How has the refrigerator impacted society in a negative way?

The proliferation of electric refrigerators has had a negative impact on the environment for many reasons. Throughout the history of refrigeration, harmful coolants have been utilized. As an example chlorofluorocarbons were popular in refrigerators as a coolant for decades. Scientists realized that this gas was collecting in the upper part of our atmosphere and destroying the ozone that protects us from harmful rays from the sun. The early refrigerators utilized toxic chemicals like ammonia and sulfur dioxide that at times leaked and killed people.

Of the many appliances in the home, the refrigerator accounts for a larger amount of the electricity consumed. This means that refrigerators account for a large amount of the demand for electricity. Aside from the fiscal strain this places on families, power plants emit carbon and other greenhouse gasses that are responsible for global warming. In this way, refrigerators have had a negative effect on the environment and society.