idea not only because it’s likely nowhere near as energy-
efficient as it ought to be and is probably jacking up your
energy bill, but because it was probably not manufactured with
ozone-friendly refrigerants and insulation, which became the
norm in 1995 and 2005 respectively. The EPA website, as well as
Consumer Reports, can help.
Make sure your refrigerator doesn’t have a leak. That’s when the HFCs
get released. (Same goes for your air-conditioning unit, if you
have one.)
If you get a new refrigerator, make sure the old one gets disposed of
properly. The EPA website (epa.gov/rad/consumers) has a handy
guide on the steps to take.
70 how to be a Conscious Eater