Dear Eartha, I have some old paint and fertilizer in my garage. I think they’re recyclable in Summit County, but I don’t know where. Can you help? Both items you mention are considered household hazardous waste, leftover household products that can catch fire, react, explode or are considered corrosive or toxic. The waste also includes things […]
Dear Eartha, We’ve had some chilly nights recently and some of my friends have already turned the heat on in their homes. Do you have any low-cost suggestions for keeping my home warm this fall and winter? I’m starting to feel it in the air, too. Cooler nights and leaves changing color mean that winter […]
Dear Eartha, I heard that 30% to 40% percent of food in the United States is wasted. That’s a lot! What can I do to contribute less to the waste and make more sustainable choices at the supermarket? The sad truth is that you’re absolutely right. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic […]
Dear Eartha, even with all the rain, my neighbor’s sprinklers are running every day. It drives me crazy. Is there anything I can do? It’s downright discouraging to see sprinklers running in the rain, especially since we’re still in a drought. Yep, despite the deluge. Just last week, federal officials gave Western states more time to negotiate water […]
Dear Eartha, I am concerned about climate change, but I also love to travel. Do I need to give up flying to protect the planet? Flygskam – it’s a newly coined Swedish word for “flight shame,” which is a movement that started trending a few years ago in Europe. Folks concerned about climate change decided […]
Unbeknownst to many, when uneaten food, vegetable peelings or any organic material is left to rot, it releases methane — a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. This gas is a leading contributor to climate change. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each year, food waste in the U.S. alone produces 170 million metric tons […]
Dear Eartha, I know insulation is something you need in your house to keep you warm. But if I’m being honest, I don’t even know what it looks like. What exactly is this stuff and why is it so important? “I absolutely love my insulation!” is not something you hear too often. Despite not having […]
Dear Eartha, I’ve got a new baby at home, and he creates a lot of waste! I try to live as sustainably as possible, but how can I maintain this lifestyle without sacrificing the health and safety of my baby? Babies require a lot of stuff, and that stuff adds up. For parents who want […]
Dear Eartha, I keep hearing about Lake Powell being low. But, Dillon Reservoir looks full, it rained a bunch last week and it hasn’t been crazy hot. We’re OK here, right? As long as water flows from the taps in our homes, and Dillon Reservoir “looks” good, many of us don’t think about water. Yet, 99.9% […]
Dear Eartha, I hear people talking about reducing natural gas use, but I don’t understand why. If it’s “natural,” doesn’t that mean it’s good? What comes to mind when you think of the word “natural”? Maybe crisp mountain streams, fresh air, and clear skies. Certainly not air and water pollution or poor indoor air quality. […]
Dear Eartha, I heard a rumor that certain types of lightbulbs are going to be banned soon. What gives? You heard right! Starting in 2023, incandescent lightbulbs will be banned in the United States. And it is for good reason because not all lightbulbs work as efficiently as others. While all lightbulbs share the same function — […]
