The holiday season is a time for gratitude, family, and feasts. With ovens working overtime and extra guests to keep comfortable, it can also mean increased energy usage. Here are some easy tips to help you keep energy consumption in check while still serving up a memorable celebration.

Turkey Day Tricks

• Right-Size Your Bird: Choose a turkey that fits your guest list. Smaller birds cook faster and use less energy. Consider cooking stuffing separately for even quicker cooking times.
• No-Bake is No Sweat: Incorporate some no-bake recipes into your menu. They’re often make-ahead friendly and give your oven a breather.
• Leftover Leverage: Let hot leftovers cool for about 30 minutes before refrigerating. This helps your fridge maintain its chill without working overtime.

Kitchen Wizardry: Cook Smart, Save Big

• Appliance All-Stars: Put your energy-efficient appliances to work. Convection ovens cut cooking time by circulating hot air, while microwaves are perfect for quick reheats. For those set-it-and-forget-it sides, slow cookers are your energy-saving friends.
• Oven Tetris: Plan your cooking schedule like a pro. Cook multiple dishes at once and skip preheating for long-cooking items like roasts. Your oven will thank you, and so will your energy bill.
• Lid Logic: Keep lids on pots and pans when cooking. A lid is like a cozy blanket for your food, trapping heat and speeding up cooking time. Bonus: Your kitchen stays cooler, potentially giving your AC a break if the weather is still warm.

Climate Control: Keep Comfortable

• Relatively Warm: The body heat generated by your family and other guests can offset your need for the furnace in colder weather. If it’s mild outside, throw open some windows and let ceiling fans circulate the air as well.
• Fridge Finesse: Your refrigerator will be working overtime, so organize it to keep the most frequently used items handy. Minimize door openings and ensure a tight seal. Try the dollar bill test: if a dollar bill slips out easily when closed in the door, it might be time for a seal check-up.

Bright Ideas: Lighting and Clean-Up

• LED Love: Set the tone with LED lights. They use about 85 percent less energy than old-school bulbs and won’t heat up your space. Don’t forget to turn off lights in empty rooms and embrace natural light when possible.
• Dish Duty: Despite popular belief, your dishwasher is likely more efficient than hand washing. If you prefer the manual approach, use filled basins for washing and rinsing to save water and energy.

These energy-smart strategies can help you create a celebration that’s kind to both your wallet and the environment. Now that’s something to be thankful for.