Saturday, Sep 19

Welcome to Your Daily Dot where Dot will share tips, advice, and stories on how we can make our world better.

All Dear Dot illustrations by Elissa Turnbull.

Dear Dot, 

Is it safe to reuse cooking oil? 

– Donna

Dear Donna,

Mother Dot always kept a jar in the fridge into which she poured bacon grease from Father Dot’s weekend breakfasts — a jar she would discard appropriately once it was full. (You never ever want to put cooking oil down the drain, Donna. Fatbergs are monstrous, expensive things for municipalities.) When I became a Teen Dot, largely fending for myself at mealtimes, I would routinely scoop some of the congealed bacon grease into a pan and use it to fry sliced potatoes to a delicious, crispy brown. Then I would return that grease to the jar, where it would wait for me to do it all again. 

Was this wise? Healthy? Safe? My doctor has been muttering lately about cholesterol and blood pressure, but, for the purposes of answering your question, Donna, let’s put those admonishments aside and focus on whether we can reuse cooking oil without making ourselves ill.

Dot sought out no less an authority than the King, as in King Arthur, monarch of bakers and home chefs. And the King, via owner-employee Rossi Anastopoulo, issued a royal “yes!” She pointed out on the company’s site that “frying oil has a longer lifespan than people realize — it can be used several times before you need to dispose of it. Reusing oil is the best way to reduce the waste (and cost) of frying.”  

There’s more to know so keep reading!

For just $5/month, you can become a Bluedot Living member — investing in a healthier planet while unlocking real, everyday benefits for yourself. You'll enjoy 10% off every purchase from Bluedot Living Collection, our editor-curated marketplace of planet-friendly brands and products and you'll receive additional member-only store discounts each month. Many members recoup the cost of membership in just a handful of purchases from our store. From there, the savings continue — making sustainable living more accessible, affordable, and impactful.

Paid Advertisement with Organixx

You’re exhausted… but as soon as your head hits the pillow, your brain won’t turn off. Or maybe you finally fall asleep… only to wake up at 2:37 AM staring at the ceiling. For millions of people over 35, the problem isn’t just stress, blue light, or bad luck—it’s a simple mineral deficiency. Organixx Magnesium 7 is the complete magnesium solution, with seven highly absorbable forms that target every pathway your body uses for relaxation and recovery. The result?

• Fall asleep in minutes

• Stay asleep for hours

• Wake up feeling like you’re 20 again Flash Sale - Buy 2 Get 1 Free