Dear Hippie Mom - My Zapper's Zapped!

Hello,

My name is "Bwings" and today I'm answering an e-mail.

Dear Hippie Mom,

I have to replace my microwave since it is making some wierd noises and then there is a burnt smell. Not so good. So we are heading off to the store to buy one that hopefully won't burn down my house. I was wondering if there is any eco stuff i should know about appliance shopping? and also how to safely dispose of the one I have? Normally if I replace I give away the old one, but not such a good idea in this case lol

Yours, Happy Hippie

Dear Happy Hippie,
That's an excellent question, I have honestly questioned my possession of a microwave in the first place but when I did some research I discovered it's better on energy than your standard electric stove. Ergo as long as I'm okay with the small amounts of radiation it might emit I shouldn't have a problem using it. That and Asmerus is opposed to ever getting rid of it ;)

So what to do when homemakers best friend bites the electric bullet? A lot of people would just throw it in the garbage and not give it a second thought. But often your local trash disposal company will recycle them for you and if not they may know of a location that will. Another option, if you reside in the US of A is to go to Earth911.com where you will find a search engine to seek out appropriate recycling facilities in your location. Unfortunately I couldn't find much in the way of contact for Canada outside of B.C. in any case you still may be able to use the # 1-800-667-4321 to request a location. Of course you can also check to see if there is any good-will location nearby that might repair it and sell it or use it for parts.
Sadly there is not much in a microwave that is recyclable so if you've tried all your options I don't think you'll have any heavy amount of bad Karma if you do just toss it. I'd put it on Craig's List or Kijiji for a week nonetheless for free and needing repairs and see if maybe anyone has the parts and know how. Might give you piece of mind.

Now for the sticky business of finding a new one, you want to seek something durable with a good warranty it will cost you less in the long run. You'll also want to consider just how big you need it. The smallest size you can get away with will save energy. That is your main basis for energy consumption comparison as Energy Star doesn't rate microwaves. There isn't much else you can look at when buying a microwave as far as eco-friendly and practical use goes. Obviously there are a lot of other personal options that await you, child locks, pretty colors, you name it, but you'll figure out what you want I'm sure. Just don't boil your distilled water as mythbusters proved it can be quite dangerous if super heated
{See below}




Another microwaving no-no is plastic containers, take out containers and microwaved popcorn. I too am making a sad face right now. The plastic containers go without saying, you want to make sure if's microwave safe. Yet, even a microwave safe plastic container will leach into your food. It's best to just avoid them. Take out containers aren't usually microwave safe and you'll have melted styrofoam in your food.
Lastly and I feel more importantly, the microwave popcorn uses PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) to line their bags. PFOA is a carcinogen, leads to liver, developmental and immune system problems. It can also exert hormonal effects including altering your thyroid hormone levels.  that is also used in nonstick coatings of cookware and water-repellent fabrics. PFOA is to be phased out by major manufacturers by 2015, for now, make your popcorn on the stove in a pot with a little oil. Or one of those old popcorn poppers. I remember them when I was child. It was so loud and it took a few moments to heat up but then one kernal would fly out, it seemed it only took a few seconds after that and they were all flying. The extra positive is the unpopped kernels will stay in the machine so it'll be less picking. Mine also came with a tray for heating the butter while it popped your popcorn.

Now I've made myself hungry for popcorn and nostalgic for that old, loud popcorn popper.

So I'll leave you with a checklist of other things you might want to know about one of the most common household companions since the early 70's.

• Food cooked in a microwave does not become radioactive. 
• Radiation leakage is at a minimum and must meet FDA approval. If you are concerned about radiation you needn't run from spinning glass plate, simply step back. FDA research shows that radiation at 20 inches would be 1/100th of the value at 2 inches distance. 
• Microwave's ability to cook quickly in little to no water helps food retain vitamins and minerals. 
• Microwave's don't heat up the air, a welcomed relief in the summer months.
• They use far less energy (up to 80% less) than conventional ovens. Saves your electric bill. 

That's all for this week, I'll be back with more Monday. Until then, have a good weekend, your friendly neighborhood hippie mom.


Send an e-mail to Hippie Mom