You probably all know by now that I am into green living ideas. I like finding ways to go green that are easy for me to incorporate and I like learning and sharing eco-friendly tips. Well, when I was researching washing dishes the greener way and how to save water and energy, I was was amazed to find that TreeHugger said built in dishwashers are more efficient that hand washing dishes. I needed no more convincing so I made the switch to using my built in dishwasher!
The Greenest Way To Wash Dishes
Since that starting to use my dishwasher, I have been hankering after a new Energy Star Qualified Dishwasher. Why? First of all, Energy Star qualified dishwashers are, of course, more efficient- in both water and energy usage. But how much more efficient is a new Energy Star Dishwasher than an old dishwasher? Well according to Home Water Works, if your dishwasher was made before 1994, then it is probably using over 15 gallons of water per load (and the energy it takes to heat those 15 gallons) whereas an Energy Star dishwasher will only use between 6-4 gallons of water per load- equating to a $40 a year difference on your utility bills!
A Few Extra Dishwasher Eco Tips
Now that you know that a dishwasher is more efficient than hand washing dishes and just how much more efficient a energy star dishwasher can be, here are few extra dishwasher eco tips to help you make the most of your dishwasher.
Wash Full Loads– wait till it is full to run so that you minimize loads
Don’t Pre Wash– let the dishwasher do the cleaning and don’t waste “rinse water”
Eco-Friendly Detergent– it really works every bit as well and is better for environment
Energy Star Dishwasher Features
An energy star dishwasher is not only a greener way to wash dishes but they also have many more great features you will enjoy.
A few cool dishwasher features to look for:
It offers a NSF® Certified Sanitize rinse which works to eliminate 99% of food soil bacteria.
The dishwasher has a durable stainless steel interior and liner which guards against damage and cleans well.
Multi-positional and Fold-down tines which can be configured to create the best fit for differently shaped cups, glasses, or bowls. Just think how many more dishes can fit in at once!
Washing dishes the greener way sounds good to me! How about you? Which dishwasher eco tips and facts were you surprised to learn?
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Small Footprints says
I’ve always thought that hand washing dishes was more Eco-friendly, too … and recently learned that it just isn’t so. We are building a new house and we had a discussion on whether or not to include an energy-efficient dishwasher. While it wouldn’t be my preference, adding one is Eco-friendly so … I’ll be switching to a dishwasher. Now that I’m resolved to doing so, I’m rather looking forward to it! Thanks for this post!
Linda Miller says
I’m going to follow your advice and stop pre washing my dishes! Thank you for sharing this post, I’m trying to make my life greener!
maze hill says
We have this model dishwasher at work. I’m a professional cleaner for Maze Hill Carpet Cleaners Ltd. and I want to assure the other readers that this dishwasher is great!
Sandra Grimm says
Scarlet, I love your blog! I’m fascinated how much valuable information you share!!! Thank you so much! <3