Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

#electrification

Decarbonizing our Homes

by

You’re building a new home and landscaping your yard; would you adorn it with Kentucky Blue Grass? Or mix in some low-water native plants? It’s the same with our homes as we move into the future with ‘electrification’ as the latest buzz.  What exactly is this method of decarbonization?

Residential focus is on heating, cooking appliances, dryers, breaker boxes, solar, electric vehicle chargers and battery storage. Home heat involves replacing gas furnaces and water heaters with electric heat pumps, gas fireplaces with electric versions, gas stoves with induction cooktop/ranges and breaker boxes to accommodate the additional wattage. However, who can afford this necessary transition as we progress into the future, especially since gas is still affordable? To replace our 80 million + appliances in our 120 million U.S. households in the coming decades, equitable federal investment is critical. 

Additionally, decades of research shows that gas stoves can release harmful pollutants and sadly, indoor air emissions from these fossil fuel-burning appliances remain unregulated. Repeated long-term indoor air exposure to our beloved gas stoves can lead to development of respiratory complications and other health issues. 

By Mary Closser

Energy Efficient Cooking

by

While we should consider the waste we create while cooking, we must look at the energy we consume as well. Energy efficiency is key when it comes to our appliances, for the sake of our bill, health, and environment. Gas stoves release methane, a harmful Greenhouse gas, affecting the air quality within your house. The EPA recommends using an exhaust fan when cooking with a gas stove or switching to an electric stove that has the Energy Star seal of approval.

However, we also must think of our own actions when cooking. There are many steps we can take before and during cooking that will reduce the amount of energy we use and the emissions we release. This includes preparing your food before cooking, so it’s ready when the heat is on. Also be sure to use proper cooking tools for the amount of food you’re cooking. Smaller appliances, like toasters and electric kettles, may be more applicable. Your cookware is just as important. Copper bottomed pans heat up faster and glass/ceramic pans allow you to decrease your oven’s temperature by 25°F. Put a lid on your pot. It lets you set a lower temperature, decreasing energy use by up to 66%. Don’t peek at those cookies – opening the oven door can drop the temperature 25°F every time.

Sustainability in cooking is not as difficult as we think. Making simple changes can make a dramatic difference in your energy bill, as well as the health of yourself and the environment.

By Anna Duffy