Food and cooking

Every cup of water you boil represents about 25 cups of CO₂ released. So, only boil the amount of water you need.

We use a lot of electricity, gas and water cooking for ourselves and our families.

For example, did you know that greenhouse gases are emitted in the raising of livestock and growing plants?

When foods are transported, processed and packaged, they also generate emissions.

So it is not just how we cook, but what we eat and where we shop that can make a difference.

Here are some things you can do to cut down the 'carbon cost' of the food you eat.

Simple things you can do today

Buy fresh foods, in season from local farmers markets. Notice how little electricity is used in lighting and aircon, compared to the supermarket
Look for ways to increase the number of vegetarian meals you eat each week
Try growing your own! Even in an apartment you can have pots of herbs or tomatoes on the window sill.
Cut down on processed foods, which take a lot of energy to produce
Try to buy food with limited or no packaging
When cooking, consider using the microwave (e.g. for steaming veggies) as it uses much less electricity than a conventional oven
Put the lids on pots to boil water
Use pots and pans that match the size of the element you are using
Consider cooking in bulk and freezing. You can microwave it later, saving energy and time (and cut down on expensive takeaway)
When cooking in the oven, keep the door closed to stop the hot air escaping
Say no to plastic bags, take a reusable bag to do the shopping

If you need to replace your cooktop or stove, consider gas or induction as they are more efficient