Going–and Saving–Green in the Kitchen

The kitchen represents roughly a third of a home’s monthly electric bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To save electricity, the dishwasher should be run only when it is full and not use the heat cycle. It is also recommended that dishes not be pre-rinsed before placing in the dishwasher. As for the refrigerator, it is better to think of a specific item to remove before opening the door, and to let food cool before placing it inside. Keeping the fridge and freezer generally full will help the contents maintain the desired temperature, as will vacuuming the coils at least twice a year. But setting the temperature too cold wastes energy. The milk container in the back should not have ice crystals in it. Toaster ovens tend to be more energy efficient than microwaves, and both are more efficient than conventional ovens. Glass and ceramics heat faster than metal, while pressure cookers are more efficient than pans. Ideally, small appliances like toaster ovens, coffee makers. and blenders are plugged into a power strip that can be switched off to save power. Using a kitchen ventilation fan can remove the warm air or cool air from a home in about one hour. But after using them, they should be turned off. Using a water filter is an inexpensive way to cut down on bottled water costs. | Read More