As you wander along the narrow streets looking for the secret kitchen, make sure find the landmarks provided by your guide. Look under a restaurant and you may see an unmarked open door. Our guide, Winnie Lui, ducks in and beckons us to follow. Hidden behind one of central Hong Kong’s many street markets, the private kitchen, offers traditional, home-style Sichuan cooking. We enter the home of Winnie’s aunt and amid clanging knives and familial din, some of the best smells of the province envelope us.

Speakeasies, or secret kitchens, started popping up years ago when local gastronomes and cooks with limited means, decided to set up one or two tables in their sitting rooms and offer a fixed-price, multicourse menu of distinctive dishes. The secret kitchen scene continues to flourish and offers tourists and locals alike with extraordinary dishes and deeply memorable evenings.

Dishes are brought out one at a time and keep coming throughout the evening. Fourteen courses ranging from pink peppercorn marinated abalone, tea-smoked eggs topped with sea urchin, steamed glutinous rice with crab and Shanghai crab roe, jellyfish in a chili sesame sauce, fresh crab ending with bird's nest with lotus and sweet almond soup and cleansing ginger melon soup.

Amid the high heat cooking, the hard working kitchen hood was humming. The most important role of kitchen ventilation is to remove all the greasy, smoky, steamy gases. Three types of range hoods exist for this underrated task; the island mount range hood; wall mount range hoods and under-cabinet range hoods.

Winnie’s kitchen hood has to function. Here in the states, hoods are more than functional — they can be a kitchen show piece. Some points to consider are:

How is the hood vented? Top and back vents are standard. The ideal location for hood fans is directly ducted to the outside.

Power. Units should exhaust at least 300 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm).

Operating Noise. Several manufacturers are now listing the decibels (dBA).

Width and depth. For maximum efficiency, the fan should be 3 to 6 inches wider than the cooktop. Standard sizes exist to match the width of the range.

Easy-to-change filters and built in lighting are also features to consider. I always think of ventilation first when designing a kitchen - replacing any re-circulating range hood with a ducted one.

As our speakeasy evening draws to a close, Winnie’s aunt smiles brightly and applauds our visit when we present with her small box of chocolates. We left waving and applauding as well, still feasting on the richness of our evening and since the kitchen hood did its job, we took our memories but we didn’t take the best smells of the province on us.

For just about anyone who studies science, whether they are students or professional researchers, science experiments are very important. They help us to learn about science principles by demonstrating exactly how they work. By performing a science experiment, we can also test out what might happen if we change some of the factors in the experiment. Science experiments are hands-on activities that are interesting, educational, and a lot of fun! We can do plenty of different experiments that demonstrate principles of electricity, state changes, weather, earth sciences, biology, chemical reactions, and much more. Did you know that many experiments can actually be done at home too? That's right! It isn't entirely necessary to have a huge science lab. In fact, most materials for science experiments can be found in the kitchen.

When we do an experiment, it is important to realize that the materials involved, or the reactions that are caused, can sometimes be a bit dangerous. To stay safe, the person doing the experiment should always wear goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. If you have long hair, tie it back securely. It helps to lay down some newspaper or plastic sheeting on the surface to protect the table or floor where the experiment will be conducted. Always ask a parent or teacher to be around to supervise during experiments. Before starting, ask them to have a look at the experiment instructions. They can offer advice and help with some of the tricky parts.

Another very important aspect of being a responsible scientist is to keep notes of the experiments that are performed. In many cases, a scientist might want to perform an experiment several times with different variations. In each case, maintain a log. Each log should include the goal of the experiment, the materials and procedure used, diagrams to explain how it was done, and the results or outcome. In this way, scientists (even kid scientists!) can later refer back to their notes if they need to find some specific information about their experiment. After the experiment is finished, make sure to wash up any dirty items or dispose of items properly. You might want to ask your parent or teacher how to dispose of certain things. Finally, wash the equipment, dry it and put it away in a safe place.

It is a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit nearby when performing experiments. While performing experiments, people can easily get hurt in various ways. They might get cut, burned, or have strange chemicals spill on their skin. Remember to never eat or drink anything while performing an experiment. This applies to food as well as to any items related to the experiment. In case anyone in the experiment area accidentally ingests a chemical ingredient or experiences a skin irritation, see a doctor immediately or call emergency services.

There are plenty of science experiment resources online that are designed especially for kids. Most of them involve basic household materials or ingredients. In any case, do be sure to ask for a parents' permission before using any items in the house. Have a look at the list of science experiments listed here to get started!

• Make Your Own Weather Station
• Fun Science Experiments for Kids
• Science Experiments to Try at Home
• Space and Astronomy Science Experiments
• Experiments that Demonstrate Key Science Principles
• Loud, Gross, and Messy Experiments
• How Much Energy is in One Peanut?
• Create an Anti-Gravity Mirror
• Make a Working Compass with Magnets
• Heaps of Science Experiments to Try!
• Make a Play and Cardboard Volcano
• Find Out How Leaves Change Color in Fall
• Kitchen Science Experiments
• Electronics Experiments Suitable for Kids
• How Much Does Air Weigh?
• Interesting Experiments to Do in the Kitchen
• Experiments with Oil, Soap, and Water
• Experiment Resources Related to Food
• Science Experiments That Explain Weather Activity
• Construct a Maple Seed Helicopter
• Extract DNA, Measure pH, or Make a Polymer!
• Science Experiments with Bill Nye the Science Guy
• Quirky Science Experiments and Related Resources
• Using Potatoes to Demonstrate Plant Osmosis
• Find Out Why Flowers Drink Water
• Experiments Related to Different Kinds of Energy
• Acid Rain Science Experiments
• Aviation and Flight Experiments
• Changing States and Properties Experiments
• Density Experiments for Kids to Try
• Water Pollution Science Experiments
• Experiments with Electricity and Related Principles
• Experiments that Investigate the Properties of Light
• How to Grow Mold
• Mad Scientist Experiments of All Sorts!
• Alphabetical List of Kids' Science Experiments
• Neuroscience Experiments with Natural Reflexes
• Making Ice Cream Through Energy Changes
• Science Experiment Tutorial and Demonstrations
• Tons of Science Experiments to Try

We’ve had a record-breaking storms on the East Coast over the last few months. Superstorm Sandy swirled away but left our homes, offices and warehouse space with that muggy, heavy feeling and everything seemed damp.

In our post-crazy-weather clean-up efforts, the first thing we did was return the Nebo flashlights we borrowed from our office and plug in three Frigidaire dehumidifiers.

When humidity seeps in, it can make rooms feel uncomfortably stuffy and musty. Beyond this discomfort, too much humidity can have some other serious impacts. An overly humid home can lose its structural integrity, attract pests like silverfish and centipedes, and allow mold to flourish. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, improving the comfort and health of your living space.

How do de-humidifiers pull moisture from the air? It's fairly simple:

• A fan collects air from the surrounding area and pulls it into the dehumidifier.
• As the air passes through, it comes into contact with the dehumidifier's cooled coils. These coils use condensation to pull moisture from the air. The collected moisture remains on the coils and drips into the dehumidifier's reservoir.
• The dehumidifier reheats the air and exhausts it back into the room

A dehumidifier usually has a removable plastic bucket for a reservoir. Some of the buckets also have a place where you can hook up a hose so the collected water can drain straight into a floor drain or pump. If you don’t remember to empty the bucket -- most dehumidifiers also have an automatic shut-off. If you're using a dehumidifier in extremely moist conditions, you may want a unit with a built-in condensate pump, which regularly pumps water out of the unit's reservoir rather than simply relying on gravity to empty it.

Many dehumidifiers also have a humidistat, which allows you to set a desired level of relative humidity. A humidistat has two parts: a sensing element and a relay amplifier. The sensing element includes two alternate metal conductors, and changes in relative humidity will cause electrical resistance between those conductors. The relay amplifier measures this resistance and sends a signal to turn the dehumidifier on or off.

We started calling our dehumidifier the “Big Discourager” -- discouraging mold growth, insect infestation and allergen-triggers like dust mites. Our hard-working units made our basements bone dry in the wake of Superstorm Sandy – earning the dehumidifier a top spot in the defense of crazy-weather clean up.

Cooking with kids can be fantastically fun as well as delightfully delicious! Cooking is a great way for parents to spend quality time with their children while making something tasty to share with everyone. Cooking is also a very practical thing for children to learn. When kids grow up and move out of their family home they will need to know how to cook their own meals. Holidays are full of great recipes and wonderful food so it is a perfect time to try cooking with kids.

