There are ways to conserve energy and help the environment while doing the dishes — and you don't have to sacrifice your dishwasher to do it. Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany determined that using a dishwasher not only cleaned the dishes better, it saved energy and time. Now you can sit back after dinner and relax, guilt-free.

If you are a diehard for washing dishes by hand or if you do not have a dishwasher, the folks in Bonn have recommendations for getting the most out of hand-washing your dishes:

• Remove large pieces of food left on the dishes.

• Don't rinse any of the dishes before washing. This is also true if you are using an automatic dishwasher.

• Use two sinks — one with hot soapy water to wash and one filled with cooler water to rinse.

• Do not go overboard with the soap or detergent. Use only what's needed; it will conserve cleanser and won't over-suds the rinse water.

Phosphorus, an ingredient in many dish detergents, works its way through a wastewater treatment plant, ending up in surface waters and other effluent disposal locations.

In the Chesapeake Bay, lawmakers are working to reduce the concentration of phosphorus from the currently allowed 7 percent to 3 percent. It is hoped that the reduction of phosphorus in the detergent will correspond with a similar reduction in the bay's phosphorus levels, improving water quality and avoiding algae outbreaks. If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, check for Energy Star labels to ensure the model you purchase uses energy efficiently.