Simon Bryant spearheads Earth Hour in 2008

As Earth Hour draws closer, the Adelaide City Council has recruited organisations across the City to get behind this global initiative.

The Hilton Adelaide is the latest to join the growing list with Earth Hour ambassador and Head Chef at the Hilton, Simon Bryant, throwing his support behind the event.

A leading Adelaide chef and media personality, Simon is encouraging other businesses in Adelaide to reduce their carbon emissions during 2008 and begin by switching off their lights on March 29 for an hour at 8pm.

He is putting his words into action by hosting an exclusive dinner by candlelight at the Hilton Brasserie restaurant on March 29.

Simon has also identified the kitchen as one of the biggest energy-guzzling rooms within the home and therefore, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

"As Autumn approaches we start to look at preparing delicious food incorporating the flavours of the season but it’s also a time to make a few changes towards a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle," said Simon. The average Australian home produces about half a tonne of greenhouse gas each year from energy used for cooking, according to the Australia Government’s Greenhouse Office.

Simon’s 10 tips for energy smart cooking:
1. Choose a fridge or freezer that’s the right size for you – they operate more efficiently when filled to the correct capacity
2. Keep the fridge temperature between 3 and 40C and the freezer between -15 and -18 degrees celcius
3. To save water in the kitchen, wash vegetables in a small amount of water in sink, rather than under a running tap
4. Avoid using in-sink garbage disposal units – compost instead
Avoid gas flames spilling up the sides of pots – turn the burner down to keep flames on the bottom.
5. Thaw food in the fresh food compartment of the fridge before cooking
6. If cooking in the oven, avoid opening the door unnecessarily and consider cooking several things at once
7. Make sure your fridge rubber seals are effective by placing a piece of paper in the door and checking if it is held firmly
8. Fan forced ovens generate up to 35 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional ovens, and more items can be cooked at the same time as the heat is more evenly distributed
9. A family fridge with an extra star on its rating label cuts greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100 kilograms each year. Over its lifetime it will save $200 in running costs
10. Don’t forget to ride your bike to do your shopping at the market!