Summer Energy Saving Tips
Looking for some simple ways to help reduce your energy use and lower your bill? Read on for some ideas you can put into action right now.
In the kitchen
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Let food cool down before putting it in the fridge or freezer to keep these appliances running at their best (2°C - 5°C for your fridge, and -18°C for your freezer).
Keep fridge and oven doors closed as much as possible.
Use cold water when filling the jug or rinsing dishes.
Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
Heating your home
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Stop cold air from coming in by closing your damper when you're not using your fire place. Also block gaps under windows and doors.
Put an extra blanket on your bed instead of using an electric blanket.
Try using a thermostat to control when your heaters come on.
Close your curtains just before dark to keep in the heat.
Use a dehumidifier to keep your house dry and make it easier to heat.
Bathroom & laundry
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Use a short, cold wash cycle when washing clothes.
Have showers instead of baths and try to keep them less than five minutes.
Dry your washing on a clothesline as often as possible.
Open a window when you’re showering to avoid moisture build up.
If you haven’t got one, look at installing a hot water cylinder wrap.
Lighting your home
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Replace traditional lightbulbs with LED bulbs.
Clean lights and lampshades to get maximum light.
Switch the lights off when you leave a room.
Forming energy efficient habits
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Switch off appliances at the wall. Standby mode uses power too!
Turn phone and laptop chargers off when your batteries are full.
Replace old appliances with ones that have a high-energy star rating.
Switch off your hot water if you’re away for more than two weeks.
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Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕
Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫
What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.3% Inside!
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23.7% On top!
Illuminate Market 2026 is this Saturday 28th March!
With every Illuminate Market, we’re proving that diversity of mind is a strength! 💪
Recreate NZ's annual Illuminate Market is taking place this Saturday 28th March at Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve.
At Illuminate Market you can:
✨ Meet and purchase products from a wide range of disability-led microenterprises
✨ Experience performing arts and creative workshops from the disability community
✨Learn more about Moxie, Recreate NZ's work experience and training programme for young people with disabilities
✨Hear from and meet world-ranked T54 wheelchair racer and disability advocate, Jaden Movold (Guest Speaker & MC)
✨Participate in fun activities for the whole family
✨Enjoy delicious food from our vendors (vegetarian, vegan and GF options available)
✨Connect with friends, whānau, neighbours, colleagues and the wider community
Illuminate Market 2026
🗓️Sat 28th March, 4pm – 8pm
📍Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve
Free entry, all welcome!
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