Eco-friendly Kitchen Tips - Part Two

Here are some tips that might help you reduce the energy you consume (and save you some money) in the kitchen:

• Go Paperless - Some newer washable viscose cloths (including those made with sustainable Bamboo) can soak up many times more liquid than paper towels. Use cloth napkins at the dinner table rather than paper.
  
• Take the Temperature - of your refrigerator... 35-38 degrees F (2-3 degrees C) is the optimal temperature range to reduce spoilage and wasted energy. Your freezer section should be 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C). Use a thermometer to ensure your fridge and freezer sections are at optimal temperature.
  
• Let your Leftovers Cool Down - before you refrigerating or freezing. Thirty minutes at room temperature will help in reducing the load on your fridge/freezer (be careful not to let some perishable food stand at room temperature for more than two hours to reduce the risk of contamination)
• Be Dishwasher Wise - Run your dishwasher with full loads, using the light cycle and use non-toxic, biodegradable soaps. Try letting your dishes air dry rather than heat-dry.
  
• Nuke it - Microwaves can use up to 80% less heat than an oven. They are a "greener" way of warming leftovers and steaming vegetables. Try placing your dish on the outer edge of a rotating platter to warm your food even faster.