Dear Dot Archives - Bluedot Living

Dear Dot: Should I Burn Paper or Send it to Landfill?

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:04:20 +0000

Dear Dot, I am charged with supplying toilet paper in public toilets. This consists of replacing eighty to 100 rolls per week, leaving me with 80 – 100 tubes and wrappers. Which is worse for the environment, to burn them (CO2) or landfill (methane)? These are the only feasible choices due to location. —Cary Gilbert […]

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Dear Dot: Is it Safe to Eat from a Bulging Can?

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 19:38:37 +0000

Dear Dot When I was growing up, I was told that, as long as a food can isn’t bulging, it’s safe to eat. Is that true? —Chris The Short Answer: A bulging can isn’t necessarily indicative of botulism, but it is a warning that the canning process was faulty. Better safe than six feet under. […]

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Dear Dot: Is Pollution the Reason for a Beautiful Sunset?

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 23:01:30 +0000

Dear Dot, I saw the most amazing sunset last night. Someone told me the beautiful red color is because of pollution? Is there any truth to that? —Whitney The Short Answer: Those vibrant colors we see at sunrise and, even more vividly, at sunset, are the result of a phenomenon called Raleigh scattering. During sunrise […]

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Dear Dot: Are (Winter) Tires Bad for the Environment?

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:39:59 +0000

Dear Dot, I recently swapped out my regular tires for winter ones. But what impact do winter tires have on fuel economy? What about pollution? Are certain tires better for the environment than others? –Bob The Short Answer: While we wait for regulations to catch up and tackle the ubiquity of toxic materials in tires, […]

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Dear Dot: What are Some Gift Alternatives to Store-Bought Stuff?

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:36:22 +0000

Dear Dot, While there are things I love about the holidays, the rampant consumerism depresses me. But friends and family still expect me to give them something. Any suggestions? —Steph The Short Answer: There are many ways to give that don't involve buying something new from a store. Think second-hand; think DIY; think gifts of […]

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Dear Dot: Where Should I Buy a House?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:20:24 +0000

I’m a realtor curious about how climate change is going to impact where people will want to live. What are some climate change concerns people should be considering before committing to a next home/next location? –Karen Dear Karen, When Mr. Dot and I were betrothed, we purchased a cottage on one of the Great Lakes. […]

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Dear Dot: How Can I Invest in Earth-Friendly Funds?

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:10:48 +0000

Dear Dot, Does Dot know anything about responsible investing for 401(k) plans? I was looking at mine last night and realized I have an aggressive portfolio and know nothing about the companies. —Ali Dear Ali, While Dot tends to glaze over at any talk of investments, I do value your questions because it’s one that […]

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Dear Dot: How Can I Unclog a Drain without Drano?

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:41:54 +0000

Dear Dot, I have a bathroom drain that clogs a lot. I don’t want to dump a bunch of corrosive chemicals down my drain (and into our waterways). Is there a better way to unclog it? –Evelyn The Short Answer: There are some simple methods to unclog a drain without using caustic chemicals. If it’s […]

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Dear Dot: Why Aren’t Cities Embracing Bicycle Infrastructure?

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:16:35 +0000

Dear Dot, I’ve heard that bike transit could really help fight climate change but New York City sometimes feels very anti-bike (and dangerous!). Why aren’t cities embracing bicycle infrastructure? –Kyle, Brooklyn The short answer: While more cities are building cycling infrastructure (thanks Inflation Reduction Act!), there’s a lot more that needs to be done. We […]

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Dear Dot: Is Fake Grass Better Than the Real Thing?

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:39:15 +0000

Dear Dot, I’ve heard about artificial grass as a water-saving alternative to real grass, but if it's plastic, is the fake stuff really eco-friendly? – Randi, San Diego The short answer: Artificial turf is not a good alternative, even in arid Southern California, where you’re writing from. What is? Taking our cue from nature. More […]

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