Whether you are hosting a festive party over the holidays or offering to clean up after one you attended, there’s always the dilemma of dishwasher vs. hand-washing dishes.

So which is better for the Earth?

Good news: I give you permission to be lazy.

Using a dishwasher can reduce water use by 80% and less soap than washing dishes by hand. Dishwasher-less? Use that handy drain stopper and wash dishes in one sink.

Photo:  Making this home

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher