- Washing dishes by hand uses less energy than running an electric dishwasher.
This is one instance where the modern machine beats the old-fashioned method: hand washing generally uses more hot water per load than using a dishwasher. The key to maximizing energy savings is to use the dishwasher efficiently. Most modern dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing of dishes; and according to Consumer Reports, this practice wastes up to 20 gallons of water per load without getting dishes any cleaner.
Don’t bother with the “rinse hold” on your machine, for the same reason. Wait to run the dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes, but don’t overload the machine. The energy-saving control offered on many dishwashers will turn off the heat during the drying cycle, which will also help keep the kitchen cooler in the summer.
Opening the door after the rinse cycle and letting the dishes air dry is another way to save energy. {full article}
{via}
I love this list from Gaiam of foods to shop for to help your body detoxify and renew itself this season: Spring Detox Foods & Shopping List
I so want one of these BalanceBall® Chairs ! According to Gaiam, this chair was developed with chiropractic pioneer Dr. Randy Weinzoff, as an effective tool for improving spinal alignment and strengthening core muscles. The ball can also be removed and used for exercise off the chair. A truly versatile piece of furniture – I love it!
Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.
Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.
Gaiam’s Cork Bath Mat is naturally anti-fungal, nonslip, and dries quickly. What more can you ask for from a bath mat? Maybe that it feels nice when you’re standing on it…I won’t make any judgments about that until those are my 2 (much girlier) feet!
When I first glanced at this picture below I thought it was a diffuser of some sort, but then I saw the title - Countertop Bag Dryer. I like! I often think to myself “this ziploc really doesn’t deserve to go in the garbage just yet..” A lot of times, especially if the contents were dry, I simply reuse it. However, those times when the bag needs to be washed out I unfortunately usually end up throwing it out because how and where is it going to dry properly? Well here’s an answer! If you’re thinking $20 is a little pricey, it is made from sustainably harvested birch and ash woods, AND it’s not an eyesore!
Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.
