One of the daily domestic activities that, nevertheless, people may not pay much attention to, is dishwashing which can, surprisingly enough, affect the environment significantly. The little things add up in a fast manner between the water we are using, the power we are using to heat the water, and the cleaning material that is going down the drain. To turn dishwashing into a more eco-friendly experience, one does not have to change his or her entire lifestyle, he/ she merely needs to be a bit more conscious with the decisions he/ she makes, as well as involve the entire family into the process. Reducing the everyday stage of dishwashing into a communal, consciously green practice can be a potentially valuable lesson on the importance of responsibility and sustainability and keep your home functioning well.
Knowledge on Water and Energy Consumption
The first large step to becoming environmentally friendly in dishwashing is to have an idea of the amount of water and energy consumed in the process. Washing dishes in a running tap may consume gallons of water per minute. The family should be encouraged to fill the sink or put on a basin where water can be rinsed, rather than letting the faucet run continuously which would save a lot of water in the long run. Likewise, the issue of unnecessary water waste and drains can be drawn to a stop by teaching children to clean-up leftover food in the compost instead of having excessively many plates run under the tap.
Another factor is energy consumption particularly in the case of dishwashers. Full load rather than half loads is more efficient in the use of energy by the appliance. Most of the current dishwashers have also been built in an energy efficient way particularly when operated under the eco or quick-wash option. Ask your family to only put the dishwasher on full capacity and preferably leave dishes to dry in the air rather than using the dry cycle.
Selection of Sustainable Cleaning Products
The products that you consume are a significant factor in the effect that your dishwashing practice can have on the environment. Most common dish soaps and detergents are usually rich in chemicals that may be poisonous to aquatic organisms when they get into waterways. Using biodegradable or plant-based dish soaps can be used to decrease that environmental footprint. These products are equally efficient and far more gentle to your skin and the planet as well.
When your family depends on a dish washer, then selecting an appropriate cleaning detergent is significant as well. It is possible to find numerous brands of dishwasher pods and dishwasher tablets, which are created of natural or biodegradable products. They are made easy to degrade in water without residual microplastics and harsh substances. Taking your kids to shop and selecting environmentally friendly items in the store may make them see the importance of label reading and of making a sustainable choice.
The Family Involvement in the Process
The process of dishwashing could be made more meaningful and enjoyable when it is made a family activity. Simple tasks, such as scraping, loading, or drying, can be assigned to each person to have a part in ensuring the household is well-run. It is also a very valuable way of teaching children about the impact of daily activities on the environment. Even small children can be taught that they can save water or select an appropriate cleaning product which will help to make the planet healthier.
Eco-friendly dishwashing can also be discussed in the context of a more extended discourse on sustainability. As an example, explain how water conservation in the dishwasher is related to conservation in other parts of the house. Ask your family members to suggest ways to make your dishwashing process better or minimize waste in other aspects. The shared responsibility occurs when there is a sense of involvement of all and the lessons learned tend to extend beyond the kitchen sink to other habits.
Building Long Term Habits
Making a green dishwashing routine is not a goal but a habit-making process. With time, these minor decisions such as saving water, cleaning products that are eco-friendly, and division of chores become habitual. The environmental benefits could be huge when the family is working in one direction.
Congratulate yourself and the difference that you are making in your family to maintain high motivation. Encourage each other to take small but steady steps towards big change. By turning the process of dishwashing into a family affair and making it environmentally-friendly, you will not only save the environment but also reinforce the feeling of bond and the feeling of collectivity in your home. It is an easy, pragmatic means of demonstrating how even the mundane routine can be something extraordinary.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!