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.
More Articles
Dear Dot
Dear Dot: What are Some Gift Alternatives to Store-Bought Stuff?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: Where Should I Buy a House?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: How Can I Invest in Earth-Friendly Funds?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: How Can I Unclog a Drain without Drano?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: Why Aren’t Cities Embracing Bicycle Infrastructure?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: Is Fake Grass Better Than the Real Thing?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: Where Can I Find an Eco-Friendly Mop and Bucket?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: How Can I Tackle an Ant Problem Without Toxic Pest Control?
Dear Dot -
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
Dear Dot: Air Dry or Paper Towels?
Dear Dot -
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...
Discover
Trending
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...
Bluedot Q&A: There’s More to a Solar Eclipse Than Meets The Eye
Lucas Thors - 0
Traditionally, we think of solar eclipses as something that you experience visually.
For anyone who has seen one, it’s that feeling of awe you get...
RECIPE: Ras El Hanout Spiced Zucchini With Saffron Aioli, Preserved Lemon, Crispy Squash Blossom, and Dill
Editor’s note: This recipe is adapted from Around the Table: Recipes & Stories From The Lark in Santa Barbara. The Lark, in the revitalized...
Climate Quick Tips: Don’t Sweat It! Add Vinegar
Vinegar is excellent at neutralizing odors. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove stubborn odors from clothes....
Climate Quick Tips: Fight for Your Whites!
To brighten white clothing and remove yellowing, add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle along with your favorite eco-friendly...