New Year's Day

Fireworks lighting up the night sky on New Year's Eve is the favorite part of the New Year celebration for many people, especially kids. January 1^st is the beginning of each New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated every year in the United States and the holiday officially begins at midnight. Fireworks and celebrations occur around this time in order to welcome the New Year. People often reflect on events from the past year and make resolutions for the New Year. Many New Year's Eve parties include special hats, party horns, blowers, confetti, champagne or apple juice toasts and similar festive things.

• New Year's Day in the United States: The Time and Date website explains what people in the United States do to celebrate New Year's Day. It also discusses public life, background and symbols associated with the day.
• New Year's Recipes: Disney's Family Fun website offers New Year's recipes and crafts for kids.
• New Year's Eve Treats for Kids: The Family Corner website offers fun treat ideas (such as Confetti Popcorn Balls) for kids for New Year's Eve.
• New Year's Eve Recipes: The Kids Cooking Activities website provides you with a variety of recipe ideas for kids for New Year's Eve.
• Holiday Fun-New Year's Day: The Primary Games website provides you with some fun New Year's games and coloring pages.
• New Year's Day Recipes: The Martha Stewart website offers many New Year's Day recipes as well as party hat ideas.

St. Patrick's Day

When some people think of St. Patrick's Day they imagine mischievous, little leprechauns running around and causing trouble. Actually the day has nothing to do with leprechauns. St. Patrick's Day is the anniversary of the death (in the fifth century) of St. Patrick as well as a religious feast day which honors him. He is the patron saint plus the national apostle of Ireland. He is believed to have brought Christianity to the country's people. The holiday is celebrated on March 17^th each year and has been celebrated by the Irish for more than 1,000 years. The Irish traditionally celebrate the special day with church, drinking, feasting and dancing.

• St. Patrick's Day: The History website explains the celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
• Holiday-St. Patrick's Day: The DLTK website offers fun recipes for kids for St. Patrick's Day such as Leprechaun Fizz and Rainbow Cake.
• St. Pat's Recipes: The Kaboose website is an excellent site for kids offering St. Patrick's Day recipes, crafts, activities and more.
• Best St. Patrick's Day Recipes: The All Recipes website provides great Irish recipes and reviews.
• St. Patrick's Day Recipes: The Taste of Home website offers many tasty St. Patrick's Day recipes and breaks them into categories such as appetizers and desserts.
• St. Patrick's Day Games & Activities: The Kidz Page website provides you with free St. Patrick's Day things to do including: Online Games, Coloring Pages, Jigsaw Puzzles, Printable Coloring and Clip Art.

Easter

Easter is a religious holiday which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after he was crucified on the cross. The day He was crucified is called “Good Friday.” It is always the Friday before Easter Sunday. Easter is always on Sunday because the tomb of Christ was empty three days after he died. He had followers who saw Him and talked to him after he rose from the dead. This is why Christians believe that an eternal life in Heaven is possible after death. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the (Spring) or vernal equinox. This can be any Sunday between March 22^nd and April 25^th. Out of all the Christian holidays Easter is the most sacred. Many people choose to celebrate Easter with parades, Easter egg hunts and the special Easter bunny.

• Questions and Answers About Easter: The St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Kingsville, MD website answers many questions regarding Easter such as “Why does the date of Easter move?”

• Easter Activities for Kids: The Activity Village website has great Easter crafts, origami, printables, puzzles, coloring pages, games, jigsaws and more for kids.
• Easter for Kids and Teachers: The Kiddyhouse website explains when Easter is, what it is, how it was celebrated in ancient days and much more.
• Easter Treats for Kids-Special Easter Kids' Recipes: The Divine Dinner Party website has great ideas for Easter recipes for kids such as “Run-Away Rabbit Racecar Snack Cakes.”
• Edible Easter Crafts: The Incredible Edible Crafts website has great Easter craft ideas that you can eat such as a cookie bouquet.
• Easter Recipes: The Spoonful website offers many yummy Easter recipes such as chocolate lollipops.

4^th of July

The Fourth of July is not just about fireworks and parades. It is also referred to as Independence Day for the United States. Before 1776 Great Britain wanted to force colonists to follow more and more rules and pay higher taxes. The colonists became angry and wanted to become an independent country. Congress held a meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they formed a committee. The committee was developed to create a formal document for Great Britain that would tell them that Americans had decided to govern themselves and become independent. Thomas Jefferson was asked to write the first draft of this famous document. June 28, 1776 was the date the committee read the “fair” (best ideas in neat handwriting) copy of Jefferson's draft. The committee then made changes to the document and declared independence on July 2, 1776. The document was officially adopted on July 4, 1776. It was declared by Congress that all members must sign the Declaration of Independence. The signing of the official document began on August 2, 1776.

• Fourth of July Recipes: The Nick Jr. website provides you with delicious Fourth of July recipes such as Stars & Stripes Cake and Red, White & Blue Snack Mix.
• Fourth of July Party Ideas, Crafts and Recipes: The Amazing Moms website offers Fourth of July recipes, crafts and party ideas.
• Fourth of July Recipes for Kids: The Cook Eat Share website has more than 1,000 recipes such as Fourth of July Parfaits.
• Activities and Crafts for July 4^th: The Enchanted Learning website provides you with many ideas for activities and crafts that have to do with the Fourth of July.
• 4th of July Cooking for Children: The Apples 4 the Teacher website has many great kids recipes such as Malted Milk Ball Sandwiches.
• July 4^th Games: The A Kids Heart website has many fun games for kids such as The Independence Day Sparkling Memory Game.

Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday where children dress in scary or cute costumes and trick-or-treat for lots of candy. Halloween is actually called “All Hallow's Eve” and is celebrated worldwide on October 31^st. The Roman Catholic Church in 835 AD designated November 1^st as a holiday which would honor all of the saints. This was a happy holiday but it was also on the eve of All Souls Day. During Medieval times it became customary on this day to pray for people who were dead. Halloween is often celebrated with costume parties, bobbing for apples, bonfires and scary movies and stories.

• The History of Halloween: The Project Britain website explains the history of Halloween and its relevance to All Saints Day.
• Kid's Halloween Party Menu: The Kraft Foods website has fun recipes such as Green S'Lime Jell-o Swamp Cake and even offers party tips and activity ideas.
• Happy Hallowscream: The Betty Crocker website offers tasty Halloween recipes kids will love such as recipes using leftover Halloween candy.
• A Kid-Friendly Halloween Bash: The Food Network website offers some scary kid recipes for Halloween such as a Cheese Ball Goblin.
• Halloween Recipes: The Better Homes and Garden website provides you with fun Halloween recipes such as spiders on cupcakes.
• Very Best Baking Halloween Recipes: The Nestle Very Best Baking website has yummy Halloween recipes for you such as Boo-ti-ful Ghosts along with ratings.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an American holiday which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each November (so the date changes from year to year). This holiday began as a show of gratitude for a good harvest. Many different cultures in America celebrate this holiday which began almost 400 years ago. There were 100 people in 1620 who sailed through the Atlantic Ocean and arrived at America at Plymouth, Massachusetts. The first winter was very harsh and hard for them and their crops failed. Half of the people died because there was not enough fresh food. The people who survived were very fortunate because an Iroquois tribe of Native Americans showed them how to grow different crops such as corn (which was called maize). This provided the people with new food. In 1621 the settlers had a great harvest of barley, beans, corn and pumpkins. They planned a feast because they were very thankful for the food. The Iroquois Chief and his tribe were invited to the feast because of all of the help they had given the settlers with their crops. The Native Americans brought wild game and turkeys to the feast. The settlers decided that they should celebrate their fall harvest each year with a feast of gratitude. The government recommended a special day of thanks after 1776 when the United States became independent. Several U.S. Presidents have changed the date for Thanksgiving through the years. President George Washington recommended a date of November 26^th each year for Thanksgiving Day. In 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date to the fourth Thursday in November in order to lengthen the before Christmas shopping period. Many people in America celebrate the holiday with a big feast including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes and (of course) pumpkin pie.

• First Thanksgiving: The National Geographic Kids website explains the first Thanksgiving including: Native Americans, The Settlers, Settling and Exploring, The Celebration, The Myths, Modern Thanksgiving and Native Americans and Thanksgiving.
• Kids Cooking-Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas: The Homeschooled Kids Online website has a super Cooking with the Kids! section which features recipes as well as crafts for Thanksgiving.
• Most Popular Thanksgiving Kid Friendly Recipes: The Food website offers 1,356 different Thanksgiving recipes that are kid-friendly along with reviews.
• Hersheys Thanksgiving Recipes: The Hersheys website provides you with yummy Thanksgiving recipes such as Classic Chocolate Cream Pie.
• Thanksgiving Activities for Kids: The Busy Bee Kids Crafts website is filled with Thanksgiving craft ideas, coloring pages, mazes, words searches, dot-to-dots and many more activities for kids.
• Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities for Kids: The Danielle's Place website offers fun craft and activity ideas for kids such as creating a Thanksgiving Memory Basket.

