By BRETT SCHULTZ
Sustainability Committee Member
Dishwashers can save water, if used correctly. Modern dishwashers, especially ENERGY STAR-certified models, are designed to use significantly less water than washing dishes by hand. While hand washing can use up to 27 gallons of water per load, an efficient dishwasher can clean the same amount of dishes with as little as 3 to 5 gallons.
The savings go beyond water. ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers are also energy-efficient, reducing your electricity usage while cleaning dishes thoroughly. Running the dishwasher only when it’s full further maximizes efficiency and saves nearly 320 gallons of water annually for the average household. And if you run it during off-peak times (for RMLD, mornings, after 7 p.m. on weeknights, and on the weekends), when electricity can be cheaper and cleaner, you’ll be reducing the impact of your dishwashing even more.
By switching to a water-efficient dishwasher and using it wisely, you can lower both your water and energy bills. It’s a simple upgrade that benefits your wallet and the environment, proving that convenience and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Content for the Sustainability Corner is provided periodically to the Transcript by members of the town’s Sustainability Committee.