Just the FAQs
Answers to readers' most frequently asked questions about green dilemmas
26 Oct 2005
Should I use paper or plastic bags at the grocery store?
Should I dry my hands with paper towels or the electric blow dryer?
Should I wash my dishes by hand or use the dishwasher?
Is it better to leave [lights, cars, computers] on when I'm not using them, or turn them off and restart them?
Restart! Whether you're driving, defeating darkness, or doing work, it takes more energy to keep your power-suckers running than it does to turn them off and on.
My old [car, refrigerator, washing machine] isn't energy efficient. Is it worse to keep using it, or to toss it and buy a new one?
In general, it's better to upgrade (whether washing machine, fridge, dishwasher, or car) -- but make sure your old machine is reused or recycled if possible.
Should I use cotton or disposable diapers?
Is it better to buy organic food from far away, or non-organic food grown locally?
Ideally, buy food that is both organic and local -- but if you have to choose, local is the way to go.
I want to follow your recommendation and buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs, but I've discovered they contain mercury. What should I do?
Buy them anyway -- the small amount of mercury (less than in a watch battery) can be handled by a hazardous-waste facility.
Which plastics are OK?
Which is better: Diesel? Biodiesel? Straight vegetable oil? Hybrid?
They're all bad. Stop driving!But while you work toward that goal, here are thoughts on some of your quandaries: diesel vs. regular gasoline; converting to biodiesel; converting to veggie oil; biodiesel vs. veggie oil; and hybrids vs. veggie oil.
Can I put my [milk carton, stapled paper, nose wipe tissues, number 17 bottle] in the recycling?
I don't know. The only people who know are those running your recycling program -- usually your municipality. Those same people should be able to answer questions about why certain objects are accepted and others are not.
What's the one thing I can do to help the environment?
Watch out, helping the environment becomes addictive. There's no one answer, but try to limit your consumption and keep the big picture in mind.
Yours is to wonder why, hers is to answer (or try). Please
send Umbra any nagging question pertaining to the
environment -- but first check out her FAQs!
The claims made in this column may not reflect the views of
this magazine. Neither the magazine nor the author
guarantees that any advice contained in this column is wise
or safe. Please use this column at your own risk.
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From the Archives
Trivial Pursuits, by Umbra Fisk. On the perfect eco-day.
The Meal World, by Umbra Fisk. On getting local foods into college cafeterias.
Good Bite, and Good Luck, by Umbra Fisk. On freezing local foods.
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