Project Envolve: How to Microwave Your Way to Energy Savings in the Kitchen

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Project Envolve. All opinions expressed in this post and blog are my own and may not reflect the opinion of Project Envolve and its sponsors.

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A few weeks ago, I talked about my dreams of becoming Amish and how it would help me save money on my electric bill. I’m sorry to say that I’m not closer to becoming Amish. In fact, I’m farther away. Last week, my mother gave me an early Christmas gift – a gorgeous KitchenAid Professional 600 Series mixer. I guess it can help me make some delicious Amish-style baked goods, but it runs on electricity, so … yeah.

But even though my new mixer will use its fair share of power, there are ways to save on electricity in the kitchen. I’ve recently learned many of those savings tips thanks to Project Envolve, a campaign sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, that was created to help inspire people to adopt a more energy-efficient, green and eco-conscious lifestyle.

The Project Envolve folks even sent me some ingredients designed to turn one of the kitchen’s most energy-efficient appliances – the microwave – into something that can be used to create delicious (and simple) meals. Pictures of my microwaved creations and recipes for each are at the bottom of this entry.

But first, some facts about how to save money on electricity in the kitchen. Did you know that your kitchen accounts for 15 percent of your electric bill, with stoves, ovens and refrigerators using a majority of that electricity? To save power, give your stove and oven a break and use smaller appliances like microwaves, crock pots and toaster ovens to prepare meals.

Simple kitchen changes like that can help you save lots of money. For example:

1. Boil water in a covered kettle or pot (or use an electric kettle).

2. When using the oven, don’t open the door to peek every 10 minutes. Doing so reduces the temperature in the oven and causes your oven to work harder … and longer.

3. Always cover liquids and wrap foods when storing them in the fridge. Uncovered foods release moisture, which causes your fridge’s compressor to work harder.

4. Don’t keep your freezer too cold. Refrigerator freezers should be kept at 5 degrees F, while long-term freezers should be 0 degrees F.

5. Test your refrigerator and freezer’s seal by closing the door on a dollar bill half inside and half outside the door. If the bill can be pulled out easily, you need to replace the seal or buy a new fridge.

And now, on to my microwaved creations!

First up is this super easy, yet yummy, Tortilla Soup-in-a-mug.

soup collageAnd now for the recipe!

Soup recipe

This cake recipe was amazing, but umm…it didn’t last long enough to get some photos.

Cake recipe

Visit the Project Envolve website for more information about Project Envolve, including energy-saving tips and projects. Need more tips to save energy in the kitchen, check out my post from last year.

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