Did anyone read the story in the New York Times about people unplugging their refrigerators/freezers to lower their energy usage? While I’m all for environmental responsibility, I guarantee my household without our fridge and freezer would leave a much larger carbon footprint from take-out boxes, and our family would physically feel the effect of less fresh food. I also think my freezer helps me be less wasteful as I’m able to store parts of large packages of meat or veggies, and foods that might otherwise be thrown away.
Earlier this week we came home from after-school activities, and I pulled out an Eggplant and Zucchini Bake (the recipe is in our February newsletter), put it in the oven, and set some water to boil for pasta. Dinner done! I love my fridge and freezer, and I’m not unplugging them.
But I do think the idea of a more environmentally-responsible kitchen is a great one. For example, I’ve become much more creative lately with leftovers. I really try to use everything in the fridge and pay closer attention to sell-by dates and where I place food in the fridge. How are you using your kitchen to tread more lightly? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Renae says
Hi Shannoon –
This is a great topic. Thanks for bringing it up! In Montclair, we used to be able to recycle all sorts of plastics, but now the town will only pick up the 1’s and 2’s. So I try, when shopping, to not only try to buy items with minimal packaging, but to choose food packaged in containers that are made of the 1’s and 2’s. Not easy, and quite frustrating. I have also switched cleansers from the harmful chemicals to baking soda and white vinegar. I bleach now and then.
Something I’ve been doing for years, but that would be hard to do in an apt., is composting fruit and vegetable scraps. I am, eventually, able to use the rich, organic soil they produce, in my garden!
Now, if I could just get my kids to finish what’s on their plates…