This is not one of the fun activities - sorry. But it is a brilliant energy saver. Actually, it IS fun when someone else is doing it. So why not recruit a helper to do it for you, put your feet up and read Football365 for 5 minutes?
What difference does it make?
The dishwasher is a big user of energy and water. Use it more efficiently and you save money, too. Eco-wash settings will typically use 20% less energy than the default.
This activity lowers your carbon footprint by:
0.6 KG CO₂
What do you need?
- Eco-dishwasher soap (optional)
Step by step
Fill your dishwasher full, choose an eco programme or low temperature wash and set it off. Ideally use an eco dishwasher tablet.
Either before or after the wash, take a photo of yourself with your brilliantly stacked dishwasher, upload it to your social media, maybe make it your profile photo. We're joking... we know it's not a very exciting photo but it will score you a goal if you upload it here.
Need Help?
Yes, a lower temperature program is perfectly safe. If some of your dishes are seriously dirty, give them a quick scrub beforehand.
Good question. Several studies say that most of the newer dishwashers use fewer resources than washing by hand. Some of us are a bit sceptical though - it depends how you do the dishes (temperature of the water, how much you leave the tap flowing etc.
Here the point is: if you are going to use a dishwasher, use it as efficiently as possible.
Wash the dishes carefully in the bowl and be sure not to leave the tap running. There are ways to wash the dishes using water really sparingly! Go for it.