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 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, 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, 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...

Dear Dot, I’m looking for bed sheets that are both happy to sleep on, and aren’t bad news for our environment. What should I look for? —Dawn My dear Dawn, Are you the same Dawn who wanted to deter...

Dear Dot, I’m moving and downsizing. It seems I can’t even give away my family’s 1880s square piano. No one I’ve contacted even wants it to repurpose the exquisite wood. I contacted Big Reuse and they...

Dear Dot, I have been thinking about going solar. Apart from technical and expense questions, I was reading that most solar panels are produced in Xinjiang province, China, often with forced labor. Can I even find...

Dear Dot, How green is my electricity and is that why it's so expensive?  –Roberto, San Diego Dear Roberto, The forces that keep our lights on can often seem shrouded in mystery. But it’s actually not mysterious at all....

Dear Dot, Pigeons are ruining my ability to enjoy my balcony. They perch on a ledge above, so poop is everywhere. I don’t like the idea of using those pointy sharp metal things to discourage them;...