer than we adult are. Think about the green ethics and values you’re passing on to them. Have you even talked to a child lately about going green? You should.

Reduce your consumption of consumer goods. Think before you buy, each and every time.

Eat organic, vegetarian, or natural. Grow your own food if you can. Do something with your food that helps to lower your footprint.

Eco up your energy use. It’s hard to know how much energy you use without running some easy energy audits. Anyone can do this, and it’ll green your home plus save you money.

Never assume that one action won’t make a difference. That cloth napking you use at each meal, that one can you recycle, the one organic product you purchase – these steps all matter.

Quick Green Tip: Cancel Home Newspaper Delivery

October 19, 2008 in Quick Green Home & Garden Tips by Jennifer | No comments

Canceling your home newspaper delivery is a super fast green step you can take. It only takes a minute, but you’ll save an important resource – trees. Over 35% of the trees used each year, are being used to produce newspapers.

Instead sign up for the online addition of your favorite newspapers. Most are now offered online or can be sent straight to your pda, or other electronic device. AND in case you’re worrying, “What about energy costs and resources” – don’t. All that paper is far more destructive than the energy you’ll use reading online.

According to Internet: Death of the Newspaper?, “The U.S. Toxic Release Inventory report released by the EPA states that pulp and paper mills are among the worst polluters to air, water and land of any industry in the country.”

A greener choice is to go digital with your morning read.