Rachel Offerdahl

Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

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Here's the second installment in a series of tips for living “greener.” (Scroll down for Part 1!) This time, we take a greener look at food.

8. Compost your food scraps.

9. Learn where your food comes from. Buy organic and/or local food, especially from your local farmers’ market.

10. Use a pressure cooker (it’s healthier, too!).

11. Keep the freezer full to minimize air space.

12. Defrost food in the air or the fridge, not with water.

13. Minimize opening the oven door while cooking. Use the self-cleaning function while the oven is still hot.

14. Ignite charcoal with an electric probe, long match, or other alternative to lighter fluid.

15. Use reusable containers instead of baggies.

16. Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.

17. Reduce your meat consumption and eat low on the food chain.

18. Buy fair-trade and shade-grown coffee and tea to reduce the amount of water needed to produce it.

19. Grow some food for yourself, instead of buying everything. Start with herbs or tomatoes, and you’ll be hooked!

20. Use the microwave to heat up leftovers instead of the stove.

21. Don’t leave the refrigerator or freezer door open.