Put Your Energy Into Saving Energy This Christmas

I remember last Christmas day as if it was yesterday. Not for the elated pretence when I received a video cassette, for the sixth consecutive year, from my grandparents; nor for the fact my brother stated that it “had been really tough year” and hence why he’d brought me a padded toilet seat. I remember it vividly for the incredible amount of time my parents spent in the kitchen prepping, cooking and then serving an exorbitant festive feast to our family – and how much they complained about it.

So it’s my decision this year that something has to change and one of two things is going to happen: My parents either reluctantly keep out of the kitchen, watch the inevitable down pour of TV mediocrity and my brother and I will cook; or the gifts under the tree comprise of wonderful kitchen gadgets that not only prevent an apocalyptic ending to dinner, but also go towards saving time and energy. I’m more excited than Delia Smith delivering a half-time speech.

And so my search begins. If only I could call upon a battalion of Santa’s little helpers to make this search as efficient and fun as possible. Instead, on this occasion, like more that 20 million Christmas shoppers last year, I will use the internet.

The problem with gas and electricity (similar to the great bearded man himself, of course,) is you never actually see it. There is no visual clue as to how much we’re using, or more importantly wasting, so it only hits home when the bill arrives – particularly those prodigious January statements. Energy prices are on the rise, money is becoming tighter, and although spending money on consumer electronics seems like the last thing any sane person should do, the judicious purchase of cash-friendly gadgets can save us money in the long term.

“Investing in gadgets and appliances that save you money will also help protect the planet,” says Adam Vaughan, editor of the Green Guy. “Unlike most gadgets, modern kitchen appliances offer an easy way to save valuable time in the kitchen and reduce the amount of time we all spend in there. Gadgets that save or generate energy will also have a clear long term financial benefit.”

So, I now know that my parents will be helping the environment as well as themselves this year, which means I can take great pleasure in selecting their new devices.

I first stumble across an electric potato peeler. I know this will be well received as last year a staggering 100 spuds were presented on our table, probably a figure not far off from the Royal Navy’s. The amount of bread consumed (subsequent days ahead of turkey sandwiches) was alarming, so a bread maker will save money and create a wonderful lingering aroma around the house.

“It is a very common habit to preheat the oven before cooking, so just put food in straight away to save energy,” says the Energy Saving Trust. “Also, don’t keep opening the oven door. Every time you do so, your oven loses 20 degrees Celsius of heat.”

This has inspired me to purchase some hot plates and serving magnates, which will reduce cooking time on the big day. I also discovered table top heaters and ovens to alleviate the amount of food cooked at once. Less energy used and more food to be dispatched - surely one of the best things about Christmas!

One item that is a surprise entry on my Christmas gift-list this year is a steam generator iron. Let me explain why: Allegedly, my mother spent two hours from sunrise on Christmas morning ironing and grooming the multitude of table clothes, elaborately-embodied table mats and clothes ready for proceedings. This is certainly not the ideal way to start the day, so if these unnecessary obstacles can be ‘flattened’ out, then we can ‘press on’ with the celebrating and spending time together as a family!

So in order to achieve this harmonious sanctuary, I suggest you take a look at http://www.electricshopping.com - an online electrical haven of products that help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Shopping this Christmas doesn’t have to cost you the earth.

Hopefully I’ll be back next year with the news my presents made the desired impact and my parents still intend to cook for the masses for years to come. We’ll see.