Christmas & Chanukah

Many children, and even some adults, think of the presents they will get when they think of Christmas. This is not really what Christmas is about. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25^th and is both a cultural as well as a religious holiday throughout the world. Christmas began as a special church service to celebrate the birth of Christ. In 1870 Christmas was declared as a federal holiday. The Bible does not say what the exact date (or even month) of the birth of Jesus Christ was. Many Christians celebrate Christ's birthday on December 25 by attending special Christmas church services. Decorating trees and evergreen bushes and lighting candles a few weeks before and even after Christmas is a symbol of life and light. Christmas has also become associated with Santa Claus bringing presents on Christmas Eve. Elves are believed to make the presents that Santa puts under decorated Christmas trees. Chanukah is a Jewish festival which is also known as “The Festival of Lights.” It is an eight-day festival of re-dedication. It begins on the twenty-fifth day of Kisler which is a Jewish month. Kisler happens in November/December and is the ninth month in the Jewish year.

• Chanukkah: The Judaism 101 website explains the story of Chanukah as well as its traditions, music and recipes.

• The 12 Tastes of Christmas: The Aristotle's Christmas on the Web site offers many tasty Christmas recipes such as Peanut Butter Balls and Stained Glass Cookies.
• Santa's Christmas Recipes: The Merry-Christmas website is filled with yummy recipes as well as games for kids
• Chanukah Recipes: Chabad.org Kids offers two Chanukah recipes which include coins and latkes.
• Christmas Cookie Recipes: The Easy Kids Recipes website has many delicious Christmas cookie recipes and also features other recipes for kids.
• Holiday Recipes for Kids: The My Recipes website provides kids with fun holiday recipes such as Tutti Fruity Crispy Candy.

Safety First!

There are many tips to follow to keep everyone, especially kids, safe in the kitchen. A very important tip is to not place any metal or foil in the microwave. When you want to heat up something in the microwave, use a microwave-safe container. Never let pan handles hang over the stove's edge or over a different burner. Only use an oven, sharp knife or microwave when there is an adult in the kitchen. When you remove a lid from a pot make sure it is facing away from you and don't put your face near the steam. Be sure to thoroughly dry your hands after washing them so they are not slippery and you do not drop things. If you spill something on the floor make sure you wipe it up right away so no one will slip. These are just a few tips that will help keep cooks and their helpers safe.

• How to Keep Your Kids Safe in the Kitchen: The Pillsbury website offers helpful tips to keep your kids safe in the kitchen and also clean up ideas for kids.
• Being Safe in the Kitchen: Kids Health offers some great tips and tricks for staying safe in the kitchen, most importantly having an adult assistant.

Hygiene in the Gluten-Free Kitchen

Kosher kitchens have certain rules for using entirely separate dishes and utensils for meat and dairy products. Similarly, in a gluten-free kitchen, it is necessary to use a few separate tools for certain things. When cooking, it is best to cook the gluten-free foods first. Never use utensils that have touched foods with gluten to cook gluten-free foods. Always ensure that pots, pans, dishes and even general preparation areas are thoroughly cleaned before using them to cook gluten-free foods. Finally, wash your hands before preparing or touching gluten-free foods and ingredients.

• Better Hygiene to Avoid Cross Contamination
• How to Separate Goods and Utensils
• Gluten-Free Kitchen Hygiene and Cleaning
• Separating Utensils, Chopping Boards and Prep Areas

Gluten-Free Food Storage Techniques

Special care should be taken in storing gluten-free foods away from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate containers for them. Especially in the case of toasters, keep a separate one for Celiac sufferers so that gluten particles do not enter their toast. Condiments and spreads should also be kept free of gluten. For example, use a separate butter dish for Celiac sufferers to avoid bread crumbs from gluten breads being left on the butter. It is generally best to keep gluten-free products on a separate shelf or cabinet. Always label them clearly so that they do not get mixed or used elsewhere by mistake.

• Tips for Avoiding Contamination in Stored Foods
• How to Store Gluten-Free Foods
• Storing Gluten-Free Breads
• Keep Foods With and Without Gluten Separate (PDF)

Preparing Food for Gluten Allergy Sufferers

The first step to gluten-free food preparation is knowing which items to avoid when shopping. Many innocent-looking items like packaged gravy, beer, soup mixes, and salad dressings actually do contain gluten ingredients. Always read the ingredient list before purchasing something. One of the easiest ways to start cooking gluten-free is to use foods that naturally do not contain any gluten. These types of foods can be adapted for the whole family, to save you from having to cook two separate sets of meals. For example, fresh, unprocessed meat, potatoes, fruits and vegetables, corn, rice, and beans are all perfect examples of gluten-free foods. It is also a lot healthier than using pre-packaged processed foods! In many cases, gluten-free flours or other safe ingredients can be used as substitutes for regular items. For example, if a soup or sauce is too thin, thicken it with a little rice flour or stir in mashed potatoes! Baking with gluten can be a little tricky, so if you are baking for a special occasion, do try a smaller test batch in advance to make sure that the recipe is reliable.

• Gluten-Free Meal Ideas and Preparation Pointers
• Which Foods Might Contain Gluten?
• How to Cook for a Celiac
• Identifying and Shopping for Gluten-Free Ingredients

Children on a Gluten-Free Diet

It can certainly be difficult to cope with children who suddenly have to be switched to a gluten-free diet. Suddenly many of their favorite foods are forbidden. To start, help them understand what Celiac disease is, and what happens if they consume gluten foods. The resources below offer some games, activity packs, and cooking tips to help kids come to terms with a gluten-free diet and become more involved in preparing their meals. There are also plenty of gluten-free recipes online for meals and treats that are specifically developed to appeal to kids’ palettes and their affinity for attractive-looking foods.

• Play the Gluten Dodge Game!
• Gluten-Free Recipes and Tips for Kids
• The Gluten-Free Homeroom for Kids
• Gluten-Free Recipes that Kids Will Love

Additional Tips and Resources

Going gluten-free initially seems like a very big change for most people. However, continuing to think like that and obsessing about gluten foods can make it even more difficult. Approach it as a challenge and see how many great meals and snacks you can make that are gluten-free. It certainly helps to meet other Celiac disease sufferers through gluten-free clubs or associations. They can help to introduce you to alternate cooking techniques and new recipe ideas. In the end you’ll see that eating gluten-free is actually not that bad at all. It simply requires a change of mind.

• Best Practices for a Gluten-Free Diet (PDF)
• The Family’s Guide to Maintaining a Gluten-Free Diet (PDF)
• Starting a Gluten-Free Diet and Staying Safe (PDF)
• Eating Gluten-Free at Restaurants (PDF)

Green Kitchen Tips

1. Check the Seal on the Refrigerator

Not all refrigerators seal properly enough to keep cold air in. When this happens, the refrigerator uses up more energy. The best way to determine if a refrigerator is sealed properly is to perform a simple test using a slip of paper or a dollar bill. Place the paper so that it is partially in the refrigerator and partially sticking out when the door is closed. The paper should be difficult to pull out once the door is closed. If the paper slips out easily, the seal is loose and should be replaced.

1. Replace Non-Stick Cookware

Due to the ease of cleaning, non-stick cookware has become a popular option in many kitchens. Unfortunately, the surface of this type of cookware is often subject to wear and tear. As a result, they must be replaced more frequently than other types of cookware and they create more garbage as a result. Replace non-stick skillets with ones made of cast iron or stainless steel. Cookware with copper bottoms is also a smart choice. Not only do they last longer, but they also heat up quickly and are more energy-efficient.

1. Stop Using Paper Towels

When used, paper towels are typically discarded into trash cans, which are then transported to landfills. To reduce the production of excess trash, avoid buying paper towels altogether. In place of paper towels use microfiber towels or other reusable cleaning cloths. Separate cloth towels should be used for different tasks in the kitchen, such as drying dishes and wiping up spills.

1. Buy Food From Your Local Area

Food that's grown locally is always an environmentally friendly option compared to foods from other cities or countries. The longer the distance that food travels, the more natural resources are consumed, such as gas. The transportation of food from one location to another also contributes substantially to pollution. Buying seasonal food also helps to reduce the consumption of resources, as out of season foods are typically grown and transported from other countries. Buying locally is good for the area's local economy, as well as the environment.

