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Ask Eartha: Making Sense of Recycling in Summit County

Dear Eartha, I thought I was a great recycler, but I found out recently that I might be putting items in my recycling bin that don’t belong there. Why is recycling in Summit County so confusing? Recycling shouldn’t be so confusing. But it is, thanks to years of the plastic industry tricking us into thinking everything is recyclable. So let’s start […]

Ask Eartha: A Call for Energy Efficiency Professionals

Dear Eartha, I just had an energy assessment done, which got me really excited about completing energy efficiency projects for my home. But now I’m having trouble getting anyone scheduled to come to do the work. Why is it so hard to line up contractors for these types of projects? The demand for energy efficiency […]

Ask Eartha: The Benefits of Composting

Dear Eartha, I’ve been a patient High Country gardener and haven’t yet planted my vegetable garden, or my annuals. While I’m waiting, I’ve been thinking of adding compost to the beds. Is it really worth it, or is fertilizer enough? I applaud your self-control! Multiple weeks of 60 and 70-degree weather send many gardeners’ minds […]

Ask Eartha: Hard-to-Recycle Items

Dear Eartha, I was surprised to learn I could recycle my mattresses for free in Summit County. What other hard-to-recycle items around my home should I know about? It may be surprising to find out there are quite a few items around your home that shouldn’t be tossed into the trash. Some items can be […]

Ask Eartha: Energy and Happiness

Dear Eartha, I know that to fight climate change, we all need to use less gas and less energy. But do I have to give up my creature comforts? How can I find some balance? This is an important question to consider in the wake of yet more discouraging news from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate […]

Ask Eartha: Creating a Sustainable Workplace

Dear Eartha, I’d love to help my workplace become more sustainable, but I don’t have a lot of time and it seems overwhelming. What do you recommend? Commercial buildings have a pretty big resource footprint. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, businesses across the country account for 18% of total energy […]

Ask Eartha: Energy Efficient Remodeling

Dear Eartha, I’m planning a home remodel this spring, and I want to make sure I’m considering energy efficiency, too. Do you have any advice to help my project be the best it can be? ‘Tis the season for home improvement projects! The warm months are a great time to plan and complete that work […]

Ask Eartha: Preparing for Gardening Season

Dear Eartha, This wild spring weather has me confused!  One day it feels warm enough to start thinking about my vegetable garden and the next day it is snowing again.  What should I be doing right now to prepare for gardening season without getting ahead of myself?    Springtime in the Rockies can be a […]