The dishwasher uses 1/2 the amount of energy that hand washing does. So if you run 1/2 a load you’ll use the same amount of energy, but you will save time. Which can be well worth it on it’s own.

But, remember you’re also saving water which is a precious commodity. The dishwasher uses just 1/6th the amount of water you’ll use hand washing, so even if you could only gather up a few dishes for each load you’d still be saving water.

With this in mind, I’d say go ahead and use the dishwasher for your less than full loads. Even if you break even on energy use you’ll still save on water and even the little stuff adds up after a while!

Thanks for stopping by again!

Diana

I’ve been thinking about this post a lot. Do you think that using a dishwasher is more energy efficient if one doesn’t have a full load? I don’t think I own enough dishes to be able to do a full load (I’m into reducing stuff) … actually, I don’t know if I’d even fill it half way. So I would run out of dishes way before the dishwasher is full. In that case, which would you recommend … the dishwasher or hand washing?

Thanks!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the info!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/