Unplug or don't buy a second refrigerator
Why This is Green
It’s well established that a refrigerator is the appliance that uses the most energy in a home. Having two doubles both the environmental impact and the cost, particularly if the second refrigerator is older and not Energy Star rated. This tends to be the case, as many second fridges are the old one that got relegated to the basement when replaced by a new one in the kitchen. About one-fourth of U.S. households currently have a second fridge, according to the Department of Energy.
Figuring out ways to reduce your food storage needs or finding the most efficient alternative to a second fridge (like a compact stand-alone Energy Star-rated freezer) is better for the environment and your wallet.
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How To
Consider what you’re using the second fridge for. Is it just frozen foods? Do you need these? If you’re using it mainly for drinks, do these actually need to be stored cold? Rotating stored beverages from the pantry to your one fridge could eliminate the desire for a second.
If you’re using a second fridge to store bulk purchases, run the numbers. The cost of operating the refrigerator isn’t likely worth the savings from buying bulk. You might be surprised what you learn.
If you decide you truly need a second fridge, make sure it’s as energy efficient and small as possible.
Recommended Products
- Haier 4.6CF Compact Refrigerator
- Sunpentown 3.0CF Upright Freezer
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