Dear Dot

Dear Dot is here to answer all your sustainable living questions from her perch on the porch. Got a question for Dot? Send her a note for a chance to be featured in an upcoming post.

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

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...

Dear Dot: Where Should I Buy a House?

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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

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,...

Dear Dot: Where Can I Find an Eco-Friendly Mop and Bucket?

Dear Dot, Where can I buy a mop that is made of biodegradable materials and a mop bucket made of recycled plastic? Thank you! —Carole A. The short answer: Dot’s number one rule for purchasing eco-friendly products: The...

Dear Dot: How Can I Tackle an Ant Problem Without Toxic Pest Control?

Dear Dot, Did you run an article about ants? I am unable to stop the swarm in my kitchen. Have tried Terro which has always worked for me in the past, but my bottle might be...

Dear Dot: Air Dry or Paper Towels?

Dear Dot, If I'm in a public bathroom and I have a choice between paper towels and an electric hand dryer, which should I choose? I imagine it depends a lot on whether those towels are...

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Shooting For a Sustainable Future

Amidst the creative hum of a film school where students were churning out projects, Dutch filmmaker Laura Torenbeek paused. She saw waste — loads...