The signs may be subtle, but they’re there. The air is cooler, stores look like they’re sponsored by AutumnTM, and there’s pumpkin spice latte-flavored everything — including dog treats, deodorant, and even Spam.
That can mean just one thing: It’s the fall holiday season.
Yes, the Annual American Sport Eating Olympics is back — the only event where the medals are stretchy pants and tryptophan-induced naps. But while we’ll be stretching our stomachs and waistbands, we don’t have to let the electric bill balloon, too. Here are some ideas to help save energy this Thanksgiving without skimping on fun.
Pre-Game Prep
Assemble Your Squad. A few days before game day, plan side dishes that you can cook simultaneously with the main course. Better yet, assign side dishes to those far-flung relatives who will soon descend on your house. You know the old saying: many hands make light work and save on cooking costs.
Dim Bulbs (No, Not Your Uncle Pete). Installing dimmers lets you adjust the lighting and the mood. Plus, dimmed bulbs last longer and use less energy — and you’ll look great under soft lighting for those family photos.
Defrost with Intention. When you move food from fridge to counter, consolidate those trips. Every time you open that door, your refrigerator works overtime to restore the temperature. Treat it kindly. It’s about to do more work with your leftovers.
Game Day
Lower the Thermostat. Once the oven’s blasting and 35 relatives are crammed into your kitchen, you won’t need your heater much. Your kitchen will basically be a sauna with stuffing and potatoes.
Rotate it (Ceiling Fan Edition). Want to keep your house warm? Switch your ceiling fan blades to rotate clockwise to push warm air down. If the turkey isn’t the only thing roasting in your house, set the blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pulls warm air up and away from guests.
Bag it. This year try an oven-safe plastic bag to cook your turkey. The steamy bag helps your main course cook faster and seals in juices, kind of like a poultry spa day.
Use ceramic or glass pans. Why? These materials retain heat incredibly well, meaning you can lower the cooking temperature by up to 25 degrees. If your oven has a convection setting, use it! The built-in fans circulate hot air evenly for consistent results. No more ‘just needs five more minutes’ culinary disasters.
Nuke it. The microwave is the MVP of any kitchen. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for smaller dishes.
Put a lid on it. Lids help pots heat faster, saving time and energy. Also applies to the cousin asking, “When’s dinner?” every ten minutes.
Post-Game Analysis
Simmer down, now. Before putting leftovers away, make sure they’ve cooled off fully. Throwing hot dishes into a cold refrigerator forces it to work harder.
Suds and sensibility: Be a Dishwasher Diva. The dishwasher is the real hero of cleanup! It actually uses less water and less hot water than handwashing. Plus, it doesn’t judge how many pie plates you went through.
(Pro tip: Despite what you may think, this info comes from the Department of Energy, not a dishwasher manufacturer.)
Final Score
This Thanksgiving, save energy, save money, and savor every bite. Because nothing says “holiday success” quite like the warmth of connection—even if the leftovers and your electric bill are both chilling.
