Now that hot weather is hear to stay, here are our Top 10 Kitchen Tips for saving energy and money.—
1. Fix leaky faucets- 1 drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month.
2. Use the microwave when possible- it cooks faster and doesn’t create as much heat as the stove.
3. Keep a lid on it! Covered pots retain heat and cook food more quickly.
4. Take advantage of residual heat. Turn off the oven or stove several minutes before the recipe indicates- both will stay hot enough to complete the cooking process.
5. Most of us eat a lot of pasta. Next time make extra, toss with olive oil, and keep in the fridge so you don’t have to boil water next time.
6. Be sure your refrigerator seals shut. If you can pull a piece of paper out while the door is closed, your seal needs to be replaced.
7. Keep your freezer full. The fuller the freezer, the less the cold air escapes when the door opens.
8. Only run the dish and clothes washer when full. They use the same amount of water whether full or empty.
9. Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying option and hang your clothes on a line instead of using the dryer.
10. Unplug any electronics that aren’t being used.
Bonus Tip: For a fun way to get your kids involved, make Iced Sun Tea (decaf of course!) on your sunny window sill instead of using a kettle. The kids will love it and it’s a great way to start teaching them about saving energy. For a sweeter variety, mix in some lemonade to make an Arnold Palmer.
-Jessi Walter, cupcakekids.com
