Evocative Objects: Final

• Namita

Microwaves are kitchen appliances that almost everyone owns in their home. They heat and cook food quickly and efficiently by exposing the food to microwave radiation and thereby altering the molecular structure of the item. We are basically consuming irradiated food items with altered molecular structures that – due to said exposure to radiation – has it’s health benefits reduced and instead is detrimental to our health especially in large doses, which is why we are advised not to use microwaves too much in our daily lives. However, despite knowing this, we continue to use these appliances frequently because of the ease and convenience of it. Coupled with our busy lifestyles, it provides us with a more convenient excuse to use it even further. Perhaps, since the effects do not manifest immediately, we don’t see the extent of which our body is being damaged.

Through this experience, we want to get the people thinking about the damage that microwaves are causing to our body.

Purpose:

We want to stimulate the viewer in a way that they would react negatively. This is to push across the point that microwaves cause negative impacts onto the food they consume and this affects their health directly and indirectly, thus discouraging them in order to reduce microwave usage.

Sound Effects:

Healthy Alternatives:

  • Convection toaster ovens: Not quite as fast as a microwave but quicker than a normal toaster oven. Food tastes so much better when heated in a real oven. Plus, they’re more affordable, take up less space and use less energy – a perfect example of when less equals more! Line an oven sheet with foil or pop your food in an oven safe glass container or ceramic dish and heat until warm!
  • Stovetop: Seems obvious, but not everyone thinks to reheat meals in a pot or pan. You can place food directly on the cookware or wrap it in foil first and add a little water. Steamers also work great and produce a similar, evenly heated result. Even popcorn can be made on the stove, and it’s so much healthier when you can control the amount of salt and oil you put on it.
  • Double boiling: This tactic works great on liquids like sauces and is also a way to gently and evenly heat food without direct heat. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, then place a glass container in it with the food inside. It shouldn’t take too long to get to your desired temperature.
  • Pressure cookers: Well-known for their ability to cook foods like rice 2-3 times faster than the stovetop method, they’re also a great way to heat up soups and vegetables in less than 10 minutes, while retaining their moisture.

If you don’t have any of the appliances above, a planet-friendly way to obtain them is via friends or second-hand shops. So many people purchase these items and hardly use them, so offer to give them a well-deserved new home! Likewise, don’t just toss your microwave. Recycle it at an e-waste facility or call a pick-up service.

Presentation Videos: 

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