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Energy saving Green tips: doing the dishes
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Everybody hates doing the dishes, right? Actually, some weirdos like it, but those people should be avoided at all costs. Or married. I mean someone has to scrape my fossilized muesli off the soupspoons, don’t they? May as well be someone who likes it.
Now I’ve always assumed that modern luxury appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and massage chairs were as a rule bad for the environment and labor saving rather than energy saving. Apparently not so, according to this article at treehugger.com. It states that a University of Bonn study found electric dishwashers use “half the energy, one-sixth of the water, and less soap” than doing the dishes by hand. So unless you’re Speedy Gonzales with a sponge and dishtowel and don’t mind dishpan hands, it’s better to use the machine.
Here are some money, hand and energy saving tips pilfered and condensed from the Discovery Channel’s planet green website. I suggest you click on the link and check out the entire, very helpful article.
- Make sure your dishwasher is full before turning it on.
- Choose an efficient Energy Star dishwasher.
- Use an eco-friendly washing powder or liquid.
- Don’t use the pre-rinse cycle.
- Use the low heat setting.
- Don’t use the drying cycle: after your dishes are washed, just open the door to let them air dry.
- Buy the right size model for your household: small for singles, larger for families.
- Use fewer dishes: less glasses and dishes = fewer washes.
- Wash during off-peak electricity times (if they exist in your area).
Check out both the planet green article and the treehugger piece for in depth comparisons and advice.
By Graham Land
Tags: dishes, dishwasher, energy, energy saving
11 Comments
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wow! i’ll soo keep this in mind, and…DISHWASHER! lol i make myself laugh. call me weird but hey, i’m never lonely.
Cheers!
This is a very informative article. I am glad to have discovered your blog. I will definitely promote this blog among my circle of friends.
Great Tips! Saving energy doesn’t have to be costly, it can actually help save money too. Green changes start at home and can be simple things like;
- lowering the temp on a washing machine/heating system
- switching lights off in empty rooms
- Switching off electrical items instead of leaving them on standby
- Recycling tins, cardboards, glass etc
- Installing low cost/low energy light bulbs
- Don’t fill up a kettle for a single drink
These are a few ideas that could make a change!
Also why not check vehicle tyre pressures and remove any unnecessary weight from vehicle
This is a great article. I used to think hand-washing was better, but after realizing how many dishes can be washed in one load in an energy-efficient washer I’ve started using mine. There’s also supposed to be new government incentives for people to switch out there old energy-sucking appliances for new “green” ones. It’s supposed to be like a “cash for clunkers” deal. Here’s a little article on it if you’re interested:
http://www.sierraclubgreenhome.com/jennifer-schwabs-inner-green/
Hmm..interesting article. I thought handwashing was better, but now I know!
Energy saving Green tips: doing the dishes | Greenfudge.org…
Everybody hates doing the dishes, right? Actually, some weirdos like it, but those people should be avoided at all costs. Or married. I mean someone has to scrape my fossilized muesli off the soupspoons, don’t they? May as well be someone who likes it….
Energy saving Green tips: doing the dishes | Greenfudge.org…
Everybody hates doing the dishes, right? Actually, some weirdos like it, but those people should be avoided at all costs. Or married. I mean someone has to scrape my fossilized muesli off the soupspoons, don’t they? May as well be someone who likes it….
Energy saving Green tips: doing the dishes…
Everybody hates doing the dishes, right? Actually, some weirdos like it, but those people should be avoided at all costs. Or married. I mean someone has to scrape my fossilized muesli off the soupspoons, don’t they? May as well be someone who likes it….
Energy saving Green tips: doing the dishes | Greenfudge.org…
Everybody hates doing the dishes, right? Actually, some weirdos like it, but those people should be avoided at all costs. Or married. I mean someone has to scrape my fossilized muesli off the soupspoons, don’t they? May as well be someone who lik…
I will definitely have to let my family know about these tips (though unfortunately, our dishwasher is currently in need of repairs).