Energy-saving tips for cooking Easter lunch

Our calculations revealed the impact our Easter celebrations could have on the environment; what other ways can we offset our carbon footprint (and energy bills) to be more energy efficient this Easter?

Co2AI has put together these tips for households looking to reduce the amount of energy they use, especially when preparing feasts in the kitchen over the Easter weekend.

• If you're roasting lamb on Easter Sunday, make sure the oven door seal keeps all the heat in. Not only will your roast cook more evenly, but you will also save energy.

• Keep the oven door closed while cooking as the temperature can drop as much as 25 degrees by looking at your delicious roast and it will take more energy to get back up to it.

• For perfect crispy baked potatoes, boil them in a pot before baking in the oven. You will not only reduce the cooking time and save energy, but you will also have a crispier side dish.

• If you are preparing large pieces of meat, it is worth cutting it into smaller pieces so that it cooks more evenly and faster.

• Use a double steamer for the vegetables so you can layer the vegetables on top of each other and still use one ring on the hob. This will reduce the amount of water you have to heat and the rings that need to be used.

• If you can use a microwave, do so. You can prepare frozen vegetables really quickly and easily, and it is by far the most energy-efficient appliance in the kitchen, costing only 21 cents per hour of use.

However much energy you use in the kitchen, it is important not to pay too much for it.