Dear Bill: My next door neighbor is telling me that when I use my dishwasher I am wasting electrical energy and water. I thought read somewhere that actually using a dishwasher is better for the environment since it uses less energy and saves water. Is she right or am I just crazy?
Carol G. – Gulfport, MS
Dear Carol: First, you’re not crazy. Second, you’re correct, using a dishwasher is better for the environment and your pocket book then washing dishes by hand. Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany found that using a dishwasher cleaned the dishes better and saved energy, time and water.
According to research, a load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing by hand. When you save water, you're also saving the energy used in heating the water in your hot water heater and to pump it, treat it, and clean it up afterwards in your city's waste water facility. So, using a dishwasher is not only good for you financially but it helps the community save energy, water and money as well.
Dear Bill: I’ve been following the Green Energy movement that’s discussed in Washington and in my own hometown and I keep hearing the phrase “Get off the Grid”. What is the Grid?
Andy Z. – Boise, ID
Dear Andy: The phrase “Get off the Grid” refers to the local power company’s or the national power system. Local and national power companies buy and sell power to each other depending on local or national needs. This network is called “The Grid” and helps provide power somewhere in the local or national power system of electrical lines so electricity can be diverted to where it’s needed immediately. The “Grid” is the power lines that provide electricity to all of us. So getting “Off the Grid” really means that you are using electricity that you created yourself such as a Photovoltaic system (Solar Panels), Wind turbines or other renewable energy so you don’t have to purchase electricity from your local electrical company or at least buy the minimal amount you need.
Dear Bill: My next door neighbor is telling me that when I use my dishwasher I am wasting electrical energy and water. I thought read somewhere that actually using a dishwasher is better for the environment since it uses less energy and saves water. Is she right or am I just crazy?
Carol G. – Gulfport, MS
Dear Carol: First, you’re not crazy. Second, you’re correct, using a dishwasher is better for the environment and your pocket book then washing dishes by hand. Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany found that using a dishwasher cleaned the dishes better and saved energy, time and water.
According to research, a load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing by hand. When you save water, you're also saving the energy used in heating the water in your hot water heater and to pump it, treat it, and clean it up afterwards in your city's waste water facility. So, using a dishwasher is not only good for you financially but it helps the community save energy, water and money as well.
Dear Bill: This may sound crazy since my entire life has been surrounded by the sea, 20 years in the navy, retired, captain of my own fishing boat currently and I have my home on a lake. I’d like to be buried at sea but not cremated having my ashes spilled upon the ocean but rather I’d like to be buried at sea without cremation. I was told by neighbors that this is against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is not very eco-friendly. Is that true? Bobby E. – Kennewick, WA
Dear Bobby: First of all, I have an affinity to the sea myself but being buried at sea without being cremated is an unusual thought but certainly not against the law. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act says that your burial at sea can take place but it must be at least three miles offshore and where water is at least 600 feet deep. Your remains must be in a container that will not float but if you change your mind and want to be cremated you still need to have your ashes spread upon the waters at least three miles at sea.
Strange as this may seem too many of us but by no means unusual being buried intact at sea, sea burial has become its own industry offering reef memorials and boating services. One such company comes to mind called The Neptune Society who assists in sea cremation services. You may also want to contact a company called Eternal Reefs (www.enternalreefs.com) who can assist in a reef memorial with family and friends who place their handprints or write messages as part of the memorial, whether you use a full body or cremation burial. For military personnel they have special a special military honor ceremony.
On the Eco-Friendly part of your question, this is not an issue, remember there a lot of other creatures, fish and sea mammals that use the sea as their final rest as well.
Send your energy-related questions to:
The Green Energy Coach at: GreenEnergyCoach@aol.com
Tauber is a Radio Talk Show host and a nationally recognized expert on energy reduction and solar power. He has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, Fox Business, Kiplinger, Investors, ABC and Forbes websites and several environmental newsletters and Web sites.