Gas Cooktops/RangesThe cooktop/range is the only kitchen appliance that has a fuel option: electricity or natural gas (or propane in some locations). Unless you have access to renewable power, both options have significant impacts on the environment, so it's worth understanding the options.ElectricityPros: Electrical appliances have the option to be fueled by renewable power if you add solar panels in the future. Also, most electrical utility companies have a program where you can pay a small added cost to support green renewable power.Cons: Much of our electricity is generated from coal, which is the most significant man-made contributor to greenhouse gases. Also, roughly 70 percent of electric power is lost in transmitting it from its source to your home.Natural GasPros: Natural gas is a relatively inexpensive and efficient fuel source and the cleanest fossil fuel, emitting 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal.Cons: Cooking on gas appliances introduces combustion by-products into your home, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide. This is especially worrisome in newer, more airtight houses. While a good exhaust hood can remove up to 70 percent of these pollutants, it doesn't remove all of them. Also, natural gas is commonly sourced by hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," which involves injecting millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals deep into the earth under high pressure to break up rock formations, releasing the gas. At this time there is some evidence demonstrating that air, groundwater and drinking water are being contaminated from the process, causing several nations and even some U.S. states to ban fracking.