Dishwasher vs. Handwash?

Well, lets nip this one in the bud. A dishwasher is actually more efficient, according to a German Study. BUT this is true only if you ensure that the dishwasher is fully and correctly loaded. Handwashing is less efficient, in terms of water use. So go ahead and use that dishwasher, just make sure that its full and that you're using biodegradable dishwashing detergent without phosphates.

Bonus: you dont have to rinse those plates off before you put them in the dishwasher. shocker. but true. Most, if not all, dishwashers today are so efficient and "high-powered" that they dont need pre-rinsing because they are powerful enough to clean the plates. Unless you have some food that is hard-baked onto the plate/pan, then you might want to do some scratching ahead of time.

Cover the Pipes Under Your Sink

Fast Tip: Want to save a little more on your electric bill? Consider checking the pipes under your sink and cover them with some sort of insulated wrap. Its a fairly cheap way to save a little money. Porcelain is a really poor insulator. In fact, while you're at it, consider insulating all the exposed piping in your basement, attic and under your sinks.

Turn Down the Heat on Your Water Heater

Many water heaters are set WAY higher than needed. Like say 140 degrees F. Ouch. We all enjoy a nice hot shower, but no one can stand a shower that hot. Plus, hot water like that can also damage fabrics when you wash clothes in it.

Take a minute to see what your water heater is set on and consider lowering it down to 104 degree F. Also, consider putting insulation or some sort of cover around your water heater, and related piping to make sure the heat stays where its supposed to be.

If your water heater is old and you're in the market to replace it, check out tankless water heaters. They are a little more costly up front, but in the long run will save you money on your electric bills since they only heat water right when you are going to use it. You can even pick one up at a local Home Depot or Lowes, its just that easy now.

Is That a Brick in Your Tank?

Toilets use lots of water. So if you are still using a conventional toilet, not a low flow one, not a grey-water system and not a giant composting hole in the ground, then at least consider using less water.

How can you do this, you might ask, without buying an entirely new toilet? Well, the easiest method is to put a brick or fill up a water bottle and place it in your tank. This will take the place of where the old water used to go, help your tank fill up faster after each flush and therefore use less water.

Keep an eye on this as some bricks may dissolve, thus causing you to need a new brick and that water bottle might float around so just make sure its not interfering with other things while its doing its job.

No More Bottled Water

Its the oldest joke in the book: getting people to pay for water when they can get it for free. Dont fall into the trap - skip the bottle. This saves plastic and saves resources from some other community whose water you are stealing. Municipal water is subject to more rigorous inspections and therefore can be better for you than that bottled stuff.