Happy Diwali!
Celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, can be enjoyable while also being mindful of electricity consumption. Here is how we are saving electricity during Diwali season:
Using small appliances like an Instant Pot is environmentally friendly and saves electricity because they are typically more energy-efficient than larger appliances, consuming less power while still delivering effective cooking results.
Opting for dry beans instead of canned ones is a sustainable choice as canned goods often involve more packaging, processing, and transportation, leading to a higher carbon footprint. Dry beans require less energy in production and reduce the environmental impact.
Cooking multiple dishes at the same time is an energy-saving practice, as it maximizes the use of your oven or stove during a single cooking session, reducing overall cooking time and energy consumption. It’s also convenient that whenever someone is preparing a meal, they make enough for everyone. For instance, Ameena takes charge of the kitchen on Mondays and Wednesdays. Madhu takes charge on Thursdays and Sundays. Tuesdays and Fridays are designated for enjoying leftovers. As for Saturdays, most family members are usually out and about!
Running the dishwasher only when it’s full ensures that you are using the appliance efficiently, maximizing the number of dishes washed per cycle and minimizing water and energy usage.
Unplugging small appliances when not in use prevents “phantom” or standby power consumption, which occurs when electronic devices continue to draw power even when turned off. This helps reduce overall energy consumption and lowers electricity bills.
Embracing the glow of candlelight over light bulbs contributes to a cozy ambiance while consuming less electricity. This year, we chose to stick to candles and refrain from using outdoor string lights, balloons, and fireworks.
