Your Burning Earth Day Questions, Answered
Our experts take on the tough topics.
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Do you want to cook more sustainably at home? It all starts with building small habits—and the good news is, the Food Network Magazine editors have researched them for you. Read on to find out what you can do for the environment, starting in your own kitchen.
How bad is it to buy produce out of season?
Shopping local and in-season is the most eco-friendly option, though it’s not always realistic. Just keep in mind that out-of- season fruits and veggies are shipped from afar, so they can be more expensive and less delicious. Consider buying more frozen produce in the off season: It’s packaged at peak freshness!
Do I need to rinse dishes before I put them in the dishwasher?
Save yourself the extra step—and save some water too! Rinsing is actually counterproductive: Dishwasher detergent works better on dirty dishes. Just scrape off any big chunks and make sure your plates and bowls are well separated so that the soap and water can circulate around them.
Andrew Purcell
Should I save my frying oil and reuse it?
Peanut, vegetable and canola oils that have stayed below their smoking point (about 400 degrees F) can be reused a few times. Let the oil cool completely, then strain it through a paper towel–lined sieve into a clean container and store in the refrigerator (if you’ve fried fish, reuse the oil only for fish dishes). You should consider recycling the oil after using it a few times: Many recycling centers and fire stations accept used oil if it’s in a sealed container.
Can I compost proteins at home?
Composting fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells is a great way to reduce waste, but don’t add meat, fish and dairy to your backyard compost because it can cause bacterial growth and attract pests. Some drop-off and curbside compost programs accept proteins, but it’s best to check their rules first.
Can I open the oven to check on a cake while it's baking?
Opening the oven door can cause the temperature inside to drop by 15 degrees F or more, which means your cake will take longer to bake—and you’ll use up more energy. Temperature fluctuations can also cause baked goods to rise unevenly. Wait until the last few minutes of the baking time before you open the door to test for doneness.
Lara Hata
Is parchment paper reusable?
As long as the paper isn’t greasy, burnt or brittle, you can brush it off and use it again (ideally for the same type of food). Parchment isn’t recyclable, so reusing it is the most sustainable option—and it’ll save you money too!
Can I cook my sprouted potatoes?
Sprouts, or eyes, on potatoes mean the spuds are getting old. If the eyes are relatively small and the potatoes are still firm, just cut out the sprouts and prep as usual. If the potatoes are soft and have a lot of sprouts, compost them and buy some new ones.
Should I toss freezer-burned food?
Food with freezer burn is safe to eat, but the quality, flavor and texture may not be great. If the icy spot is on the smaller side, just trim it off with a sharp knife. But if freezer burn has overtaken the whole protein or vegetable, you may want to toss it. To avoid freezer burn in the first place, wrap the food tightly and place in a freezer bag, squeezing as much air out of the bag as possible before you seal it.
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