groz said at 5:05 p.m. on October 14, 2008, 5:05 p.m.

Maureen, a co-worker told me yesterday that someone well-versed in "green" issues told him that if you stop using your dishwasher, that one thing can cut your electricity bill 30%. That sounds awfully high to me. Anything to share on dishwashers as a big user of electricity?

msnash said at 5:36 p.m. on October 16, 2008, 5:36 p.m.

Wouldn't depend on how frequently you use the dishwasher? I am sure it is better to stop the dishwasher before it drys the dishes and let them air dry instead.

I have heard of someone cooking a salmon in their dishwasher, that had to be a huge waste of energy!

annemarie said at 8:41 a.m. on October 18, 2008, 8:41 a.m.

Actually, the dryer is a major energy user. This year, I started hanging my laundry outdoors on my vintage clothesline (repainted green for the theme and purpose). That one small step saves about $30 - $35/month. Plus Mother Nature's drying power and performance far exceeds my front-loading dryer - only 20 minutes on a warm or windy day versus 45 minutes inside. Sweeeet!

groz said at 9:25 a.m. on October 20, 2008, 9:25 a.m.

annemarie, that's a great one, because everything smells good too! Now we need to come up with a modern, stylish clothesline thingie that people will want in their back yards...hmmmm......

groz said at 9:28 a.m. on October 20, 2008, 9:28 a.m.

msnash, maybe you could do both--wash your dishes and cook your salmon. If you worked it out just right, your perfectly-steamed salmon would emerge plated from the dishwasher.

Kidding aside, it does seem like dishwashers and dryers are big wasters. Anyone have any data on this?

maureen said at 9:14 a.m. on October 21, 2008, 9:14 a.m.

I did some research and found that the average usage for a dishwasher is 35kwh per month. Impact on monthly bill depends upon your electric rate and how often you use it. Tips on saving energy/resources: Always run a full load. In my house that happens once a month! Air dry dishes (already suggested). Scrape dishes before loading dw insteading of rinsing. The dish rinsing process uses more water than the actual dishwasher. And if replacing your dishwasher, look for energy star rated appliances. Energy star dishwashers supposedly use 41% less energy.

I also find a website that lets you calculate your energy usage and impact on resources. It's at the following link:
http://www.kvue.com/projectgreen/calc...

I found the calculator easy to use and a real eye opener. I am a big resource user and I do not like the visual in my mind of the "Slacker Hog".

Disclaimer: I have no clue how accurate the calculator is, I am not endorsing any companies that advertise on the site, etc. It's all about being more outwardly focused on the impact my little family of 2 adults and several cats has on the neighborhood.

Keep the ideas and suggestions coming.

maureen said at 9:21 a.m. on October 21, 2008, 9:21 a.m.

On another green note...

Just recently my favorite Starbucks down from Tom Thumb stopped using the cup "sleeve" unless specifically asked for one by the customer. I do not know if it's a cost saving measure or green initiative or both, but I think it's a wonderful idea. I got a sleeve yesterday and instead of throwing it away, I put it in my purse. When I go back today (and I go every day!) I will ask them to use the sleeve I brought with me. I figure I can use the same one for a week or longer. For a Green Slacker who is trying to reform, this is an easy lifestyle change.

annemarie said at 3:32 p.m. on November 6, 2008, 3:32 p.m.

Wow! Maureen, you're really setting a great example. Saving the sleeve for your Starbucks coffee is a super start. I recently brought a coffee mug from home to the McDonald's drive thru, and they served me outside the window (note: for health-related reasons, they can't pour your cup inside the window). Pretty sweet!

CynthiaCharleen said at 2:51 a.m. on January 4, 2009, 2:51 a.m.

Looks like no "slackers" here. I don't know about the salmon in the dishwasher, I guess if you sealed it in a plastic bag, you could cook it along with the dish cleaning. However, I don't think I will try that one.
In what I read, the dishwasher actually conserves water. If you have an updated, energy efficient dishwasher, it should save money if wash full loads. I always open the door and air-dry the dishes, a sure money saver.

No slackin-start savin'