1. Keep the Refrigerator Well Stocked

Refrigerators and freezers should never be kept empty or only slightly full. This causes them to work harder than they would if they were completely full. As a result, they consume more energy. Whenever possible, keep both well stocked. If the food is not available, empty containers may be placed on the shelves as place holders.

• Epicurious: The Green Kitchen
• Create an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
• Sierra Club: Green Kitchen Tips
• HGTV: Green Cabinets and Countertops Video
• Green Renaissance of Western New York: Green Kitchen Tips
• Eco-Friendly Kitchen Tips
• CBS News: Go Green in Your Kitchen

Green Kitchens: Getting Techie

When creating a green kitchen, it's important to not overlook the technology that helps people live in a more environmentally friendly way. This technology is available in many of the appliances, both large and small, that are found in modern kitchens. Some of this technology is new, while others have been around for years. Many of the refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers are made with features that make them more eco-friendly than older versions. Many new ovens, for example, no longer require pre-heating. Energy Star appliances are appliances that are designed to use up to 50 percent less energy than older models. Energy Star appliances are identified by the Energy Star label. Cooking appliances can also help in greening the kitchen. Modern pressure cookers, for example, cook faster than using the oven. This allows the user to use less energy. They also help retain more of the food's nutrients.

• Energy Efficient Appliances to Upgrade Your Kitchen
• EPA: Green Building – Kitchen Components – Major Appliances
• Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Fridges
• Eco-Friendly Home Appliances – Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Cooking Appliances.
• Discovery Channel Green Living: Solar Ovens
• Green Cooking Solar Ovens and Vacuum Cookers
• Cooking With Pressure Cookers: How to Cut Cooking Stove Energy Use PDF

Composting for Your Kitchen

Kitchen composting allows people to recycle scraps of food that they would otherwise throw away. Items such as the peels and remains of fruit and vegetables, breading and crusts, egg shells, and paper products such as paper towels or napkins are collected and decompose into a soil that can be used to enrich plants or gardens. When space is limited, like in a kitchen, a bin can be set up under a sink for vermicomposting. This involves adding red earthworms to the scraps of food and other garbage being composted. The worms digest the garbage and turn it into a nutritionally enriched soil fertilizer.

• Make Your Own Kitchen Waste Composter PDF
• Sources for Food Scrap Kitchen Pails
• East Texas Garden: Kitchen Composting
• Composting at Home the Green and Brown Alternative
• Kitchen Composting: Worms in My Kitchen PDF
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Kitchen Composting
• Green Bin: The Kitchen Composting Bin

Homemade Organic/Green Cleaners

Cleaning products contain harmful ingredients that are dangerous to human health and the environment. In terms of the environment, the cleaner's chemicals make their way into the water supply or fumes may contribute to air pollution. To avoid this people can make their own cleaning supplies using natural or even organic ingredients. Lemons, vinegar, and baking soda are three of the most common items that are used when creating kitchen cleaners. The acid of lemons is effective in fighting bacteria found in the kitchen. Baking soda is a natural abrasive, cleanser and deodorizer. Vinegar as an ingredient in green cleaners serves to remove mildew, kill bacteria and germs, and also to deodorize. Homemade cleaners for the kitchen include cleaners for countertops, the oven, and also all-purpose cleaners.

• Michigan State University Extension: Homemade Cleaners
• Green Cleaning PDF
• Sustainability: Clean and Green
• Greener Choices: Homemade Household Cleaners
• Results of Readers' Tests of Homemade Green Cleaners
• A Greener Cleaner
• Consumer Reports: Seven Ways to Green Clean - And Cut Costs

Recycling Food Waste

• Backyard Composting – Check out this basic composting guide that explains how to choose the right materials and what to do with them.
• Using Composting to Recycle Food – Read through a brief list of composting statistics and a summary of its importance.
• Food Waste Composting – Find out what kind of leftover food is acceptable for composting, and which kinds will make a compost bin smell.
• How to Recycle Food Waste – Read through a comprehensive article in PDF form that explains why colleges and universities have turned to composting.
• The Basics of Worm Composting – Find out what it takes to start composting leftover food scraps using worms.
• Vermicompost Benefits – Learn the benefits of using worms to compost food waste from the kitchen in this quick PDF guide.
• Composting and Mulching – Learn the basics of setting up a compost bin in the backyard with organic materials.
• Composting in the Backyard – Read this PDF guide to find out how to get started with composting in Utah, including how to troubleshoot common problems.
• Using Rapid Composting – Find out how rapid composting works, including how to find the right materials for the job, in this comprehensive PDF explanation.
• Composting Basics – Learn the science behind how organic matter is decomposed in a compost pile.
• Managing Organic Waste – Check out this PDF guide to learn how to get starting recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste materials in the backyard.
• Introduction to Composting Organic Waste – Find out why composting your food waste is better than throwing it in the trash for the environment.
• The Process of Composting – Learn how long it takes for organic materials to fully decompose in a backyard compost pile.
• Facts about Composting Organic Waste – Learn the basic mechanics of composting food and other organic materials, including several different methods of setting up your composting site.
• Reusing Old Cooking Oil – Read through a PDF fact sheet that provides helpful tips about managing and recycling old cooking oil.

Recycling Everyday Items

• Recycling Aluminum Cans – Learn why it's important to recycle you can instead of just throwing them away.
• Getting Started with Recycling Aluminum – Find out how to set up a container for recycling old cans, as well as why it's important and where to take them.
• Recycling Cans and Bottles – Learn how to properly recycle old bottles and cans in this short PDF description.
• Recycling Glass Bottles – Discover the history of recycling glass products.
• Hyperlink – description
• Glass Recycling FAQ – Learn what types of glass can be safely recycling from the home, as well as how to prepare it.
• Facts about Glass – Read through statistics on recycling glass, including information about how much electricity a single bottle can save!
• Acceptable Kitchen Items to Recycle – Find out what types of items in your kitchen can really be recycled, including some that can't, too.
• Recycling Boxes – Check out this PDF to learn how to properly break down boxes for recycling.
• Recycling Kitchen and Other Household Items – Read through these tips to learn how to safely recycling everyday household items, like paper, bottles and cans.
• Recycling Household Trash – Check out this comprehensive PDF guide that details the process of recycling everyday items that can be found in the kitchen, including glass, metal and plastic.
• Recycling Paper – Learn how paper from your house is recycled in this PDF explanation, including how it is prepared, broken down and repackaged into something new!
• Facts about Paper Recycling – Read through important statistics about recycling used paper products from around the house.
• Recycling Glass – Check out a great website that serves as a comprehensive resource for learning about recycling household glass products.
• Facts about Recycled Glass – Discover some interesting facts about recycling glass items from around the house in this quick PDF guide.
• Recycling Bottle Caps – Learn about different ways that you can protect the environment by recycling old bottle caps.

Recycling Appliances

• Handling Appliances with CFCs – Learn how to properly dispose of appliances that contain CFCs, like refrigerators.
• Appliance Recycling – Find out what the state of Ohio does to help residents recycle old kitchen appliances.
• How to Dispose of Kitchen Appliances Safely – Learn about the risks associated with handling some older appliances, including how to minimize the hazard, as well.
• Recycling Old Refrigerators – Check out this informative video that explains the importance of recycling old refrigerators and freezers, as opposed to throwing them away.
• Recyclable Household Appliances and Other Items – Learn what type of appliances are suitable for recycling.
• Tips for Recycling Kitchen Appliances – Get ideas on where to recycle appliances and how to prepare them for donation in this quick PDF guide.
• Refrigerators and Freezers – Find out how much energy you could save by recycling your old appliances and upgrading to more efficient ones in this PDF guide.
• Recycling Around the House – Learn how to reduce waste in the kitchen and around the house, as well as how to save energy with kitchen appliances.
• Appliance Recycling Guide – Read through a brief list of tips in PDF form that will help you understand the process of recycling kitchen appliances.
• Recycling Directory – Learn how long you can keep a refrigerator or freezer before it starts to become less efficient.
• Overview of Recycling Kitchen Appliances – Learn what's really involved in recycling appliances, like refrigerators and freezers.
• Appliance Recycling – Find out if your old appliances are suitable for recycling.
• Facts about Recycling Steel – Learn why recycling steel is so important, and how it applies to household appliances, like refrigerators.
• Disposing of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – Discover why it's so important to properly recycle old refrigerators and freezers.
• How to Recycle Old Appliances – Learn more about the recycling process as it relates to old refrigerators and freezers.
• Recycling Major Appliances – Read through this PDF fact sheet to learn more about the importance of recycling major household appliances.

Solar Energy

Solar power is a wonderful source of energy that does not involve burning natural resources or creating pollutants. While it is still not used widely today, it definitely has the potential to become more common in future. A good way to help children learn about using solar energy is by showing them how solar panels work. This can be done with a solar toy or a small kit.

