Belle Sherwood
Climate and Clean Energy Associate, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center
RELEASE: PennEnvironment donates induction cooktops to local tool-lending library
Media Contacts
PHILADELPHIA, PA- In an effort to allow more Philadelphians access to environmentally sound and pollution-free cooking, the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center donated two induction cooktops to the West Philly Tool Library (WPTL) this week. The lightweight, portable cooktops are better for our planet and more energy efficient, which can save residents money on their energy bills. To demonstrate the ease and efficiency of induction stovetops, well-known local chef and writer Ari Miller held a live cooking demonstration with the new cooktops at the West Philly Tool Library.
“Induction cooking is a better choice for our planet, our health, and our wallets,” said Belle Sherwood, the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center’s Climate Associate. “And with upcoming rebates to lower the cost, there’s never been a better time to make the switch!”
Induction stoves are a more sustainable alternative to traditional gas ranges because they don’t rely on methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide and contributes to global warming.
As more and more of the power on the nation’s electricity grid comes from renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, it further enhances the benefits of powering our kitchen appliances with electricity versus gas.
At the same time, induction appliances can be up to three times as efficient as their gas counterparts, and still 10% more efficient than electric appliances. This efficiency can lead to potential long-term energy savings on utility bills and faster cooking times.
“Induction is an important tool for me both at work and at home. It allows for versatility in cooking, as well as exactness and precision,” said Ari Miller, Philadelphia Chef & Writer. “I think it’s important that more people will get to try induction by way of this addition to the Tool Library’s collection.”
Stovetops that run on gas have also been shown to dramatically increase indoor air pollution. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that over 12% of childhood asthma cases could be attributed to indoor gas stove use, and could be prevented by using an induction or electric stove instead.
“We now know that living with a gas stove increases a child’s risk of asthma. Just baking a cake can pollute your home beyond EPA standards,” said Dr. Dan Wolk, PSR Board Member. “What can we do to protect our children? Ventilate when cooking with a gas stove. Use an induction cooktop and a countertop electric oven instead of gas if you can.”
The PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center is hopeful that their donation to the West Philly Tool Library allows more Philadelphians access to cleaner, healthier cooking methods–whether they’re replacing their gas burners with electricity, testing out induction before making the switch, or adding more cooktops to their kitchen if they’re busy hosting friends or family.
“On behalf of the entire team at the West Philly Tool Library, I would like to thank PennEnvironment for their generous donation and for holding this event with us today,” said Jason Sanders, WPTL Executive Director. “Our members will now have the opportunity to use and try out induction cooktops in their homes as a green alternative to traditional electric and natural gas stoves.”
For more information on induction appliances, view our online resource here.
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The PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.pennenvironmentcenter.org.