Save the Environment with Leftover Recipes

Wasted food, like any other wasted product is a waste of the resources used to provide it. Using up every scrap of food that comes into your house not only saves you money, but it helps to save the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and water and energy use.

You may think wasted food would compost easily and give nutrients back to the earth like in the garden compost pile. Food scraps in both the compost heap and landfill are decomposed by aerobic bacteria that deplete the oxygen.

Once the oxygen is depleted, anaerobic bacteria take over the job, producing methane. A green house gas more powerful than carbon dioxide, methane gas can be produced from this waste in a landfill for up to 60 years.

According to a recent study, 39% of the available food supply, 1,400 calories per day per person in the US, is wasted every day from food left on the plate, spoilage and food disposed for other reasons.

So, what can you do to save money and resources?

• Plan your meals so that there are no leftovers, or so that you can turn leftovers into another tasty meal. If someone in the household turns up their nose at leftovers, explain how they are helping to save the environment, and your food budget.
• Store your purchased food properly so that there is no waste due to spoilage.
• Order a smaller portion unless you know you’ll consume what’s in the doggie bag when you eat out. Many appetizers make a good meal, and a lot of restaurants will allow their menu items to be shared.

How do you handle your leftovers? Share your tips and recipes in the comments section below.

Source:

Hall KD, Guo J, Dore M, Chow CC (2009) The Progressive Increase of Food Waste in America and Its Environmental Impact. PLoS ONE 4(11): e7940. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007940

photo under morgueFile Free License

Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Available in 2010

If the 2010 budget has room for a new major appliance, now is the time to start looking. A federal appliance rebate program will be launched early in the year to help defray the cost of energy smart appliances that have earned the federal “Energy Star” designation that denotes energy conservation.


Energy savings with the use of green living appliances can add up. Washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and other appliances that reduce the use of electricity and water saved American consumers over $19 billion on utilities last year, according to the Department of Energy.

The rebate program is proposed to run through February, 2012 or until the money runs out. As only $300,000,000 has been set aside for the program, the quicker you act the better. Eligibility differs by state, and you can find out how your energy efficient purchase will be affected at The U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers.

Home Energy Efficient Appliances Eligible for Rebates

The Department of Energy has recommended that central air conditioners, heat pumps, room air conditioners, oil and gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters be eligible for the appliance rebate program along with dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, clothes washers, and water heaters. States and territories, however, can select which appliances will be covered.

Who is Eligible for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate

Energy-Star qualified appliances purchased during the time period established by the individual states and territories will be eligible for the rebate. Some states may allow only certain types of consumers, like low income residents, to apply. Check here to find move information on your state.