Archive:
EcoConsumer Columns from the Seattle Times
The following EcoConsumer articles were featured in the Seattle Times between 2005-2010. See the main EcoConsumer Columns page for the most recent articles.
2010 EcoConsumer Columns
Dec. 31, 2010
Eco-tastic ideas for the new year (PDF, 29 K)
In honor of the new year, we highlight 11 great green ideas for 2011.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Dec. 18, 2010
Common sense ways to reduce food waste (PDF, 74 K)
All the unwanted and discarded food from holiday meals, parties and gifts adds up to mountains of food waste, much of it preventable.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Dec. 4, 2010
Green holiday shopping has another name: common sense (PDF, 73 K)
Reducing the environmental impact of our holiday gifts shouldn't be a major effort or expensive proposition.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 20, 2010
Avoiding the hazards of wood burning (PDF, 27 K)
As the hazards of wood-smoke pollution become increasingly evident, anyone who burns wood to get toasty this winter has a responsibility to use the most efficient, cleanest-burning methods available.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 6, 2010
Showing the rain who’s boss (PDF, 26 K)
An occasional wet basement or other water damage in our home is the Seattle homeowner's curse. But "just a little water" can have significant economic and environmental consequences.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 23, 2010
Paper towels in home bathrooms? Hype or necessity? (PDF, 27 K)
Dozens of new products for the home, from bathroom paper towels to "touchless" hand-soap dispensers, help protect us from bacteria and viruses, according to their marketing. But many consumers wonder whether the potential health benefits from these products justify the cost, resource consumption and waste.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 2, 2010
Efficient home heat is hot new budget saver (PDF, 27 K)
Any home can be warm, but what's really hot now is efficient heat. As we hunker down for our interminable months of cool weather in the Northwest, take a few moments to ponder your home heating system.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sept. 25, 2010
Green investing makes people take note (PDF, 28 K)
Even the most eco-minded among us often balk at green investing. But proponents insist green investing does not mean sacrificing financial performance.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sept. 11, 2010
Spiritual community gets environmentally involved (PDF, 29 K)
Through church-sponsored projects and activism, the spiritual community has played a vital role in today’s increased green consciousness.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 28, 2010
Don't let leftover paint leave you blue (PDF, 29 K)
Paint shows its true colors on the wall, but paint that doesn't get used can reveal a darker side, when it becomes a disposal challenge.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 14, 2010
Plastics recycling increasingly sophisticated (PDF, 28 K)
Tossing that plastic juice bottle into your home recycling bin is just the beginning. Beyond the bin, when the collected materials get processed, plastics recycling increasingly resembles rocket science.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 30, 2010
Root out trouble: Noxious weeds grow quickly, choke out native plants (PDF, 29 K)
Some plants in the wrong place cause serious harm. Governments classify these plants as noxious weeds and mount extensive programs to keep them at bay.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 16, 2010
Opt-out services lighten the load in your mailbox (PDF, 29 K)
Although unwanted paper mail has remained a persistent annoyance and waste problem for more than 40 years, now we can finally see some light at the back of the mailbox.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 2, 2010
Shining a light on earth-friendly sunscreen (PDF, 29 K)
Getting sunburned in Seattle sounds like a joke, but many of us have learned from painful experience how easily it happens.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 15, 2010
Good times greening at local farmers markets (PDF, 29 K)
Farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture programs have accomplished what many thought was impossible: They have turned "going green" into a good time.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 27, 2010
Encouraging signs that green future near (PDF, 29 K)
Will green will become the new normal? We're seeing encouraging trends in this direction, such as the growing availability of green services, from car repair to house cleaning.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 22, 2010
No denying that alternative bikes are on a roll (PDF, 29 K)
It must have seemed like a hopeless task to improve on the ingenious, functional efficiency of the bicycle. But by making it easier to store and easier to pedal, that's exactly what folding bikes and electric bikes have done.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 8, 2010
The greenest ways to mow your lush, green lawn (PDF, 29 K)
Eliminating or downsizing your lawn can save you time, money and resources. But many of us still want a lawn, so let's look at the greenest ways to cut that green grass.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 26, 2010
Earth Day reflections: How green is my planet? (PDF, 29 K)
Earth Day 2010, observed this past Thursday and with events throughout April, affords us an opportunity to consider the history and future of the modern environmental movement.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 10, 2010
Legislature tackles new laws to reduce toxic materials (PDF, 29 K)
For the Washington Legislature this session, taking care of business included asking business to take care of the environment.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 26, 2010
Green solutions for batteries vary (PDF, 29 K)
In today's world where so many things are recyclable or "green," household batteries have an identity crisis.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 12, 2010
Use green rebates to save energy and boost economy (PDF, 29 K)
A profusion of new rebates and tax incentives for going green can save you big money on products such as energy-efficient appliances or new home insulation.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 27, 2010
Sewage problems can run deep (PDF, 29 K)
Keeping in mind a few essential things about toilets and sewer pipes can save you a lot of grief later.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 13, 2010
Green jobs don't grow on trees (PDF, 29 K)
But green jobs aren't just a fantasy either.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Jan. 30, 2010
Salvaging building materials preserves past, and wallet (PDF, 29 K)
We'll explore the best ways to turn salvaged building materials into resources for your home projects.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Jan. 16, 2010
Is an electric car in your future? (PDF, 28 K)
If you plan to buy a new car later this year and are willing to pay the higher initial cost, an electric car might be a realistic option.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Jan. 2, 2010
Will 2010 be a greener year? (PDF, 29 K)
Let's look at how green issues might touch us on a personal level in the new year.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
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2009 EcoConsumer Columns
Dec. 19, 2009
Cool ideas for keeping winter warm, safe and green (PDF, 29 K)
