With the increasing environmental harm caused by food waste, it makes sense that we'd want to start composting whatever we can at home. Of course, backyard composting is the ideal way to accomplish that, but that's just not accessible to most people. It takes up space many people don't have, and requires time and effort that few people can invest. When that's the case, there are thankfully some other options out there.
One way to reduce food waste at home is with an electric composter like the Vitamix FoodCycler. The FoodCycler can quickly reduce food waste volume with the downside of requiring electricity. But, does the good of reducing food waste outweigh the amount of energy it takes to run the Vitamix FoodCycler?
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Let's start by seeing how much energy it takes for the FoodCycler to run, then explore if that's truly efficient, or if there's a better way to improve the environment.
How much energy does the Vitamix FoodCycler use?
The Vitamix FoodCycler only has one cycle mode, so how much electricity it uses depends on the varied length of that cycle. The FoodCycler consumes approximately 0.8 kWh per cycle, and those cycles can last anywhere between 4 - 8 hours. While this energy consumption is relatively close to alternatives, the FoodCycler doesn't offer variability or give its users any control over the amount of electricity it uses.
For example, Lomi offers three separate compost modes that each use a different amount of energy. Lomi even has a specific Eco-Express mode that runs at 0.6 kWh for as little as three hours. This setting allows eco-conscious individuals to truly prioritize the health of our planet. On the other hand, the Vitamix FoodCycler doesn't offer this sort of freedom or decision-making to its users.
With the one mode the FoodCycler does provide, is its energy use worth it?
Is the FoodCycler really energy efficient?
When thinking about the Vitamix FoodCycler's energy efficiency and carbon footprint, it's important to consider where it's coming from, and what's happening to its end product. First, the production and delivery of a Vitamix FoodCycler takes energy and creates carbon emissions. So, unless it can reduce more carbon emissions that it created just by getting made, it's not going to be a great environmental investment.
A good example here is Lomi. Pela's goal is to help people reduce their overall waste to improve the planet. It doesn't make sense to start that process by harming the environment, so Pela has ensured that every Lomi reaches your doorstep climate neutral, and is proud to be Climate Neutral certified. Pela is also open about the emissions created by Lomi, and how those emissions are offset. You can easily read about that in our article about Lomi's carbon footprint. Vitamix does not state anywhere that anything has been done to reduce or even offset the emissions from the FoodCycler's production.
What happens with the finished product also matters when determining how eco-friendly and efficient the Vitamix FoodCycler is. The goal is to reduce kitchen scraps, as unecessary food waste in landfills causes tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The Vitamix FoodCycler reduces food waste volume by dehydrating and grinding your food scraps. However, nothing is added to this dehydrated food waste to make it a useful fertilizer. And, if the finished product isn't getting added to your garden soil, it's most likely going right in the trash. That means food waste is still making it to landfills despite electricity being used.
When you're using an electrical appliance to reduce food waste, it's essential that the finished product is actually used rather than just thrown in the garbage. For example, when using Lomi, you can be sure that you end up with a nutrient-rich dirt that can be added to your garden soil or indoor plants to improve their health. With the use of LomiPods, beneficial microbes are introduced to the food waste, making the end product rich in both nutrients and microbes essential for plant life. Even if you personally don't have any use for it, that dirt can be given away to people who can benefit from it, preventing that food waste from ever reaching landfills.
While a Vitamix FoodCycler will process food waste and reduce its volume, it simply creates dehydrated food waste that wouldn't be much use for any plants. Overall, carbon emissions will be created from the FoodCycler's production, it will then use electricity to dry out and grind your waste, and that waste will still go to a landfill and create for greenhouse gas emissions. The final verdict - there are definitely better options out there.
Try Lomi - an energy-efficient alternative to the FoodCycler
If you want to compost, but can't compost traditionally for whatever reason, there are still some great options for you. Lomi will quickly and effortlessly break down your food scraps into natural fertilizer. As we mentioned earlier, Lomi also offers three different modes so that you can easily control its energy consumption. And the good news? Depending on how you're using Lomi, it can help you reduce your carbon emissions by 67% to 127% compared to just tossing your food waste!
On top of all that, Lomi is just ideal for dealing with your food waste. It's compact in size with a sleek design, making it an attractive appliance for any household. Plus, it's completely odor free, making your kitchen a more pleasant place to be. Most importantly, it's easy to use, making it a quick and simple way to live a greener life.
If streamlining the composting process while improving your carbon footprint sounds great to you, then check out Lomi. You can easily learn all about how Lomi works, and how it can benefit your household.
Written by: Sereana Simpson