Dishwasher Energy Diet

In order to be "green" you might be curious to know if washing dishes by hand or in the dishwasher is better. Here are the helpful hints:

• Dishwashers made before 1994 use 12 or more gallons of water, those after 1994 use between 7-10 gallons.
• Wash only full loads.
• do not use the temperature boost setting: heating water is about 80% of the energy used
• fill the soap dispenser about 2/3 full for best performance
• air dry the dishes, or use the "no-heat" dry setting
• don't rinse the dishes before loading, just scrape them
• use shortest possible cycle
• keep filter clear of food particles

A study conducted in Germany reports an average of 27 gallons of water to wash a 12 piece place setting by hand. The automatic dishwasher using the same number of equally dirty dishes used only 4 gallons. Looks like the automatic dishwasher wins!

Easy Summer Decorating Tips

This month, try to:

Relax and read a decorating book or magazine outdoors. It's summertime after all.

Clean your fans so you don't blow dirt around your home. Remove screens from portable fans and wipe with a damp cloth. Just wipe down the ceiling fans.

Update window coverings: go sheer and simple, not heavy or fussy.

Change lampshades to ivory or white silk or linen. Colored shades distort or block the light.

Take up area rugs and let wood floors breathe. Just for the summer.