Dear Eartha, I love visiting Summit County but wish I could be more sustainable when I’m there. What can I do as a visitor to reduce my impact next time I visit? – Pam, Steamboat Springs Pam, your question comes at a great time. Summit County summers are bursting with bikers, hikers, boaters and festival-goers. […]
Dear Eartha, I recently received a package with white peanuts that dissolve in water. I assume they are made of starch or at least I’ve heard of that. Can I compost them? The first time I received a package with what appeared to be puffy cereal protecting the contents, I began investigating them myself. Turns out, […]
Dear Eartha, I have a friend who tells me I should compost my food waste. But doesn’t the food I throw away break down in the landfill anyway? – Maggie, Keystone What an excellent question, Maggie! You’re not alone in thinking that it’s beneficial for items to break down in landfills. But what’s the truth? […]
Dear Eartha, I’d like to lead a zero waste life, but there is so much information out there I am not sure where to begin. Can you provide some tips to get started? I’m so excited you’re ready to make some easy lifestyle changes. The first thing you need to do is define what the […]
Dear Eartha, I saw all the people in green shirts helping with recycling at the Frisco BBQ, and now I’m feeling inspired. I’m planning an event this summer – how do I make it zero waste? As you know, summer is events season in Summit County! I’m so excited to read that you’re interested in […]
Dear Eartha, I’m reworking some garden and landscape beds this year and would like to be especially water-wise. I’m intrigued by a method called hügelkultur. Does this work well in our area? – Caroline, Breckenridge Caroline, our precious resource appreciates your integrity! Even though we had a bountiful winter, water is perpetually scarce here in […]
Dear Eartha, It’s the last week of school! I’m excited for my kids to spend quality time outdoors this summer, but I’d also like them to give back to the community. Do you have any suggestions? – Carly, Dillon Carly, what a great idea! Volunteering is an excellent habit to instill in young people, and […]
Dear Eartha, I’m considering installing solar on my home in Breckenridge. What things should I consider as I head down this road? -Dave, Breckenridge Thank you for your question this week. In recent years, we’ve seen a steep increase in residential solar photovoltaic installations across the nation. As utility prices for residential energy generally continue […]
Dear Eartha, I’m new to Summit County, and recycling here is different than the recycling where I used to live. Could you give me some general things to keep in mind so I’m less confused? – Dan, Silverthorne Thank you for your inquiry, Dan, and welcome to Summit County! Recycling can be confusing in a […]
Dear Eartha, I have been doing some spring cleaning around the house but now I have all this stuff and I don’t know what to do with it. How do I dispose of it responsibly? –Michelle, Breckenridge Michelle, we are so glad you asked because the Annual Recycling Event is this Saturday, May 18. The event is […]
Dear Eartha, I noticed someone dumping what looked like garbage in the glass bin at our recycling center. I tried to get it out but couldn’t reach it. I’m concerned this causes all of it to get trashed! What actually happens in these situations? We all have heard that tossing materials in bins where they […]
