Green Myths Exposed
Hmmm easier than you thought to Live Green: Green Myths Exposed
Is it more environmentally friendly to wash your dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher? Can I take baths or does it use too much water? Good news for people who like the convenience of using their dishwasher and relaxing in nice warm bath - both of these practices are not as wasteful as commonly thought! Having spent most of the holidays shopping for enviro friendly washer/dryer and dishwasher, I can tell you that the best thing about this industry now is that the information on the enviro-friendly ways to do things is more readily available!
"People automatically assume that doing your dishes by hand is environmentally friendly", said Adria Vasil, author of the live-green guide Ecoholic. However studies have shown that running fully loaded dishwashers is more eco-friendly than hand washing, which wastes a large amount of water rinsing under the tap. Like dishwashers baths are widely believed to waste large quantities of water, but Michael Kalmanovitch, owner of Earth's General store says, "If your shower is more than eight minutes long with a regular shower head, it's just as efficient to use a bathtub".
Now to expose some myths of practices that are not as environmentally friendly as people think. First not all foods labelled "organic" are automatically eco-friendly choices. Some organic products that are shipped from other countries require heavy packaging and long distance transportation that harms the environment. Kalmanovitch says local is always best, "because less chemicals are used since they don't have to be transported". Another common myth is that biodegradable products like cloths and cups can be disposed of guilt free, however nothing really biodegrades in clogged landfills. (Side note-I just bought myself and a bunch of friends reusable cup sleeves for hot coffee cups instead of using cardboard. The sleeves are fabric and look great and have a clip to attach them to a purse, zipper, etc. Personally I try to always have a stainless steel cup with me but when I don't, at least I don't need to add insult to injury with the sleeve!) As always finding ways to curb our consumption and use less is the best solution.
There you have it, some common eco-myths exposed and your dishwasher is safe!
(All cited quotes & figures are from The Vancouver Sun, Oct 27)