Yes, have had the conversation.  A cycle uses less than 3 cents of water and electricity.  I tried to point out that the goal of a dishwasher was to have clean dishes, therefore we should wash early and often and have clean dishes in the cabinets for eating and cooking.  

Running the washer early/partially full is not the right answer.  Wasteful.

Loading to what I think is full and running the washer is not the right answer.  Wasteful.

Cramming everything I can fit in the washer and running is not the right answer.  Too full and everything does not get clean.

Leaving dishes in the sink or on the counter above that won’t fit is not the right answer.  Lazy.



So I just spread my actions out across all four choices and occasionally just run and unload the washer when I am at home and wife is out so at least everything is clean and put away.