Easy and practical habits to save on the electricity bill in the kitchen

 It is important to think of ways to save on energy bills in the kitchen because savings gained mean that the environment is respected as well.If many households accross th globe can put in their share of good savingshabit then we can all participate in the reversal of adverse environmental consequences.The kitchen is one of the key areas in a house or apartmnt where energy can be saved.This is due to the type of domestic appliances that are there as well as the amount of energy they consume when we use them.In most kitchens we find stoves,microwave ovens,dishwashers,blenders,toasters,fridges,washing machines and other appliaces.This means on any given day we use multiples of these products almost absent-mindedly.Therefore the potential for green living and savings on the electricity bill are countless.Lets explore the ways.

1. Kettles are still in fashion: Always boil water in the kettle rather than in a pot on a stove irrespective of whether the stove is electric or gas powered.Additionally,only boil the required amount.For example water boiled for two cups of tea for an afternoon with an aunt from England should be significantly less than that of tea for the whole family.
2. Soak to reduce cooking times:Reduce starch cooking time by soaking in water overnight works for tice,pasta,macaroni etc.
3. Cooking times matter:Know cooking times and cook with the times in mind.For example boiling eggs takes minutes and cooking pasta after the above soaking method takes 5 minutes. Try switching off the stove plate a minute or two before the cited cooking period and leave the food simmering to take advantage of the still hot plate.
4. Put a lid on it:Put a lids on pots during the whole cooking period.In this way the cooking time is minimised and consequenty energy is sparingly used.
5. Always seal food and close doors:Keep the fridge closed and cover food,like leftovers, with a plastic wrapper while in the fridge.Ensure that all items are only placed in the fridge when they are cool.Never put hot food in the fridge as this makes the fridge consume more to bring the temperature down and finally keep the food cool.Also keep ovens closed for the duration of cooking,bakig or rosting process.
6. Match according to sizes:Match cookware like pots and saucepans to the hotplate size.A pot size bigger than a stove plate size increases cooking time and food is not evenly cooked,while a small pot on a bit stove plate size wastes heat and consequently electricity as all the remaining and exposed hot area heat is lost.
7. When not in use,deactivate:Completely switch off toasters,kettles,kitchen timers,microwave ovens etc while away. There is a misconception that putting applices on and off is worse than leaving them on due to the initial surcharge consumed each time a person puts on an appliance.The truth is leaving appliances on and with the digital timing and stand-by lights are illuminated consumes energy.This energy is significant over long periods of time.For example,while we are at work for 8 hours it is a good habit to completely switch off appliance we dont require to be on.A practical solution to achieve this could be to plug these appliances on a power strip and switch off the power strip when you leave the house.
8. Set appliances for low energy use:This applies to fridges whose thermostats can be set to an intrmediae level saving up to 15% in useless refrigeration a lower temperaures.When using the washing machine,whenever possible,lower temperature washes must be adopted.Modern clothes detergents are designed to be effective at low temperatures and lastly the use of a tumble dryer must be scrutunise for usage only when absolutely ncessary.
9. Full Cycles:Only put on both dishwashers and washing machines when they are full for optimal use of water and electricity.Opt for air drying for dishes and put up clothes on the washing line to dry if possible.
10. Cleanliness is energy consciousness:Cleaning the areas around the cooking areas reduces energy wastage because energy is not uselessly used to heat up dirt before heating the bottom of the pot or casserole.Therefore,whether its a gas stove, of in the oven or on and around stove plates,it is important to clean off grease,crumbs or whatever remains of food in order to enjoy optimal yield of energy for the food we want to prepare.
11. Warming food alternatives:If you absolutely need to warm food it is better to do so in the microwave oven rather than in the oven or on the stove.Also,check recipes properly to discern and decide which of these strictly require preheating.

 The choice ot actively contributing towards green living and energy saving depends on all of us.The comforts of modern live should enhance our consciousness and decisions about energy use daily.It is also vital to teach these habits to our family members in in thi way we can create communities who also do their part.When you go to buy an appliance ensure that it is rated enviromentally friendly.Some countries actually incentivise the purchase of energy efficient so watch out for these offers in shops.