• LEDs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and are more durable and longer lasting.
• You’ll use up to 80% less energy by microwaving smaller servings. You can also use a toaster oven instead of a conventional oven.
• Set your freezer to 0°F. If your refrigerator is 10 degrees colder than necessary, it can use 25% more energy.
• Baking multiple batches of cookies or a couple of pies at one time saves energy. If your oven has a window, use it. Opening the oven door wastes energy and can lower the temperature by as much as 25°F.
• To save energy and water, only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Be sure to scrape, not rinse, dishes before loading them.
• Faucet leaks waste gallons of water. Hot water leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste up to 1,660 gallons of water per year and add up to $35 in electricity or natural gas costs.
• Covered pots and pans cook more efficiently and help keep your kitchen cooler.
• A 6-inch pot on an 8-inch burner wastes more than 40% of the burner’s heat. Using the right-sized cookware can save about $36 annually on an electric range or $18 on a gas range.
• If your appliances are old or need replacing, choose energy-efficient models. Look for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances.

Leftover tips

Now that the cooking is done and another great dinner is in the books, it’s time to talk leftovers. Check out these quick tips for storing and serving those extra holiday helpings:

• Wrap leftovers or place them in storage containers and refrigerate or freeze them within two hours. There’s no need to wait for hot foods to cool on the counter.
• Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about four days and in the freezer for about four months.
• For food safety, reheat leftovers to 165°F.
• Don’t have enough room for all those leftovers? Pack to-go bags for your guests.
• Spice up leftovers with herbs and seasonings. Try adding garlic to turkey, rosemary to mashed potatoes, or ginger to cranberry sauce.
• Combine leftovers into a salad, casserole, or soup.
• Get creative. Try a turkey sandwich with avocado, tomatoes, and cheese, or a toasted dinner roll topped with sweet potatoes and honey.