Around 40% of Americans enjoy a cup of hot tea every single day, so the question is: Is it more energy-efficient to heat up water in a tea kettle or in the microwave? The eco-easy answer is the microwave. According to Energy Star, a program of the Environmental Protection Agency, heating up a mug of water to make tea is 80% more energy-efficient than using a traditional stove. The reason is simple: Microwave heat waves concentrate solely on what you're warming up, and you are only heating up exactly what you're drinking instead of a whole kettle of water. The same energy savings also works when you're reheating leftover foods.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION