FINANCIAL FITNESS BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO
A little goes a long way Tips to save on your water and electricity bills
W
ith rising electricity prices and the everpresent threat of droughts, saving water and electricity is one of the best things you can do for your household. Not only will you save money that could be spent elsewhere, you will also be contributing to efforts to address climate change as our well of fossil fuels diminishes with each passing day. We collected some tips to help you save water and electricity.
ELECTRICITY
Fridges and freezers Ideally your fridge should be set to 3 degrees Celsius. At this temperature perishable items will remain fresh without wasting power. Don’t use the fridge or freezers to full capacity. Only fill them around 90% and check the seals to ensure no air is coming in. You want to keep your fridge and freezer in a cool area, not exposed to the sun and away from stoves and ovens. Only open fridges and freezers when necessary. Stoves and ovens It’s tempting, but don’t open the oven until the food is done cooking. Besides ensuring the food cooks properly, it also saves on the cooking time and thus the amount of electricity. When cooking, match the pot to the plate. Use small pots on the small plates and large pots on the large plates. If you’re cooking something that takes a long time, consider using a pressure or slow-cooker.
60 | Public Sector Leaders | February 2022
