Dear Eartha, I’m over winter. I can’t wait to get out to hammer some dirt. Is it OK if I hit the trails even if they’re muddy? The short answer is no. As much as we are all itching to hike and mountain bike now that the snow is melting, trekking or pedaling on muddy trails […]
Dear Eartha, I did so many house and closet cleaning projects during lockdown, now I am overrun with paint, electronics, and clothing – I just don’t know what to do! Are these all trash? Isn’t there usually an annual recycling event I can take these items to? Finished home projects and cleaner closets always feel great! […]
Dear Eartha, My neighbor keeps a bucket at the bottom of their tub while they shower to collect water that they use in their garden. Does that really make a big difference? You hear a lot about recycling from High Country Conservation Center. Summit County recycles aluminum cans, glass bottles, mattresses, and the list goes […]
Dear Eartha, I’m looking for some new ways to celebrate Earth Day this year. What actions can I take locally to support a sustainable Summit County? My favorite time of year – Earth Day. Across the globe, people commemorate this 51-year-old celebration by cleaning up their communities and taking action to create a healthier, more sustainable […]
Dear Eartha, It was a rough start to ski season. Now that conditions are finally improving, does that mean we’re all caught up from the dry start to winter? I’m thrilled to finally ski my favorite high-mountain terrain, runs that opened later than usual. While mountain conditions are improving, the fact of the matter is that […]
Dear Eartha, As the pandemic continues, I’m having a hard time staying motivated in my sustainable habits. It seems like we are just even further from tackling the issues of waste and our changing climate than ever before. I could use some motivation! Let me be your conservation cheerleader! Yes, the pandemic has impacted the environment […]
Dear Eartha, I’ve been hearing about big changes in environmental policy now that President Biden has taken office. What are the most important things to know? It’s been just two weeks since President Biden took the oath of office, and already we’ve seen a rush of environmental action coming for the White House. And while this […]
Dear Eartha, it feels like nothing went right in 2020. What environmental success stories can I reflect on to brighten my mood heading into the New Year? There is no denying, 2020 was a tough year. However, while the news was often flooded with anxiety-ridden headlines, there is still a lot to celebrate. In the […]
Dear Eartha, Every year, I make a New Year’s resolution to adopt one new habit to make my life more sustainable. A friend called me a hypocrite, because no matter what I do, I’ll still have an environmental impact. His comment bummed me out. What can one person really do, anyway? “Bah-humbug,” I say to your […]
Dear Eartha, I’m thinking about getting an electric car, but I’m just not convinced they can handle winter driving. What’s your take? The future, dear readers, is electric! This is important because it will benefit our rapidly warming climate, our wallets, and our health. A Transportation Evolution According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, […]
Dear Eartha, A few days ago, my neighbor and I were chatting about the wildfires and drought the west has experienced this year. I mentioned that we’ll see more of these disasters because of climate change, and she quickly changed the subject. How can I talk to friends and neighbors about climate change without losing […]
