Articles by Tag Feed

Does it Matter if I Compost?

Michael Graham Richard — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Why should I compost if food is going to biodegrade at the landfill anyway? That's a question often asked, but not often answered. Today we answer it.

Does Recycling Really Make a Difference?

Collin Dunn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:31:00 GMT

Dear Planet Green, I know we're all supposed to recycle, but does it really make a difference? Good question! As with many things in this world, it just takes more -- more resources, more energy -- to make new things than to recycle old things. Here's how it breaks down.

Why Do Some States Have Significantly Lower Carbon Emissions Than Others?

Matt McDermott — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT

I'm sure you've heard someone say that the US uses x amount of coal, or natural gas, or wind power. Or that the average us electrical usage per month is, say, 1000 kWh. Or perhaps that the average per capita carbon emissions in the US are about 20 tonnes per year. Which is all fine and good, but that really over-simplifies the situation.

What's the Big Deal with Forgetting Your Reusable Bags?

Sara Novak — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Planet Green answers a common question: Does it really matter if you use reusable shopping bags?

Mercury... In Your Mascara?

Sara Novak — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Mercury is used as a germ killer and preservative in mascara. It makes the product last longer than it normally would and it's used to prevent bacteria. Federal law currently allows cosmetic eye products to contain up to 65 parts per million of mercury. It has however been removed from a good majority of mascara products because of the toxicity that mercury can cause when it builds up in the body but the Environmental Working Group found mercury in Paula Dorf mascara, listed as the mercury preservative thimerosal.

Is Silk Eco-Friendly?

Blythe Copeland — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

I love the look and feel of silk, and I try to buy as many pieces made from it as I can—but then I realized I've never thought about the eco-impact of it. Silk's a natural fabric, so that makes it green, right?

Does it Really Matter What Kind of Beer I Buy?

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Although I know it's greener to not drink at all (or at least limit my drinking), if I'm going to have a drink—does it really matter what kind of beer I buy? Find out in this weeks "Ask Planet Green."

What is a Flexitarian?

Kelly Rossiter — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Ask Planet Green: I'm trying to eat in a healthier way and I'm also thinking about the environmental impact of eating meat. I'm considering becoming vegetarian, but my husband is dead set against it. What should I do?

Help Me Sort My Laundry Habits the Eco-Friendly Way

Blythe Copeland — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 GMT

With clothes, sheets, towels, placemats, tablecloths, and cleaning rags for a family of five going in the laundry each week, I'm starting to get overwhelmed by how much time, water, energy, and money we're spending keeping our duds clean. Have a green dilemma or question for Planet Green? Please send questions to askplanetgreen@gmail.com.

Can I Use Teak for My Hardwood Floors?

Collin Dunn — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:46:00 GMT

Looking for green flooring options can be tricky, with claims of "green-this" and "sustainable-that" becoming increasingly popular in the marketplace. Here's how to find truly green flooring options.