... AND BATTERIES
16
According to Wirecutter, it takes more than 15 disposable batteries to equal
the power you’ll get from one rechargeable battery. Yes, rechargeables cost
more (the best, according to Wirecutter’s tests, is the Energizer Recharge Universal,
which costs $2.25), but they will pay for themselves after about five charges. And be
sure to recycle used batteries. It’s safer, as “dead” batteries might still carry enough
charge to create a spark (and a fire hazard), and in some states, recycling is the law.
Find out where and how to dispose of them at call2recycle.org.THAWING OVERFROZEN FOOD
17
According to the FDA, your
refrigerator temperature should be
set at 40°F (4°C) and your freezer
temperature should be 0°F (−18°C).
Setting the temps any lower won’t
make your food last longer and will push up your
electric bill. If your appliance doesn’t have a built-
in thermometer, buy one at a hardware store. Also,
to keep things cool, spread the food around in the
fridge and freezer so air can flow properly. And
stop standing there with the door open—you’re
letting warm air in!THROWING
AWAY LEFTOVERS18
Speaking of the
freezer, anything
fresh or cooked can be
frozen, according to the
food pros at Taste of Home.
That includes fresh vege-
tables as well as cooked
eggs and pasta. For more
information, go to tasteof
home.com/collection
/how-to-freeze-food.
Given that Americans
typically toss about
40 percent of the food we
buy, you should see a pay-
off quickly. Don’t throw
away those peels and
scraps, either. They can go
right into a compost bin or
pile instead. Make
one at home, or
find out whether
your city or town
has a central
drop-off
location.84 september 2019
Reader’s Digest