Savor the Season: Energy-Saving Tips for Holiday Meal Preparation in Statesville

Last Updated 11/13/2023Posted in Energy Saving Tips, Latest City News, Homepage

As the City of Statesville gears up for the season of gratitude, there's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a way that's not only delicious but also environmentally conscious.

With a few simple adjustments to your meal preparation routine, you can contribute to energy conservation while still enjoying a festive and flavorful holiday feast. Let's talk through some energy-saving tips that will help you savor the season responsibly.

8 Energy Saving Tips for your Holiday Meal Prep:

  1. Efficient Appliance Use: When preparing your holiday meal, consider using smaller kitchen appliances like slow cookers and toaster ovens. These appliances are more energy-efficient than larger counterparts, and they can be a lifesaver when it comes to cooking side dishes or keeping dishes warm without the need for a full-sized oven.

  2. Strategic Oven Use: If your holiday menu includes multiple dishes that require baking or roasting, plan your cooking schedule strategically. Bake dishes that require similar temperatures consecutively to make the most of the preheated oven. Additionally, utilize the oven light to check on your dishes instead of opening the oven door, which can lead to heat loss.

  3. Lid It Up: Cooking on the stovetop? Remember to use lids on pots and pans to retain heat and cook your food more efficiently. This simple practice reduces cooking times and energy consumption, making it a win-win for both your holiday meal and the environment.

  4. Thaw Responsibly: If you're preparing a turkey or other frozen items, plan ahead and thaw them in the refrigerator a few days before holiday. This not only ensures safe food practices but also eases the workload on your oven, as room temperature items cook more quickly than those straight from the fridge or freezer.

  5. Batch Cooking and Reheating: Consider batch cooking certain dishes in advance and reheating them on holiday day. This allows you to use your oven or stove more efficiently, reducing overall cooking time and energy consumption.

  6. Utilize Small Appliances: Embrace the convenience of smaller kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and immersion blenders for meal preparation. These devices often use less energy than larger appliances and can make quick work of chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.

  7. Optimize Water Usage: When it comes to cooking, use minimal water. Boiling vegetables in excessive water not only wastes energy but also depletes essential nutrients. Consider steaming vegetables instead, using just enough water to create steam.

  8. Clean Efficiently: After the feast, save energy while cleaning up by using the dishwasher efficiently. Wait until you have a full load before running it, and consider using the energy-saving or eco-friendly cycle if your dishwasher has one.

This holiday season, let's savor the season in a way that not only delights our taste buds but also honors a commitment to sustainability. By incorporating these energy-saving tips into your holiday meal preparation, you can create a feast that's both mindful and delicious.

Read more Energy Saving Tips from the City of Statesville here.



Important Message from the Statesville Fire DepartmentThe Statesville Fire Department would like to inform residents that we are not affiliated with the current promotion being advertised in...
PUBLIC NOTICE: Parking Changes at the Statesville Police... Effective May 5, 2025, the City parking lot located between the City Office Building and the Statesville Police Department will be close...
Hello Statesville 05/04/2025Stay informed on the upcoming recycling schedule, holiday garbage collection changes, special dates and events, emergency information an...
Board of Adjustment May 6, 2025 Meeting AgendaThe Statesville Board of Adjustment will meet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 12:30 pm in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall,...
Statesville City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting
May 05, 2025
5:00 PM EDT
227 S. Center St.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More 
Statesville City Council Meeting
May 05, 2025
6:00 PM EDT
227 S. Center Street.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More 
Downtown Design Review Committee Meeting
May 08, 2025
2:00 PM EDT
227 S. Center Street.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More