Dear Eartha, recent news about climate change has got me thinking about my role as a parent and how to teach my kids about environmental stewardship. How can Summit County youth learn more about climate change without being totally overwhelmed? As a parent, it can be daunting to hear alarming news about the unexpected pace of […]
Dear Eartha, I recently ordered laundry detergent sheets to reduce my plastic consumption, but the items arrived in a giant plastic envelope and the sheets were inside yet another plastic bag. It’s frustrating that a product claiming to be eco-friendly and plastic-free was not. What can I do? Good-for-the-planet products seem to be everywhere. On one […]
Dear Eartha, I keep hearing about this plastic bag ban. How will this impact the businesses I frequent and myself personally? If you’ve shopped at the City Market in Dillon over the past few weeks, you might have noticed something missing at the checkout: plastic bags! If you haven’t heard about it yet, here’s the scoop: […]
Dear Eartha, it seems impossible to not buy products covered in plastic packaging. It’s so frustrating because most of it is not recyclable. Is there a way out of this mess? Yes, plastic is everywhere. And it’s getting worse. As renewable energy gains momentum – decreasing the demand for fuel – the oil and gas industry […]
Dear Eartha, I came across a recent headline that said Lake Mead is experiencing a historic water shortage – what’s going on!? There’s no question about it – the West is dry. Locally, we’re experiencing changes like hotter weather, shrinking snowpack, and increased fire danger. And now, miles away, the situation in Lake Mead, the […]
Dear Eartha, The kale I planted in my garden is going crazy, and there’s no way I can eat it all. There’s no issue with me composting it, right? Congrats on your successful high-altitude garden! Kale and other cool-season veggies thrive in our short mountain summers. So, if you’re up to your ears in leafy […]
Dear Eartha, Is it just me, or does it feel hotter this summer? Am I crazy for thinking about getting an air conditioner? As rapper Nelly presaged, “It’s getting hot in here.” And while he definitely wasn’t referring to heat building up in the atmosphere, he was right. It is getting hotter. And not just […]
Dear Eartha, I know that changes to the climate are real but they’re not really affecting my life. (I love this warmer weather!) What do I really have to lose? For many of us, we get up and go to work or school, talk with friends and family, and pursue our interests without feeling the […]
Dear Eartha, My goal this year is to reduce my carbon footprint by driving less, but it’s not always easy. What tips do you have? The level of convenience that cars provide can deter us from considering other transportation options. If you have access to a personal vehicle your brain is probably on auto-pilot to […]
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 […]
