Dear Eartha, I’m walking along my neighborhood trail and there is a moose ahead, what do I do? We are entering the time of year when moose typically begin wandering onto trails, roads, and even ski slopes and doorsteps. In fact, the local moose population has grown so much that last year the Colorado Department of […]
Dear Eartha, What’s going on with clothing donations and recycling? I heard everything was put on hold due to COVID. I’ve got some old clothes and kid stuff and I’m hoping someone can use it. Some items are in really good shape. Cleaning out closets can be so rewarding. And for some, that process unearths […]
Dear Eartha, during the COVID lock-down, I saw stories about clearer skies, cleaner waterways and our planet getting a break. How do we get back to normal without sacrificing these benefits? As the pandemic continues, we all have the natural desire for things to get “back to normal”. But, in our rush to recover and […]
Dear Eartha, I’ve heard recently about the link between environmental issues and social justice. I don’t fully understand the connection, can you explain? If you’ve ever seen photos of a climate change rally, you might have noticed signs that say things like, “Climate justice is social justice,” or “Environmental justice for all.” Though the connections […]
Dear Eartha, I try to avoid plastic when I go grocery shopping, but it seems practically impossible. What can I do? The grocery store can be stressful enough remembering COVID-19 precautions, dodging your chatty neighbor, and managing coupon expiration dates, not to mention reducing plastic waste. Right here in Summit County, for every 100 pounds […]
Dear Eartha, my neighbors are already watering their lawns. I don’t want to waste water, but I don’t want to grow a field of rocks and weeds either. Do you have advice? As lawns come back to life, local water use slowly creeps up then explodes in the summertime. The worst part? The Environmental Protection […]
Dear Eartha, I heard that the local food scrap recycling program is now free to Summit County residents. What’s the big deal with composting my food scraps and how can I participate? Great question! You heard correct, the Summit County Food Scrap Recycling program is now free to Summit County residents, thanks to funding from […]
Dear Eartha, The school year is about to start, and I am wondering, how I can get my children ready for the school year while keeping sustainability in mind? With a new school year approaching, parents are faced with the reality that going back to school requires stuff – school supplies, backpacks, and clothes – […]
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 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 […]
