Cooking

Select the proper pan size for cooking

Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary. Cooking foods in as little water as possible also helps retain more nutrients.

Don’t use running water to thaw food

Defrost food in the refrigerator.

Soak instead of rinse

When washing your fruits and vegetables, let them soak in a pan or sink instead of washing under running water.

Chill a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator

Eliminate running the tap until the water runs cold. Drinking the prescribed eight glasses of water a day would cost about $1,400 if you bought bottled water. The same amount for tap water costs less than $0.50.

Use one glass or a refillable water bottle

Designating one glass for water cuts down on washing.

Don’t waste those unwanted ice cubes

If you accidentally drop ice cubes, put them in a house plant or pet bowl instead of the sink.