Kitchen ideas part 2

Here are more ideas for sustainability in the kitchen. 

• Learn how to store produce to maximize the time it stays fresh.  Some items, such as apples, should not be stored near other produce, because the apples emit a gas that causes fruits such as bananas to ripen faster.  Here are two links with information on the best ways to store food.   https://www.savethefood.com/food-storage

 https://www.livestrong.com/article/523091-what-fruits-shouldnt-be-stored-next-to-each-other

• Don’t stand in front of the refrigerator door while you are thinking about what to remove.  For every 30 seconds the door is open, it takes 30 minutes for the refrigerator to cool back down.  Also, when you need to get multiple items out of the refrigerator, try to get them in batches so that you open the door as few times as possible. 
• Minimize use of disposable paper towels.  Keep washable cloths or rags handy for cleanup chores.  Paper towels are still sometimes a useful option, so use the smallest piece that will do the job.  I buy the rolls that have half sheet perforations, and then frequently tear the half sheets in half because I only need a small piece of paper towel for the job. 
• Per a Time magazine special edition on sustainability, using a microwave or pressure cooker saves energy (and time) compared to baking in the oven.  Using a toaster oven may also save energy compared to roasting in an oven.