Dear Eartha, as I was doing my taxes, I noticed there are credits available for energy efficiency projects. How can I qualify? From energy-efficient windows to heat pumps to renewable energy, Uncle Sam has tax credits to help you boost the comfort and durability of your home. Since tax season is already upon us, here’s […]
Dear Eartha, can I drive an electric car in cold weather?On any given day in Summit County, you’re sure to spot electric cars cruising the roads. Which lends an easy answer to this question: Yes, they can be driven in the cold. In fact, there are currently 861 electric vehicles (EVs for short) registered in […]
Dear Eartha, I know composting is good for our environment. Outside of creating a healthier soil environment for plants, what other benefits does composting provide our community? Thank you for the great question. Composting has been part of humankind since early civilizations began practicing agriculture. While the process has evolved over thousands of years, composting […]
Dear Eartha, I have noticed a lot of businesses and community members working hard to make the county more environmentally friendly. Do their actions get recognized?It is great to hear that you have noticed environmental action being taken in Summit County! We are lucky to live in a place where businesses and individuals go out […]
Recycling has always been the right thing to do. But now we know that recycling isn’t the only way to avoid throwing things in the trash. Sometimes, throwing away less stuff just means doing things differently.Brought to you by the letter ‘R’Since grade school, many of us have been taught the importance of the three […]
Dear Eartha, what’s the most eco-friendly water heating option for my home? What’s the next big thing in home heating? Electricity! That’s right – “electrification,” the act of swapping natural gas-fired appliances for those that run on renewable electricity, is a powerful way we can all fight climate change from the cozy comfort of our […]
Dear Eartha, every year about this time I start thinking about my summer vegetable garden. I get excited, spend too much money on seeds, and then get overwhelmed before the gardening season has really begun! What advice do you have for me?While I embrace the snow all winter, there’s nothing wrong with a little summer […]
Dear Eartha, I’m a big fan of Valentine’s Day, but I can’t stand all the waste that comes with it. How can we rethink Valentine’s Day to make it more sustainable while still celebrating love and affection? As we step into the month of February, love’s enchanting aura fills the air. What better way to […]
Dear Eartha, I’m interested in getting solar panels, but I have to admit…I’m not sure how they work. Can you break it down for me? Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy on Eartha. How abundant? In just 90 minutes, enough solar energy hits the planet to power worldwide energy consumption for a […]
Dear Eartha, I’ve heard more and more about the water shortage impacting Colorado and other western states. What can I do to reduce the amount of water I use at home? Water conservation is a very important topic everywhere, but especially here in the western part of the US. While shortening your shower and installing […]
Dear Eartha, I don’t have a garage, and it’s been really cold lately. I always let my car warm up for 10 – 15 minutes, but I feel guilty about it. Is it so wrong? What’s a better alternative? I get it – it’s been cold and snowy and cleaning off frozen windshields is definitely […]
