Green Cooking
By FlaKNMB
@FlaKNMB (831)
United States
May 31, 2009 7:53pm CST
Little things add up. Here is a week's worth of easy ways to be a greener cook.
1. Fill the Freezer: A full freezer uses less energy than an empty one.
2. Practice No-Waste Baking: Buy a reusable nonstick silicone baking mat to save on parchment paper and foil.
3. Put a Lid on It: When bringing water to a boil, place a lid on the pot to prevent heat and enrgy from escaping.
4. No Peeking: As tempting as it is, aoid opening the oven door while it's in use. The temperature can drop anywhere from 25 degrees F to 50 degrees F.
5. Work the Dishwasher: To conserve energy, run only when completely full and skip the drying cycle.
6. Watch the Pot: Choose the right size pot or pan for the job. Large pans require more energy to heat than small ones. Make sure the pan is centered on the heating element or flame. When you can, use the same pan for multiple foods.
7. Sweat the Small Stuff: Unplug small appliances, such as the coffee maker, when not in use, and turn off lights when you leave the kitchen.
Do you have any other ideas to share? I hope these help you help the environment.
1 person likes this
1 response
@Annie2 (594)
• United States
1 Jun 09
You have some very helpful suggestions. I often try to cook in one pot; for instance, when I cook macaroni and hotdogs or potatoes and hot dogs, I cook them in the same water.
If you don't have enough food to fill your freezer, fill plastic drinking containers with water and put them in the freezer. They help the freezer work more efficiently and you always have a nice cold bottle of water to take with you when on a picnic, playing ball, hiking, mowing, etc.! It melts quickly outdoors!
@FlaKNMB (831)
• United States
2 Jun 09
Those are two excellent ideas! I've done both, especially the one about filling empty space in your freezer with plastic jugs filled with water. I was very glad I'd done that the last time we had a hurricane that knocked our power out. It really helped keep our food from spoiling.