Daily Tip: Dec 13, 2007 
Use the air-dry setting on your dishwasher instead of the heat-dry option. Air drying uses 15 to
50 percent less energy in practically the same amount of time. If your dishwasher does not have an air-dry setting, simply open the door once the final rinse is complete. For more tips on saving water and energy
while doing the dishes, check out http://www.flexyourpower.org
Receive these Tips in your inbox Monday through Friday by signing up here.
'), 'addthis', 'scrollbars=yes,menubar=no,width=620,height=520,resizable=yes,toolbar=no,location=no,status=no,screenX=200,screenY=100,left=200,top=100'); return false;" title="Bookmark using any bookmark manager!" target="_blank">
Or wash by hand. If you have a small family, or live alone, or have 2 occupants, is very manageable to hand wash with minimal amounts of water. It may take more time away from you, but hand-washing (and then air-drying) can also be very therapeutic!
Posted by: Daniel Diaz-Luong | December 13, 2007 at 07:37 AM
Yep, my idea, do it by hand. It might even contribute to the dry air in your house during winter! Drying your laundry on racks instead of using your dryer helps too and it sure helps your energy bill!!!
Posted by: ccsoleil | December 13, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Yes, when I lived alone it was no sweat to wash dishes by hand (plus I didn't HAVE a dishwasher). However, my son and I are so tall, it's hard on our backs to be bent over a sink doing a load of dishes. Does anyone know of a countertop, non-electric dishwasher? I used to see them in catalogs, and it would be a God-send for my son, who lives by himself now.
Posted by: Margie Campaigne | December 14, 2007 at 05:46 AM
Modern day detergents do not require hot water to be effective cleaners. Wash your clothes in cold water.
Posted by: Georgia Weatherhead | December 14, 2007 at 07:38 AM
When the rinse cycle finishes, I turned off the machine and opened the door to air dry the dishes. Since the dishes are hot from the water, they dry fast. And I seldom use the dishwasher anyway.
Posted by: Cathy | December 15, 2007 at 03:07 AM
The only dishwasher I have is hands. The only dish drier I have is a dish wrack where they sit overnight to be put away in the AM
Posted by: Bill Denneen | December 21, 2007 at 09:49 AM
If you rinse dishes before you place them in the dishwasher, don't use the pre-wash or heavy-wash cycle. You will save water.
Posted by: Nick | January 01, 2008 at 08:16 PM