Getting rid of microwave =Green?

diddygrl

I was talking to friend and somehow we got on the topic of me not having a microwave. I threw out my microwave last summer, in my mind it's unhealthy. Yeah it's a fast way to heat stuff up but there has to be some health risk involved. None of which I have researched by the way. The friend went on and on about how it must be such a burden not having one. I mean microwaves are cheap so if it was that much of a burden would run right to Target:) Anyway she asked if I was going green? I am curious s getting rid of a microwave going greeen?

foundmylazybum

I have no idea. I would have googled this before I did it. 

WendyGR

maybe she thinks that green is a code word for a simple, healthy lifestyle?

I have read about how it's unhealthy, with actual research, but I'm too lazy to look it up right now :-) I'm not ready to throw mine out yet. It's rarely used but it's so nice for melting butter, and I figure if I don't use it all the time what are the odds of it having a negative effect? KWIM?

annabelle.27

I don't know. I doubt it. I mean, I haven't researched it either, but I think if you're reheating dinner in the oven, at a higher temperature and for a longer period of time, it'd probably take more energy.

foundmylazybum

My real question is..who five stared this post? 

uncannycanuck

A microwave is a really energy efficient way of heating things.

I don't believe there are any negative health repercussions. And I think throwing one out for no reason other than you don't understand how it works is ridiculous. 

kris216

uncannycanuck:

I think throwing one out for no reason other than you don't understand how it works is ridiculous.

Agreed.  Your friend probably asked that because you sounded like a crackpot and she was trying to figure out what was going on.

But I will say that throwing out a functioning appliance is definitely not green.  You could have sold it, given it to someone, put it on freecycle, or donated it.

Jen&Joe06

I don't think it is green at all. It uses way less energy then other appliances that heat food.

daisyterp

Also if you just threw it out in the trash that's definitely NOT green. 

If you sold/donated or freecycled it and kept a working appliance many find useful out of a landfill, then that would be green, but if you just chucked it, then no, not green at all.

 

*speedracer*

daisyterp:

Also if you just threw it out in the trash that's definitely NOT green. 

If you sold/donated or freecycled it and kept a working appliance many find useful out of a landfill, then that would be green, but if you just chucked it, then no, not green at all.

 

ditto, trashing working appliances = not green.

 

brideofaussie

I read a green cleaning book whose author cautioned against using microwaves.  She didn't have one and said at the very least don't microwave plastics. 

I use my microwave on a daily basis.  While I have lived without one in the past, I wouldn't want to now.  I do try and avoid micro'ing plastics.

jebuell

Microwaves and toaster ovens are more eco-friendly than the stove and oven.  Less space to heat up = less energy used.  Duh.

bluekid

kris216:

uncannycanuck:

I think throwing one out for no reason other than you don't understand how it works is ridiculous.

Agreed.  Your friend probably asked that because you sounded like a crackpot and she was trying to figure out what was going on.

But I will say that throwing out a functioning appliance is definitely not green.  You could have sold it, given it to someone, put it on freecycle, or donated it.

Seriously. That wasn't bright. 

Ciera08

I completely agree here because I have never really heard of a microwave being not green except when you use certain bowls like plastics that can get into your food and then your body thats no fun!! But I will have to say that I hope you didn't just throw it away because that isn't very good for the environment so next time just try to give it away to someone or something!!

treesapplaud

Depending on the wattage of everything, a microwave is the most efficient way of heating a cup of water (for tea). If you're heating 2 or more cups, its an electric kettle. The stove comes last.

We still use the kettle for tea, but also if we're cooking pasta we'll boile the water in the kettle first. Saves movey/is faster. 

I love my kettle, but would have a hard time doing without the microwave because of leftovers. 

moonstone523

uncannycanuck:

A microwave is a really energy efficient way of heating things.

I don't believe there are any negative health repercussions. And I think throwing one out for no reason other than you don't understand how it works is ridiculous. 

 

Agreed.  I used to be anti-microwave in my real granola days, but I've read things online and the are not bad to your health.  After this, I started using it sparingly and when I'm in a time pinch.