Until recently, it was a challenge to find an environmentally sound automatic dishwashing detergent. Traditional name-brand detergents contain both chlorine and phosphates. In fact, up to a third of the phosphates in US wastewater comes from automatic dishwashing detergent. Phosphates are a major cause of algae bloom, which are hazardous to fish, plant life and water quality.
Loading the dishwasher properly will save time and help conserve energy. Don't rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher- just scrape any food into the trash or composter. Pre-rinsing can be a hard habit to break, but it is almost always an unnecessary waste of time and water. Put the most soiled items such as pots and pans with cooked-on food, on the bottom rack, facing down, so the sprayer arm will be pointed directly at them. Dishwasher-safe plastic-ware, glasses, cups and mugs go on the top rack, with the glasses in the rows between the tines, not on them. Platters, cookie sheets, and trays go along the sides of the bottom rack with dishes and bowls between these items and any pots or pans. Utensils go in the basket with handles down, except knives which go in handle up.
