While you go about your daily routine, there are some things that you choose to do over others that are obviously more green.  Replacing old light bulbs with compact fluorescents is a choice that is obviously greener.  There are others, though, that require a little bit of research.  That's why we're here to help.

I was recently loading my dishwasher, and I stopped to think about how green that really is.  I tried to remember how much water was used when I hand-washed dishes, and if that was more or less water than my dishwasher.  I decided to do a little research, and now I'm passing that research on to you.

According to the EPA, the most energy efficient way to do your dishes (imagine a full load, or full sink's worth) is a dishwasher that does not use an initial rinse-cycle.  They figured this by thinking of annual gallons of water (g) used, and then annual energy consumption (kilowatt-hours, or kh).  Here's the quick breakdown:

1. An efficient dishwasher uses, on average, 868 g and 276 kh.

2. By hand, in a two basin sink, uses 1,419 g and 295 kh.

3. A standard dishwasher (rinsing first) uses 3,473 g and 735 kh.

4. Washing by hand, with water running constantly, uses 5,974 g and 1,243 kh.

So what does that mean if you have a dishwasher, but you are renting or are not in a position to purchase a more efficient one?  Make sure that you always run a full load, and turn off the initial rinse cycle.  Open the washer door during the "dry" time, and let everything air dry instead of using the heater that some dishwashers use.  Find out the minimum settings needed, that will still get your dishes clean, and run those instead of the max of everything.  

If you are looking to purchase a new dishwasher, be sure that you get one with an Energy Star label on it.  They are made to run less water and electricity per-load, and if you use extra green steps, then you can save even more than what is expected.

If you don't have a dishwasher, there are still things you can do to save water and energy.  Don't leave the water running constantly.  Run enough water to rinse the dishes, and then clean them with your soapy sponge and set aside.  Rinse everything together at the end.  Don't waste by running the water while you're waiting for it to warm up.  That would be a good time to do your initial rinse.

There are still many choices out there where you may not know the obvious answer when you think which is greener.  Always take time to do research before you assume one way or another.  You may be surprised at the answer.