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: Should I Burn Paper or Send it to Landfill?

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...

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

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,...

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

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...

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

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:...

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...

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Making More from Less

On a warm November afternoon, a gentle breeze blows through the vineyard in front of the Jadhavs’ house in Pimpri, a village in the...

A Kinder Silk

Throughout the ages, silk products have been symbols of grace, luxury, and refinement. However, the standard method of raw silk production involves a cruel...

Climate Champ: Joanna Underwood

I arrived early to Joanna Underwood’s charming 1800s brownstone near Union Square in New York City. She was sailing out the front door and...

Building Houses and Independence

In 2022, Pakistan was devastated by unprecedented floods that left millions displaced and without homes in the Sindh province. Following the floods, 1.4 million...

Safeguarding Buffer Zones

Arun Akshaylal Naika has lived his entire life in the Pench village in Madhya Pradesh. As head of the Forest Protection Organisation of his...