Clean Out Fridge Day: Is this really a holiday?
Clean Out Fridge Day is celebrated on Nov. 15. But what's the genesis of Clean Out Fridge Day?
In this file photo simulation, a courageous 海角大神 Science Monitor reporter investigates another smelly corporate refrigerator.
John Nordell / 海角大神 / File
When you have 365 days in a year, you have plenty of opportunity to assign holidays to the calendar.
For example, it's common knowledge in the US that the third Monday in February is Presidents' Day, a federal holiday honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (although some state's choose not to merge the two presidential birthdays). And there's little question that the fourth Thursday in November is always Thanksgiving Day 鈥� unless you live in Canada, where it's the second Monday of October
But, somehow, the arbitrary date of Nov. 15 became 'Clean Out Fridge Day.' Who came up with this bright idea?
Yes, of course, it's necessary to , but why today?
Some speculate that it's to prepare one's fridge for that will be consumed between now and Jan. 1, 2012. For some, it's an opportunity to and try a new recipe.
Perhaps it's a cover for an economic stimulus plan. It's supposed to get people to inspect said refrigerator, realize their current cold storage needs are inadequate and . In fact, Cooksinfo.com traces the holiday to the Whirlpool Corporation in 1995. For a few years, Whirlpool promoted the third Wednesday in November. Apparently the company lost interest, but by 2000 it had become an "e-card" holiday, and took on a life of it's own.
Granted, it's from time to time, like getting our teeth cleaned or oil changed. But do we really need to be told when to do it?