1.03C Notes to Accompany PPT
The best place to practice conserving resources is at home. Individuals can substantially reduce, reuse,
and recycle waste and conserve resources by:
REDUCE: To cut the amount of waste or energy used
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Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce waste. Packaging materials account for a
significant amount of the trash we generate. Consider buying items in bulk or those with minimal
packaging (e.g., items such as fruit, vegetables, and even tools) are available in bins and do not
require packaging.
Identify products and practices to reduce waste toxicity. Choose products with reduced
toxicity, such as batteries with reduced mercury. Simple guidelines will help you identify
alternative options and to replace many products-pesticides, cleaners, polishes, deodorizers, and
others-that contain hazardous components.
Reduce the amount of paper products used.
Consult http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/pubs/hhw-con.pdf for options for using and
disposing of household disposable waste safely.
Reduce the amount of energy consumed:
o Lighting
 Use fluorescent lighting vs. incandescent lighting
 Use energy saving bulbs
 Use task lighting vs. general lighting when possible
 Take advantage of sunlight when possible
o Surface Units
 Match the size of the pan to the surface unit
 Use lids to reduce cooking time and the amount of moisture lost
o Refrigerators / Freezers
 Replacing gaskets around doors if not a tight seal
 Vacuum condenser coils at least twice a year
 Avoid keeping the refrigerator / freezer doors open too long
 Cool foods before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer
 Keep refrigerator / freezer organized
 Do not overfill refrigerator / freezer
 When replacing large appliances, look for “Energy Star” appliances
o Ovens
 Plan meals to cook several foods at one time
 Avoid opening the oven. Use the oven light to avoid letting heat escape.
 Use small appliances when cooking smaller amounts or to reduce the time
to cook
o Hot Water Heaters
 Turn down temperature of hot water heaters. Possibly turn hot water heater off if on an
extended vacation.
o General
 Avoid running appliances and other energy usages at peak
consumption of the day.
7045 Foods I
Unit A-Food Preparation, Processes and Methods
Summer 2010 Version 2
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1.03C Notes to Accompany PPT (page 2)
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Reduce the amount of water used
o Faucets
 Repair leaky faucets
 Install low flow aerator
o Dishwashing
 Wash dishes by hand instead of dishwasher when possible
 Wash all dishes then rinse all dishes afterward when possible.
 Scrape instead of rinse dishes before loading dishwasher
 Run full loads
 Air dry instead of using the drying cycle
o Cooking Methods
 Choose cooking methods that use less water in preparation
 Rinse fruits and vegetables quickly
REUSE: Products that you can use again
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Consider reusable products - Many products are designed to be used more than once, such as
cloth napkins, dishcloths, rechargeable batteries, refillable containers, and washable utensils.
Maintain and repair durable products - Choose and maintain durable items such as clothing,
tires, furniture, luggage, and appliances that are less likely to wear out or break. Although
durable products sometimes cost more initially, their extended life span often offsets the higher
cost and saves money over the product life.
Reuse bags, containers, and other items - Purchase reusable shopping bags or reuse the paper
or plastic ones. Before discarding containers, consider if it is hygienic and practical to reuse
them. Be creative!
Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently - Before you buy seldom-used items, like
certain power tools and party goods, first consider renting or borrowing them.
Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out.
Be creative with leftovers and create new dishes.
RECYCLE: Products that can be reprocessed to making something new
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Choose recyclable products - Identify items and/or packaging that can be recycled, and then be
sure to recycle them! Our landfills are full of recyclable products that were discarded.
Select products made from recycled materials - Look for recycled content whenever possible,
including paper, glass, metal, plastic, and other items. Understand product labeling and know
how to identify recycled products.
Consult this website http://www.epa.gov/osw/partnerships/plugin/pdf/donate.pdf to find out
details on e-cycle electronics and partners to assist with e-cycling
Compost yard trimmings and some food scraps.
7045 Foods I
Unit A-Food Preparation, Processes and Methods
Summer 2010 Version 2
121