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Three-minute Wonders - What to Do Whilst the Kettle Boils

Three-minute Wonders - What to Do Whilst the Kettle Boils

Make the most of every boil. We’re sharing our three-minute wonders to help reduce your carbon footprint and make the most of your time and energy! Every brew counts.

How many times a day do you ‘pop the kettle on’? And whilst you’re waiting for it to boil, do you find your mind drifting, thinking about all the things you need to get done. Well, don’t waste time wondering; take positive action and make a change. We’re sharing our three-minute wonders that really make a difference. Small steps towards big change. And we’re here to show how it can start with a simple brew.

Smart Boil

Did you know that there are over 100 million cups of tea drunk daily in the UK alone? Research conducted by the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA) has shown that if everyone reduced the amount of water boiled daily for a cup of tea, we could cut 618 tons of carbon emissions every day.

One simple change that would save over 2.6 million kWh of electricity every day. That's enough to charge over 200 million smartphones.

On average, we’re boiling twice as much water to make one cup of tea. So, next time you’re popping the kettle on, rather than filling it to the top, simply measure out the amount of water you need. This not only reduces the amount of energy we’re using, but the amount of water wasted too!

And whilst we’re on the subject of saving energy and money, here are a few three-minute wonders that you can do while the kettle boils. To help the planet, your pocket, or simply add a little joy to your day.

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Vampire Devices

Plugged in and powered up? Think again. If your TV is on standby, you’ve left Alexa on mute, your phone charger plugged in, but your phone is elsewhere, you could be wasting as much as £150 per year on vampire devices (devices that are plugged in but not switched on).

These energy-draining appliances still draw power even when left on standby, including that plugged-in kettle! So, while you’re waiting for your tea to brew, look around and see what you can turn off. Once you start, you won’t stop until they’re all off!

Switch off, unplug - unless you really need it.

Dance It Out

If you find you're sitting down all day and struggling to focus at your desk, a tea break is a great way to take a few minutes and move about.

Put the radio on, or ask Alexa to make you a 'cup of tea' playlist, and dance it out. Sing out loud, shake it off, or simply dance it out until the water boils.

Sow Something

Pop out and plant a few seeds, water the herbs, or check in on your houseplants. A green moment for you and the planet.

Make Cleaning Cleaner

Whilst that kettle is boiling, you could swap your kitchen spray for a homemade bottle of lemon fresh! Mix one-part white vinegar, one part water, and lemon juice and create an all-purpose cleaner. You can even infuse with lavender, rosemary or orange zest for a more fragrant smell.

A great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your home.

Prep Ahead

Not sure what to cook for dinner? Struggling to get started? Why not use the time it takes for the kettle to boil to chop up some veggies or prep a simple meal?

From veggies for stews and soups to quick and healthy snacks, like these no-bake oat balls, a great way to prep ahead for when you’re short on time.

Clear Out Clutter

Grab your bag, or open the drawer of doom, and see how much you can clear before the kettle clicks. A tidy space = a tidy mind.

And Breathe

No task too small: just stand still. Close your eyes. Inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four. Do it three times. Tea and nervous system regulation? A perfect match.

Or why not try these simple breathing techniques?

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