• The Sun's Energy (PDF) – This lesson plan is a perfect introduction to solar power as a renewable energy source.
• Solar Heating – Teach students about insulation and solar energy as a heat source.
• Solar Energy for K-2 – Follow a series of solar energy lesson plans for younger students that include recipes, coloring pages, stories and more.
• Create a Solar Oven – With these fun resources, kids learn to build their own solar oven.
• Teaching Solar Energy (PDF) – A range of lessons and activities help students to understand the versatility of solar energy.

Water Conservation

To kids, water conservation might seem a bit redundant since there is so much of it out there. However, through targeted lesson plans, they will learn that reducing their water usage can go a long way towards cutting down energy use and water pollution. Before discussing ways to conserve water, teach them how much water ordinary daily tasks consume.

• How We Use Water – Teach students to identify and track the amount of water we use on a daily basis.
• Water Usage Worldwide (DOC) – A lesson plan demonstrates helps students discover the consequences of shortages of clean water around the world.
• Conserving Water – Through an in-class activity, students learn about the availability of consumable water and water shortage.
• Water Lesson Plans for All Ages – Teachers can pick from a variety of lesson plans, all based on water awareness and conservation, sorted by grade level.
• Reducing Our Water Use - Through this lesson, students will learn why it is important to conserve water, and they will develop ideas for water conservation.

Wind Power

To learn about why wind power is important, students should first understand the consequences of burning fossil fuels as our primary energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, wind power is entirely renewable. Even more importantly, it is clean and does not pollute the atmosphere. Students can construct their own wind-powered miniature contraptions in class to get an idea of how this simple concept can actually be quite powerful.

• Wind Power Lessons – Choose from a variety of lesson plans and presentations on wind power and how it can be used.
• Wind-Powered Activities – From building pinwheels to analyzing air density, students of all ages will learn plenty from these lesson plans.
• Lessons on Wind Energy – Pick the appropriate grade level and then select activities and lesson plans focusing on wind energy.
• Wind for Schools – Encourage your school to participate in a program that introduces wind power to the school.
• The Windy Classroom – Download a full, free curriculum on wind energy.

Biofuel

Although the benefits of biofuel might not be immediately apparent to younger students, teaching them about it is important for their futures. Biofuels are created from renewable resources, such as soybeans, and are used to power vehicles and machines. While they still produce emissions, these outputs are not as harmful as those caused by fossil fuels. Students can learn about this by exploring sources of biofuels and comparing the efficiency of biofuels with more traditional energy sources.

• Biofuel Learning Resources – Educators can pick an appropriate lesson plan from a database of biofuel resources, sorted by grade or lesson type.
• Creating Biodiesel – In an exciting activity, students will create their very own biodiesel.
• Biomass Curriculum (PDF) – Teach students about biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuels and its advantages.
• A Biofuel Science Lesson – Older students will compare different types of biomass and biofuels to learn about tradeoffs.
• Biofuel Resources for Educators – Teachers can find a variety of teaching resources, from labs, lesson plans, projects and more.

Geothermal Energy

In comparing alternative energy sources, it is useful to introduce students to geothermal energy as another option. They can explore this concept through miniature models and experiments. Through these types of activities, students will learn that geothermal energy does not emit harmful pollutants or require much fuel to produce it.

• Exploring Geothermal Energy – Download a list of activities based on geothermal energy specifically for middle school grades.
• A Geothermal Experiment (PDF) – By performing a geothermal model experiment, students compare energy outputs.
• Geothermal Teacher Resources (PDF) – Browse lesson plans, curriculums, and interactive teaching aids on geothermal energy.
• Geothermal Energy in Practice – Introduce students to one school’s real life take on geothermal energy that includes a geothermal well.
• Using Geothermal Energy – Although it might sound complicated to use geothermal energy, students can learn about cost savings and the environmental impact when this energy source is put in practice.

Electronics is considered to be a hobby at a semi-professional level because there is a theory of application which is typically applied during construction. This is a hobby which has a skilled mechanics, technical, and scientific foundation on which it is based. A hobby in electronics is something hobbyists’ of all ages can enjoy and there are hobby projects and resources available in which every skill level can use to their advantage while making the most of their new-found hobby. The following links will provide activities, tutorials, projects, and other fun and educational material that hobbyists are sure to enjoy. There is something here for everyone and for every skill level.

Circuits (circuitry)

• Playing with Electricity – This link talks about a study done, using a non-intimidating exhibit which allowed kids to learn through engagement with open-ended experimentation. This is a great resource for adults and children to read together because most people have misconceptions about electric circuits. As beginners and children read the study and view the images in the PDF document, they can clearly see that choosing circuits as a hobby is safe for people of all ages with proper knowledge and/or supervision.
• Circuit Building 101 – The PDF document provides a vast amount of information for the beginning and intermediate levels of circuit building hobbyists.
• Build Your Own Crystal Radio – This is a link which provides project instructions on constructing your own crystal radio. This project is best suited for those hobbyists’ at the advanced level.

Electronic Kits

• MadLab – This website offers a variety of beginner electronic kits suitable for ages seven and up.
• Electronic Kits – This website has a variety of electronic kits which are suitable for those hobbyists who are at an intermediate level.
• Robot Electronic Kits – Hobbyists of all ages will enjoy building their own robot but these electronic kids are most suitable for those at the advanced level.

Electronic Hobby Circuits

• Science Lobby – This website is great for beginners and intermediate levels. Here hobbyists can learn general theory, components, combination logic and more.
• Tony’s Website – This website offers a vast amount of information on electronic hobby circuits as well as projects which are more suited for those at the intermediate or advanced levels.
• NTL World – This website has a lot of information and tutorials for intermediate level electronic hobbyists.

Electronic Crafts

• Electromagnet – This is a simple project and beginners are provided a tutorial in making their own electromagnet.
• Night Light Saver – This project is more appropriate for those at the intermediate or advanced levels. With this project, hobbyists are given instructions and diagrams to build an electronic device that will automatically turn a night-light off. In doing so, they will help save energy.
• Powercart – This project is for advanced level hobbyists. When finished, this project will have a solar panel as well as a secret bar.

Electronic RC Cars

• Beginner Helicopter – This website provides information on how to choose the best remote control helicopter for hobbyists at the beginner level.
• RC Off-Road Racing – This website offers answers to frequently asked questions about off-road racing RC cars. Off-road RC cars are usually best suited for those at the intermediate and advanced levels.
• Gas Powered RC Cars – This website is great for advanced users who are ready to move up to gas-powered hobby toys. It provides specifications and reviews of some of the hottest electronic RC cars available.

Electronic Projects

• Instructables – This website has quite a few electronic projects for beginners. Examples include a ChapStick LED flashlight, a fruit clock, and how to use fans from an old personal computer to make miniature wind generators.
• Christmas Decoration Electronic Project – This electronic project instructs intermediate level hobbyists as to how to utilize LED lighting to construct a Christmas ornament.
• Edu Tech – This website has electronic projects available for those at the advanced level.

Simple Machines

Simple machines make tasks simpler by reducing the amount of effort it takes for humans to perform certain tasks.

Overview of Simple Machines

Levers, pulleys, and inclines all have one thing in common: they reduce the amount of energy it takes for human to move or lift objects. This site explains the terms used when talking about simple machines and what students need to know about them.

Simple Machines and Machinery 

For older students, this introduction to machines explains how they work as well as the difference between machines, simple machines, and mechanisms.

 Examples of Simple Machines 

See examples of how the simple machines are used in things people use every day.

 Gadget or Simple Machine? 

How many everyday gadgets are actually simple machines at work?

All About Simple Machines 

This collection of links has a lot of information about simple machines.

Simple Machines Explained (PDF)

Simple machines are explained here so that students can understand how they help perform tasks more easily.

Pulleys At Work 

Find out the purpose of a pulley and a variety of ways to use them. There's also a list of common machines which use pulleys as part of their mechanism.

 Build a Pulley 

Want to build a pulley? Go to this website to learn not only how to build one, but which one to build for the particular task.

Pulleys All Around Us 

Pulleys are all around. See some examples of simple, everyday items that use pulleys, like window blinds.

Pulley Experiments 

Want to do some simple experiments with pulleys? All it takes is some simple household items, like a rope, a broom, and a friend.

Overview of the Screw 

This site gives a basic overview of how a screw works.

 Wedges and Screws 

Wedges and screws sometimes work together. See how at this link.

Diagram of an Inclined Plane 

Georgia State University has a great diagram of an inclined plane, explaining how it works.

Interactive Inclined Plane 

This interactive page shows an inclined plane at work.

