Dear Dot, I always see in hotels that they're making a "green" choice by not changing sheets and towels every day unless requested. I know this was not always their policy, so has it actually made...

Dear Dot, The cost of my utilities is steadily going up. What can I do to reduce what it’s costing? –Nina Dear Nina, The Short Answer: Living lighter on the planet shouldn’t be a matter of spending more money...

Dear Dot, Thanks for telling me about what to look for in eco-friendly paint, but how can I responsibly dispose of any leftover paint when I’m done?  —Frances The Short Answer: The best use for leftover paint is...

Dear Dot, How much does being a vegan or vegetarian help the environment?  –Jessica The Short Answer: Put simply, Jessica, veganism and vegetarianism offer a clear environmental advantage over meat consumption.  Dear Jessica,  Dot’s eldest daughter once had a friend...

Dear Dot, While Amazon and other online stores are using more recyclable packaging, they all come covered with packing tape and labels. Can cardboard boxes be recycled when covered with all of that, or does that...

Dear Dot, What’s the deal with compostable and biodegradable plastics? Are they really compostable? Can I toss these plastics in my recycle bin? Or is there another way I should be disposing of them? Also, why...

Dear Dot, I would love to find great, gentle, and good-smelling cleaning and beauty products that are also high-concentration and low-volume, but I’m totally overwhelmed by the vast amount of marketing from many different companies telling...

Dear Dot, What’s the deal with “phantom” power? Does turning off my coffee maker each night really make any difference?  Or should I focus on the big things, like buying an EV? –Leonard Dear Leonard, The Short Answer: Phantom...

Dear Dot, I’ve planted clumping bamboo in my yard. It’s not invasive but is it a problem because it’s not native?  —Dave The Short Answer: Though non-native plants aren’t as harmful to an ecosystem as invasives, they don’t...