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The green and ethical kitchen

Fridges:
A fridge is the third biggest energy user in the home, so it's worth making sure your model is as energy-efficient as possible.  You could of course go to the ethical extreme of not having a fridge at all…but for most of us trying to live a practical but comfortable eco friendly lifestyle a fridge is an essential part of our homes.  Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your fridge greener.  First of all, when you buy a new fridge, think about what you're going to do with the old one.  Either give it away, sell it or arrange for it to be recycled.  Do you actually need to replace it?  When buying your new one, compare labels and look for one with an "A" rating for energy-efficiency.  New models generally use around a third of the energy of older ones.  The optimum temperatures are 3C for fridges and -15C for freezers.  Why not get a fridge thermometer to ensure you're not wasting energy?  Fridges run most energy-efficiently when three-quarters full, and those with the freezer compartment at the bottom are best.  Make sure yours is positioned away from heat sources such as your oven and radiator, at least 5cm away from the wall.  Remember to defrost regularly and clean the condenser coils at the back.

Dishwashers:
Dishwashers use a huge amount of water, a precious natural resource, so the first question you should ask yourself is do you really need a dishwasher?  If you already have one, there are some things you can do to make it more environmentally friendly.  Wait until it is full before putting it on.  Some reports suggest that this can actually use less energy than washing up by hand several times a day.  Dunk your plates and cutlery first to avoid having to use the pre-wash cycle and choose the light-wash option.  Make sure your appliance uses heated water from your tank, rather than heating it itself.  Opt for eco friendly dishwasher tablets that are free from chlorine and phosphate, and use the minimum amount needed to get the job done.  If you're buying a new dishwasher, look for an energy-efficient model.  The ethical consumer will also look at the track record of companies when it comes to social and environmental responsibility.  For instance, Siemens, who owns Bosch, has been linked with the nuclear power and defense industries, as well as the controversial Three Gorges Dam project in China.

Washing Machines & Tumble Dryers:
First of all, tumble dryers are not at all environmentally friendly, using huge amounts of energy.  It's much greener to use a good old-fashioned washing line or a clothes horse.  If you do have a tumble dryer, try to use it only when absolutely necessary.  It's more energy efficient not to overfill your washing machine, and to use the half load setting even on full washes.  Try to reduce the amount of washing liquid or powder you use, as you will probably find you don't need as much as the manufacturer claims on the pack.  Of course, always use an eco friendly washing powder or liquid to reduce  the environmental impact.  I personally don't see the need to use a fabric conditioner.  If you want a natural way to give your clothes and bedding a fresh smell, adding a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil to the compartment can be really effective.  An ethical and eco friendly option that I haven't tried myself and have heard mixed reports on, is eco balls.  These plastic balls apparently clean clothes naturally by using ionized oxygen to activate the water molecules.  They can be reused for up to 1000 washes, save water as there's no need for a rinse cycle, and there are no harmful chemicals to cause skin irritation.

Kettles:
Electric kettles use a lot of energy, and the most eco friendly way to use yours is to fill it with only the amount of water you need.  Steel kettles with a concealed element are considered greener than those made from plastic, as steel lasts longer and won't leak chemicals into the water.

Microwaves:
There are some health concerns about the safety of microwaves.  Apart from that they are very energy intensive to manufacture, so not great from an environmental point of view either.  I personally don't use a microwave, but having said that, if you do have one, they use a lot less energy than conventional ovens when it comes to reheating food.

Crockery, Pots & Pans:
It's more environmentally sound to buy secondhand or locally made crockery.  Vegetarians will want to avoid bone china.  There are concerns about the safety of some of the chemicals used to make non-stick pans.  In an ethical home the best option is long lasting cast iron pots and pans, with flat bases and tight fitting lids and welded handles.  Good quality cast iron products should last a lifetime, and don't pose the health risks associated with Teflon and other products.  They are also better at retaining heat, so are more energy efficient.