Brilliant Brainwave

No blog post last night because we were at friends for dinner (which had the added bonus of not using our own energy!). This actually got us all thinking and hence the "brilliant brainwave". We decided to start a "cooking co-operative" between local friends and family (best if walking distance otherwise what you save will probably be used up in the cost of petrol). The idea is pretty simple. To cook for more people doesn't cost more in energy - the oven is either on or off. So if 2 or 3 households cook and eat together only one oven is being used. If you rotate the host (use of oven) then you can easily have 2 or 3 nights per week when your not using the oven (or cooking, or using any other energy in your home). Add to this that you are eating out or entertaining and it must be a win, win! Obviously you need to share the cost of the food but that could even give you savings by buying bigger pack sizes. We are fortunate enough to have plenty of friends and family close by so are definitely going to give it a go (Sunday dinner already booked at Toni's sister).

We are now making sure that the dishwasher is totally full before using - as this is more efficient. This has meant instead of daily use it is now only used every other day (and we are not cheating by doing a bit more washing-up by hand - think we have all forgotten how anyway).

ESTIMATED ANNUAL SAVINGS
Cooking Co-operative                   £25
Dishwasher used only when full   £20
Bed half an hour earlier                 £25
Washing Machine at 30 deg C      £15
Reduced Heating & Hot Water     £50
Ditch the Tumble Dryer                £50
Still Less TV & Xbox                   £10
Total Annual Savings                  £195

Loads of plans for the weekend so early to bed.

TTFN