Galileo Experiments 

See Galileo's simple experiment with inclined planes that anyone can reproduce.

 Uses of Inclined Planes

Although an inclined plane is probably the simplest of the simple machines, it is used everywhere, from wheelchair ramps to slides on the playground. See some more examples of everyday uses of an inclined plane.

Inclined Plane 

How does an inclined plane work? Learn how here.

Wheel and Axle 

This site provides a brief overview of how a wheel and axle works.

 Egyptians and the Wheel and Axle 

Did Egyptians use a wheel and axle simple machine to build the pyramids? The author of this article thinks so.

How Does a Wheel and Axle Work? 

How does a wheel and axle save on energy to move things? This site shows how.

 Wheel and Axle (PDF)

Find out about the wheel and axle and how it is used, along with information about other simple machines.

Wedges Everywhere 

Wedges are everywhere, even in things people don't usually think of. For instance, a knife is a wedge. Discover how a wedge works and more places wedges can be found.

Make a Wedge (PDF)

Want to make a wedge for an experiment? This step-by-step guide shows how.

Experiments With Simple Machines 

Explore simple machines, including the wedge, with these experiments.

Use a Wedge to Solve a Problem 

This project takes kids to Egypt where they must solve problems using a wedge.

 Lever Basics (PDF)

Learn about the three classes of levers.

Three Types of Levers 

A lever is an important simple machine. There are three different types, all of which are used every day in items like hammers and crowbars. Find out more from this link.

 Lever Diagrams 

Sometimes a picture is needed to understand something. This site has clear diagrams demonstrating how a lever works.

 All About Levers 

Explore the things that can be done with levers. They are everywhere, even on the playground.

Build a Lever 

Building a lever is fun. Find out how to do it here.

Test Your Lever Knowledge

Think it's easy to tell the three classes of levers apart? This fun game will put that knowledge to the test.

Information About The Six Simple Machine Types

This site not only has information about simple machines, but there’s also links to even more information.

Interactive Simple Machines

This fun, interactive, website demonstrates how simple machines are used all over the house.

Let’s Build Using Simple Machines (PDF)

Ready to build something that uses simple machines? This project guide will get a young inventor started.

 Rube Goldberg Machines

Rube Goldberg made fantastic inventions which used simple machines to do everyday tasks. This interactive game lets kids build machines like Goldberg’s.

Kitchen and Home Safety

General preventative measures for keeping pets safe in the kitchen and around the house, include installing child-proof latches on cabinets and ensuring items, such as batteries, cellophane, string, glow-in-the-dark jewelry and extension cords are kept inside. Place screens in front of fireplaces to avoid burns and fires, and block floor vents to keep them from getting their paws or tails caught. Ensure pets don’t have easy access to basements, garages or sheds, where they may be in danger of falling items or toxic chemicals. When cooking in the kitchen, use back burners, when possible; and don’t leave food, knives, cooking or eating utensils unattended on counters. Make certain kitchen sponges are replaced frequently and kept out of reach, as they contain harmful cleaning chemicals, germs and bacteria. Keep pets out of the kitchen and place them outside or in another room while cleaning the oven. Cleaning fumes, particularly with self-cleaning ovens, are particularly harmful to pets.

Garbage

Curious noses generally find odorous garbage appealing, therefore, make sure garbage is kept out of reach and inside a trash can with a lid. Certain types of garbage, such as medications and caffeine-based food products are particularly dangerous to pets. The caffeine in coffee grounds and tea affects their hearts and nervous systems, leading to vomiting, heart palpitations and possibly death. Wrap food debris in plastic and throw items away by ensuring they are immediately disposed of by securing them in tied, plastic bags. Place the bags in garbage cans and immediately secure the lid over the top. Large animals, such as dogs of considerable size will pose more of a concern with regard to garbage safety. Therefore, keeping garbage inside locked, child-proof cabinets is a wise choice in order to ensure they don’t push open cabinets or turn over garbage lids with their noses.

Food

Ensure pets are provided healthy foods designated only for them and avoid feeding “people foods” and table scraps. Keep kitchen foods out of reach of pets and inform family members of items that are of particular danger to them. Pets should not be given fatty foods, such as bacon or steak, as they can upset their gastrointestinal tracts, cause digestive disorders and pancreatic inflammation and lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting or death. Although dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat meat and plant materials, avoid giving them meat with bones, as they can easily splinter and puncture their mouths, throats, stomachs or intestinal tracts, requiring surgery. Bread dough is harmful to pets because it expands in their stomachs; therefore, avoid giving them bread-based products. Most pets are lactose intolerant, so don’t give them milk, as it may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Never feed pets chocolate, as it contains the compound theobromine, which is toxic and causes diarrhea, vomiting, irregular heartbeats, seizures, tremors and death. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin that is highly dangerous to dogs, and can result in kidney failure and death. Other foods toxic to household pets include avocadoes, candy, caffeine, onions, mushrooms and nuts, particularly Macadamias.

Food and Water Dish Cleanliness

Plastic food bowls and water dishes have the potential to harbor harmful bacteria and germs. Use ceramic, porcelain or stainless steel bowls, instead. Choose bowls and dishes that don’t have paint within their inner linings and if paint begins peeling, throw them away immediately. When using canned pet foods, reseal their tops and place them in the refrigerator after use. Throw them away if they haven’t been used within 5 to 6 days. To ensure pets don’t drink from toilets, keep a constant supply of fresh water in the bowls.

Chemicals and Poisonous Plants

Pets are characteristically curious, especially with items that have an unfamiliar scent. Therefore, dangerous cleaning agents, chemicals and medications are likely to spark their inquisitive natures. Make certain items which are especially toxic to pets, such as cleaning detergents, bleach, antifreeze, pine-oil, liquid potpourri, and polyurethane glue are kept behind locked cabinets. Read all product labels to ensure there are no hidden dangers in products left out in the open. The most common poison ingested by dogs is rat poison, which can cause internal bleeding and death. Keep household medications in child-proof containers and locked in bathroom cabinets where pets can’t reach them. Although some human medications are prescribed for pets, the majority of them are lethal, even in small quantities. Some house plants are poisonous to pets, which include castor beans, daffodils, dieffenbachias, elephant ear, hyacinths, narcissuses, oleanders, rosary peas and lily plants. Lily plants are especially poisonous to cats, as a small nibble of the petal, stem or leaf can result in irreversible kidney failure despite medical treatment.

Electricity

Pets that have an elevated need to chew, such as dogs, are at a higher risk of danger from exposed wiring, lighting, outlets and extension cords. Pets generally think dangling electrical cords and wires look like toys, so ensure they are secured and out of reach. Other electrical safety measures for pets include, putting children’s toys and games away; taping or covering cords and outlets with metal-braided sleeves and child-proof covers; and unplugging lights and appliances when leaving the home. Make electrical cords undesirable to chew by coating them with bitter apple pet sprays or hair spray.

First Aid

Assemble an emergency preparedness kit for pets, which should include a general veterinary first aid kit; hydrogen peroxide, pet Rescue Remedy or Animal Emergency Trauma Solution, pet food and bottled water; a leash and muzzle; a list of pets on the property, as well as their favorite hiding places; and names and phone numbers of emergency contacts. The emergency preparedness kit should be placed inside a sturdy backpack, duffle bag or large, plastic container with handles. If pets ingest a significant amount of chocolate, one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide can be administered orally until they vomit. Alternatively, Rescue Remedy or Animal Emergency Trauma Solution can be poured into their water according to the product’s instructions in order to flush the system. If animals exhibit signs of repeated diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, excessive panting or seizures, seek emergency medical veterinary care immediately.

For more information on pet safety in the kitchen and the home, consult the following links.

• Pet Safety
• Pet Safety Checklist
• Seasonal Pet Safety
• Pet Hazards
• Pet-Proofing Your Home
• Pets and Electric Safety
• Holiday Health Hazards
• Pet and Disaster Safety
• Common Household Dangers
• Pesticide Safety Around Animals
• Poisonous Plants Affecting Dogs
• Toxic and Dangerous Foods for Pets
• Removing Items from a Dog’s Mouth
• Go on Poison Patrol to Keep Your Pets Safe!
• Read the Label First: Protect Your Pets
• Is Your Home Safe 4-Your Pet
• Pet Emergency Preparedness
• Poisonous Items Found around the House
• The Holiday Top Ten-A Survival Guide for Your Pet
• Prevention Tips to Keep Pets from Starting Home Fires
• Kidney Failure in Dogs Following Ingestion of Grapes and Raisins

Germ Prevention

Germ prevention is an important part of any cooking experience. While germs are invisible to the naked eye, they can wreak havoc within the human body. To prevent infection from a variety of germs, you should make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting any cooking process in the kitchen. Heating foods to the appropriate temperatures and storing them properly both before and after cooking is also an essential step in the process of germ prevention.

