Unplugging your refrigerator?

What a great weekend here on the east coast. I got so much accomplished. I relaxed by the pool, hung out with friends, cleaned the house and finally got to make that dent in the carbon footprint I have been talking about.

The New York Times reported awhile back that a small, but growing, segment of the US population is choosing to ditch the fridge permanently. The carbon savings, not to mention the savings on the electricity bill are not necessarily huge, but some feel this is just the next thing on the long list of climate-saving actions like buying a Prius or changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

How Does it Work?

They are using small coolers, filled with plastic water bottles and keep a tiny fridge around for freezing the water bottles and for a few odds and ends. As the anti-fridge movement is growing, websites are being created to share tips on food prep and storage, as well as, ways to still keep your food cold.

Those already using a bean and grain diet, are able to get away without a fridge at all and have an easier time making the jump while others are trying the seasonal foods and more fresh food route.

How Much Energy Does a Fridge Use?

A standard Energy Star fridge uses about "380-kilowatts a year - less than a standard clothes dryer - and costs a homeowner $40 a year, or about 11 cents a day." Downgrading to a smaller, mini-fridge only saves about $6 a year.

Something like this sure takes a lot of preparation and if you ask me, a bit of a sacrifice while not reaping that much of a savings. I understand the need to reduce our carbon foot print. Really, I do and I totally agree that if we all took small steps, but I for one, can't commit to losing the fridge.

So, for now unplugging the second fridge in the basement is going to have to be good enough.

Remember, the difference is all in the baby steps.