Microwaves in Europe responsible for millions of cars worth of CO2

The heat is on for Europe's microwaves as it's revealed they emit as much carbon dioxide as nearly 7m cars. A new study by the University of Manchester worked out the emissions of microwave ovens over their lifetime, from manufacture to disposal, and found that quick, convenient cooking could be costing the environment dear.

"It is electricity consumption by microwaves that has the biggest impact on the environment," the study says. "Efforts to reduce consumption should focus on improving consumer awareness and behaviour to use appliances more efficiently. For example, electricity consumption by microwaves can be reduced by adjusting the time of cooking to the type of food."