• An Ounce of Prevention Keeps Germs Away—Tips for preventing germ and bacteria growth at home.
• Partners in Germ Prevention—Describes programs designed to prevent the spread of disease.
• BAM! Body and Mind—Games and quizzes designed to teach you about the prevention of disease.
• Health and Safety—Variety of government sites designed to provide assistance with germ and disease education.
• Viruses, Bacteria, and Parasites in the Digestive Tract—Discusses many of the most common bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the digestive tract.
• Health Habits That Fight Cold and Flu Viruses—Tips for preventing colds and the flu.

Kitchen Rules

Following specific rules and procedures is also essential to preventing injury or illness in the kitchen. While there are a number of regulations that are important to follow, one of the most essential involves keeping metal objects out of the microwave. This rule is of vital importance, as failing to do so can start a potentially deadly fire. Using oven mitts, cleaning up spills as they occur, and never leaving food unattended are other important kitchen rules that should be followed at all times.

• Kitchen Safety Rules for Kids Who Cook—Rules and guidelines to prevent injury at home while cooking.
• Cooking with Kids—Discusses methods of increasing interest in cooking for children and adolescents.
• Cooking Shows like Master Chef, My Kitchen Rules can Make Area Danger Zone—Tips for the prevention of accidents in the kitchen.
• Kids in the Kitchen—Safety tips for cooking.
• Cooking with Children—Examples of kitchen tasks.
• Kitchen and Food Safety—Guide to cooking and safety in the kitchen.

Kitchen Appliances

To prepare most foods, adults and children alike depend on the use of kitchen appliances. Some of the most common kitchen appliances currently in use include stoves, ovens, dishwashers, toasters, and blenders. According to most experts, children under the age of 12 years should never be allowed to use these items without parental supervision. Individuals who are inexperienced in the use of a particular item should read the owners’ manual or consult with local professionals to ensure optimal results and prevent possible personal or property damage.

• Cooking Fire Safety—Tips for the proper use of stoves and other kitchen devices.
• Is My Child Ready to Use the Stove or Oven?—Helps identify when children are ready for the use of kitchen appliances.
• Fire Prevention: Cooking—Tips and recommendations for cooking in the kitchen.
• Tips to Keep Your Child Safe From Home Fires—Rules and guidelines for parents and children on prevention of home fires while cooking.
• Fun Cooking Activities and Recipes—Recommendations for the use of stoves and ovens for children under the age of 12 years.

Kitchen Clean-Up Tips

After food has been cooked and eaten, kitchen clean-up must occur. Unfortunately, washing, drying, and storing dishes is considered by many adults and children alike to be one of the least-enjoyable parts of the cooking experience. As with the use of kitchen appliances, parents should supervise dish-washing—especially among very young children—to avoid possible scratches, scrapes, or cuts. The use of cleaning chemicals that are safe for individuals of all ages is also often encouraged to avoid possible toxic reaction or even death.

• Child Care Environment: Room-By-Room Safety Checklist—Recommendations for safety when cleaning the kitchen and washing dishes.
• Making Food Healthy and Safe for Kids—Tips and recommendations for cleaning and washing dishes.
• Chemical Safety: Education for Children—Educational materials regarding chemical safety.
• Kid Safe Chemical Act—Describes recent legislature designed to prevent illness and injury in children.

Kitchen Safety

Keeping specific safety tips in mind while cooking can be an effective way to prevent a number of common injuries. While cooking, wear aprons and oven mitts when handling hot objects. In addition, wearing appropriate types of clothing and understanding where fire and other emergency safety tools are kept can be vital in the event of an emergency. Finally, you should understand that by taking their time in the cooking process, many common kitchen mistakes and problems can be avoided.

• Safety Tips for Kids in the Kitchen—Recommendations for preventing injury in the kitchen.
• Tips for Involving Children in the Kitchen—Safety and injury prevention tips for the kitchen.
• Kitchen Safety Tips for Kids—Recommendations for keeping safe in the kitchen.
• Food Safety Tips for Kids—Kitchen and microwave safety guidelines.
• Holiday Safety Kitchen Tips—Tips for keeping the kitchen injury-free while cooking.
• Kitchen-Safety Tips—Describes various kitchen habits designed to increase knowledge and prevent injury.

Food poisoning is unpleasant and can sometimes even be fatal. The best way to handle food poisoning is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Anyone who prepares or handles food should know the proper way handling the food to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Cooking food thoroughly and washing raw vegetables and fruit before eating prevent the spread of pathogens. To prevent cross-contamination, it's important to keep kitchen surfaces clean. Dishes should be washed in water and counters and surfaces wiped down with a disinfectant after each meal.

Salmonella

The bacteria salmonella causes the illness salmonellosis. People get salmonellosis by eating foods that were contaminated with the bacteria, such as raw eggs, chicken and beef. The bacteria have been found in frozen foods and peanut butter as well. Common symptoms include diarrhea and cramps. Usually, the symptoms clear up on their own after about five days, though very severe cases require antibiotics. People can attempt to prevent salmonellosis by cooking foods thoroughly.

• Bad Bug Book: Salmonella - Description of salmonella and the illness it causes from the Food and Drug Administration.
• Salmonellosis - Fact sheet from the NY Department of Health
• Protect Yourself From Salmonella - Guide from Duke Medicine for preventing illness due to salmonella.
• Salmonellosis in Arizona - Statistics on outbreaks of salmonellosis in AZ, including causes of the outbreaks.
• What is the Difference Between Salmonella and E. Coli? - Explains the differences between the two bacteria.

Botulism

Botulism is a rare food borne illness. It is caused by a toxin released by bacteria; the bacteria that causes botulism is found in foods that were canned improperly or in fermented seafood. Symptoms of the infection include blurred or double vision, breathing difficulty, and paralysis. An anti-toxin may be injected into a person with botulism to prevent further damage to the nerves. If the person still has food contained with the toxin in their system, vomiting may be induced to flush out the food. People can prevent the disease by heating or boiling any foods that they are suspicious of. High heat kills the bacteria and its toxins.

• Botulism Fact Sheet - Basic information on botulism from Colorado State University.
• World Health Organization: Botulism - Description of symptoms, prevention and treatment from the World Health Organization.
• Botulism Causes - Description of causes of botulism. Includes a description of the causes of food-borne, infant and wound botulism, from the Mayo Clinic.
• Preventing Foodborne Illness: Clostridium botulinum - Thorough description of botulism from the University of Florida.
• Botulism and Food Poisoning in Home Canning - Article on botulism with a focus on canning foods at home.

E. Coli

There are many types of E. coli bacteria. Some types, such as E. coli O157:H7, cause illness, while others live in the human body and do not cause harm. A common symptom of an infection is diarrhea. Severe infections can lead to death. The best way to prevent an infection is to cook foods properly and to avoid drinking water from an unclean source.

• Escherichia coli O157:H7 - Description of the symptoms and spread of E. Coli O157:H7, one of the most common strains of the bacteria to cause illness.
• E. Coli Infection: Treatment - Describes the treatment of E. Coli.
• Safety Concerns Sprout Up - News article about the spread of E. coli from raw sprouts.
• Food Safety, Preparation and Storage Tips: E. Coli - Advice on handling food to prevent the spread of E. Coli.
• USDA Takes New Steps to Fight E. Coli, Protect the Food Supply - News release about the steps the USDA is taking to protect the US food supply from bacteria.

Listeria

Listeria is another illness caused by eating food contaminated by bacteria. The illness is particularly risky for women who are pregnant and for older people and people with weak immune systems. Fever is a common symptom of the infection, as are headaches and a stiff neck. Pregnant women may miscarry or go into labor prematurely. Unlike some bacteria, Listeria can grow and thrive in a cool environment, like the refrigerator. To prevent the illness, people should clean any spills in their refrigerator immediately, using hot water and soap. They should also thoroughly clean any raw produce before eating it and cook meats all the way through.

• Listeria and Pregnancy - Information on Listeria and the dangers during pregnancy.
• Listeria Outbreak: How Do I Know If I Have It? - Article from the LA Times about the 2011 Listeria outbreak. Includes information on symptoms and how long it takes symptoms to appear.
• Listeria - Overview on Listeria from the Centers for Disease Control.
• Listeria Infections - Information for parents on Listeria from Kids Health. Includes information on prevention and treatment.

