Now that we are in a midst of an energy crisis, here are some tips to use fuel and electricity efficiently so as not only to save money, but the environment as well.
Cooking
- Only heat the amount of water you need.
- Use boiled water immediately rather than leaving it and then reboiling.
- Put well-fitting lids on pans.
- Keep heat on the base of the saucepan, do not let flames lick the sides of the pan.
Fridges and Freezers
- Door seals should be able to grip a piece of paper tightly.
- Keep your fridge temperature at 2 to 3°C and freezer at -15°C. Check the fridge is not near a cooker or any other heat sources.
- Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly.
- Use old newspaper to fill gaps in the freezer when you are not storing much food - this improves efficiency.
Appliances
- Turn televisions and other appliances off. Leaving appliances on standby still uses energy.
- Energy efficient light bulbs are more expensive than standard bulbs but they will last up to 10 times longer which conserves significant energy. They are most effective when used for lights that are left switched on for long periods of time
- If possible, buy the most energy efficient products possible. Ask retailers and manufacturers for information
These little things, when done more often, will save large amounts of energy. By following these simple suggestions, we are doing our own parts in the call to save the environment. Spread the news so that more people will take actions to save the environment.
