For all we do during the summer months to try to be more “green” cottagers, hosting dinner for the holidays can really have the opposite effect, not to mention hike up your hydro bill. In case you’re hoping to save on energy and be a little better to the environment this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of a few easy tips on how to do so.
1. Try to use the oven light to check cooking progress as much as possible. According to energy company Avista Corporation, each time the oven door is opened it can lose up to 20 percent of the heat which increases cooking time and wastes energy.
2. Use a microwave or other small appliances to cook as often as possible.
3. Hydro One suggests you pass on the preheating. While preheating may be necessary for baking, it’s not needed for things like roasts or casseroles.
4. Pull out the barbecue once more and cook your turkey on it! Head here for tips on how to do so.
5. Turn off any extra heating in the cottage—the oven will make up for the difference.
6. A post from Green Living Ideas suggests checking your oven for a convection feature. With this, your turkey will cook more quickly and it’s more energy efficient.
7. Do your best to match the size of the burner to the size of the pot or pan sitting on top. According to Avista, a six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner can waste more than 40 percent of the energy.
8. Allow hot foods and liquids to cool off before placing them in the refrigerator.
For more great tips on how to be less wasteful over the holiday season, read 13 tips for a greener holiday season.
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