"Mad Cow" Disease

"Mad Cow" disease, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, is not caused by a bacteria or virus, but by a prion, or a type of protein. It affects cattle. It is thought that Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a disease that affects humans, is related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Both diseases are very rare. Only three cases of BSE have been identified in the US. All of the cases were in cows that did not enter the food supply.

• Making Sense of Mad Cow Disease - In-depth questions and answers about the disease from the University of Maryland Medical Center.
• BSE Information Slide Show - Question and answer slide show about mad cow disease from the University of Illinois.
• About BSE and CJD - Information on mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), Or Mad Cow Disease - Consumer information about mad cow disease.

Norovirus

Norovirus is one of the leading causes of food poisoning in the US. It causes acute gastroenteritis and symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea in people. The virus is spread through food and water. People can also be exposed by touching a surface that is contaminated. Aside from drinking plenty of fluids and rest, there is no treatment for the illness. People can try to prevent it by washing their hands regularly and by washing any surfaces.

• Contagious Norovirus is Everywhere Now - News story from the "USA Today" on the prevalence of norovirus.
• Norovirus Infection - Information on the virus. Also includes a comparison between norovirus and influenza.
• Norovirus - Overview of norovirus from the UK Health Protection Agency.
• Symptoms of Norovirus - Description of the symptoms of norovirus from the UK National Health System.
• Noroviruses Fact Sheet - Q&A fact sheet on norovirus from the Public Health Agency Canada.

Staph

Staph infections are usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria. There are more than 30 different types of staph bacteria.. Many people have the bacteria on their body naturally. When the infection is linked to food poisoning, people usually experience stomach problems including vomiting and cramps. An infection is usually treated with antibiotics. One strain of the bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, does not respond to the standard antibiotics used to treat the infection.

• Staphylococcal Infections - General information on staph infections from the National Institutes of Health.
• What is a Staph Infection?  - Description of a staph infection, including the symptoms and causes.
• MRSA - Information on MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, from the NY Times.
• MRSA Toolkit - Video, pamphlets, and fact sheets about MRSA from the TN Department of Health.

Campylobactor

The bacteria campylobactor causes the illness campylobacteriosis. People usually get the illness after eating poultry that has not been cooked properly or by eating food that has been contaminated by the juice of raw poultry. Symptoms of the illness include a fever, pain and cramps in the abdomen and diarrhea. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but most people recover without medication or treatment. Hand washing, cooking chicken and other poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and not drinking raw milk are ways to prevent the illness.

• Campylobacter - Information on the bacteria and illness, including sources and symptoms.
• Campylobacter jejuni - Description of the bacteria.
• Campylobacteriosis - Information on campylobaceteriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria.

Be Prepared

It is important to always be prepared for a home emergency, such as a fire or injury that occurs at home. A very simple and effective step to take in being prepared is to keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen. Fire extinguishers must be inspected periodically to make sure that they are in working order. All homes should also have smoke detectors with working batteries, preferably in each room of the home. It’s necessary to check smoke detectors on a regular basis to be sure that they are operational. Carbon monoxide detectors are also a wise investment for a household, as they can help to ensure your family's safety.

In addition, all households should have an escape plan in place, in the event of a house fire. Sitting down with family members and discussing the plan will allow everyone to learn how to get out, as well as where to meet in the case of an emergency. Young children should be shown how to telephone for help and what to say to the 911 operator if a parent or sibling is injured or there is another emergency. These are all small ways to prepare one's family for a home emergency, and could potentially pay off in the long run.

Large Appliances

Most households contain several large appliances. Refrigerators, ovens, washers, clothes dryers, and dishwashers are just a few items that fall into the large appliance category. Each appliance should come with instructions upon purchase, as well as safety guidelines, that should be read and kept for reference.

Large appliances gather lots of dust that can eventually become a safety hazard if the dust gathers excessively. Any dust and dirt should be periodically cleaned off of vents at the bottom of refrigerators to allow these appliances to run more easily. Also, the lint screen of a clothes dryer must be cleaned of dust and dirt after every load of clothing. A build-up of lint can contribute to a fire in a laundry room.

The electrical cord of large appliances should also be checked from time to time for fraying and other safety hazards. A cord on any large appliance needs to remain intact in order for it to be safe. If there is a tear or fray on an electrical appliance, discontinue using it until the cord is properly fixed by a licensed electrician.

The dishwasher in a home must also be checked periodically to see that it is in good working order. Sometimes if water isn’t draining properly, or if there is a problem with water intake, the dishwasher can potentially heat up, leading to problems.

In regard to ovens, they should be cleaned regularly to avoid a build-up of burnt food on the floor of the appliance. Oven gloves and pot holders (along with any other flammable objects) should be kept clear of the stovetop so as to avoid falling on top of a hot burner and causing a fire. Oven locks should be used if there are children in the household, to avoid a little one opening an oven door and getting hurt.

Many of these safety precautions are fairly simple to put into practice, and simply require periodic inspection to ensure that they are in safe, working order. One can never be too safe when it comes to home and kitchen appliances.

Smaller Appliances

Microwaves, toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers, and electric mixers are all considered small appliances. Not surprisingly, there are a number of safety precautions connected with them. Once again, the electrical cords of these appliances must be maintained, and should not be used if these cords are frayed or otherwise damaged. As a rule of thumb, all small electric appliances should be kept clear of water sources (such as sinks and faucets), as these can pose serious safety risks when working with electricity.

When it comes to microwave ovens, it is important to never put metal inside one. This may include (but is not limited to) metal dishes, utensils, foils, etc. Always check to see if a dish has a ‘microwave safe’ label printed on it before reheating it. Also, if a microwave is problematic or unreliable in heating food, take it to a professional to see if it needs to be repaired.

Toasters and toaster ovens also can pose a safety hazard if not used correctly. For one, never stick a fork or any other utensil into a toaster that is plugged in. This is a very dangerous action that can lead to electrical shock. Toasters and toaster ovens should also be kept clear of any objects or surfaces that may be flammable or may melt, as they tend to become very hot.

Electric mixers can also become safety hazards if used improperly. When using a mixer, it is important to check to see whether the mixer is turned on before plugging it in. If the mixer turns on as it is plugged in, there’s a risk that someone’s fingers or clothing may get caught in the beaters.

Each of these safety precautions is fairly simple and straightforward. Individuals should follow these simple guidelines to help ensure that their homes remain safe havens, free of hazards. Following are some helpful resources that include further information on keeping one's home safe.

• Product Recall Information and More: Read information on product recalls of appliances and more, provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

• Appliance Safety Reminders: Learn several important safety guidelines and reminders regarding appliance fires.

• Microwave Safety: Checkout the section that offers information on what sorts of containers to use in a microwave oven.

• Tips for Electrical Safety: Find a list of tips of how to stay safe around electrical appliances.

• Safety in the Kitchen: The guidelines on this page include both toaster and stove safety tips.

• Safety Tips for Appliances that Provide Heat: (PDF) Discover safety facts about wood stoves, kerosene heaters, and generators on this helpful page.

• Safety Information Concerning Microwaves and Clothing Dryers: (PDF) Peruse lots of information including how to prevent fires related to a clothing dryer.

• Preventing Kitchen Fires: Keeping towels away from the stovetop and checking electrical cords for rips are just two of the safety reminders listed on this page.

Cassie Shepherd

Cassie graduated with a degree in Merchandising and Design and works as an interior decorator. She blogs regularly to share information about how people renovate and change their designs through each project. Cassie is also an illustrator, gardener, baker and mother.

She never stops thinking about how space can be changed and updated and how people’s tastes are cultivated in a myriad of their past, present and shared experiences. As an active blogger, she shares the passion of her blogging community – from trying the latest paint hues to must know tips to keep your home running safely, efficiently and with the latest "must-haves."

Jamie Morgan

Jamie Morgan and Cassie Shepherd met while students in merchandising and design. Jamie has a Human Factors engineering degree and designs around the partnering of function and usability. For her, sense of design is about functionality, the interaction of everyday objects, and how good design can meet many goals.

Jamie currently lives a short distance from New York City although it was her adventures backpacking through Nepal, living on a houseboat in British Columbia and renovating a century old farmhouse that influences how she thinks about personal space and the impact of design. Jamie joined Designer Appliances as a way to share her ideas and inspire our customers.

She loves sharing her passion for design with all of you and encourages the use of social design tools like Houzz and Apartment Therapy

Gus Allen

Gus Allen is a global trekker and frequent contributing editor. Originally from Cambridge, Gus has back-packed through Europe and the Himalayas and obtained a doctorate in Eastern philosophy. He spends half the year in Dusseldorf and is inspired by North Rhine-Westfalia Art, BauHaus and the timeless collection at the Hetjens Museum.. He writes about new trends in the small house movement.