Anything looks good in green. Even winter.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Dec. 5, 2009
When is it worthwhile to get things repaired rather than replaced? (PDF, 29 K)
In the throes of another frantic holiday–shopping season, it sure seems like no one fixes anything anymore.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 21, 2009
Some fresh new ideas for greening the holidays (PDF, 29 K)
Many of us yearn for healthier, more meaningful, less expensive and less wasteful holidays. Because meals and parties play such an integral role in the holidays, today we'll focus on green-holiday entertaining.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 7, 2009
Flush with knowledge on water-efficient toilets (PDF, 29 K)
A toilet needs to accomplish its main job. That's certainly the No. 1 (and No. 2) concern.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 31, 2009
Eco-friendly lighting to have bright future in homes (PDF, 30 K)
As we look forward to a bright future for energy-efficient lighting, the standard swirly-shaped CFL has some company.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 10, 2009
Going chemical-free in your clothing is getting easier (PDF, 28 K)
Your clothes may have a chemical-dependency problem.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sept. 26, 2009
Less stress, workout’s great: Walking is green transportation (PDF, 28 K)
The greenest solutions are usually the simplest ones. So what's simpler than a mode of transportation that's part of your body?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sept. 12, 2009
Here's a menu of strategies to avoid wasting good food (PDF, 28 K)
In a land of big appetites, a surprising amount of food gets left on the table.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 29, 2009
Game plans increase recycling at large-event venues (PDF, 28 K)
Event recycling is a whole different ballgame - it's not like recycling at home.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 15, 2009
Cleaner, greener ways to keep bugs at bay (PDF, 29 K)
When ants invade our home or wasps build a nest above the deck, even the greenest of us usually just nuke 'em with chemicals, thinking we have no other choice.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 1, 2009
Manufacturers reduce packaging, but it's not yet a wrap (PDF, 28 K)
Packaging has its place, but it's not the garbage can.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 18, 2009
Be green about water by going slow with the flow (PDF, 28 K)
Dry spells like we've experienced this year remind us that our region's famous abundance of water can evaporate.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 4, 2009
Pacific Northwest an excellent place for green vacations (PDF, 29 K)
Since more of us will take vacations closer to home this summer because of the economy, let's explore the concept of regional green travel.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 20, 2009
Be wary, not alarmist, about chemicals in household products (PDF, 28 K)
Here's what people really want to know: Are chemicals in household products a health risk for me or my kids?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 6, 2009
Flushing out the truth about recycled toilet paper (PDF, 28 K)
Which would you rather flush: a tree or an old office memo?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 23, 2009
Catching up on state's new crop of green legislation (PDF, 57 K)
With all the green products, programs and practices constantly being introduced, consumers have a hard time keeping track.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 9, 2009
Fair-trade commerce: a green, social solution (PDF, 29 K)
The only problem with making the world greener is that so many other problems remain.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 25, 2009
Economy vs. environment? No need to choose (PDF, 28 K)
We look at the complicated relationship between money and the environment, from the global economy to your own household.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 19, 2009
Eating local means figuring out your "food miles" (PDF, 30 K)
This guide will help you sort out the different options and trade-offs as you try to buy food produced closer to home.
Note: This article was published in "Footprint," a quarterly environmental section.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 11, 2009
Green light at the end of the bicycle path (PDF, 28 K)
As the ultimate green and healthy consumer activity, biking is worth fighting for, and it's gaining friends in high places.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 28, 2009
What's the greenest way to pick up after your pets? (PDF, 28 K)
Until genetic engineers develop a dog or cat that doesn't poop, there's no escaping those little piles they leave behind.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Mar. 14, 2009
Seattle will be doing more to waste less (PDF, 63 K)
On March 30, the city of Seattle rolls out a major makeover for recycling. Let's look at the new program and how it fits into the big picture.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 28, 2009
Striking an efficient balance in the wood-burning debate (PDF, 29 K)
From changing regulations to new technology, let's burn through some common consumer questions about heating with wood.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 14, 2009
Product stewardship leads companies to provide free e-waste recycling (PDF, 29 K)
Under Washington state's innovative new law regulating electronic waste, or "e-waste," manufacturers now pay for recycling of TVs and computers.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Jan. 31, 2009
Ready for clean break with single-use bags? (PDF, 32 K)
Let's get to the bottom of the plastic bag battle as we answer common consumer questions.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
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2008 EcoConsumer Columns
Nov. 29, 2008
Easy ways to make the holidays green and jolly (PDF, 92 K)
Whether your holiday decorating style leans toward the traditional, the contemporary or the downright quirky, follow these tips for low-cost, eco-friendly decorating.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 15, 2008
Protecting yourself from plastic hazards (PDF, 30 K)
"Better living through chemistry!" That chemical–company slogan from 50 years ago has largely come true. But "better living" can have hidden costs.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 8, 2008
It's getting easier to feel good about your furniture (PDF, 38 K)
Just like every picture tells a story, so does every piece of furniture.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 18, 2008
A green Halloween is very eek-o chic (PDF, 29 K)
How do you turn a black-and-orange holiday into a green one?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 4, 2008
Despite new lead laws, consumers still need to be vigilant (PDF, 63 K)
After using lead for more than 6,000 years, humans are finally learning how to prevent it from poisoning us.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sep. 20, 2008
Winterizing your home brings warm rewards (PDF, 94 K)
Winterizing our homes can seem like such thankless drudgery that most of us either do the bare minimum or neglect it completely.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sep. 6, 2008
Dry cleaning is getting greener, but some efforts are spotty (PDF, 62 K)
Though still largely dependent on a hazardous chemical, the dry-cleaning industry has worked hard to clean up its act.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 23, 2008
Going back-to-school shopping? Be kind to your wallet and the planet (PDF, 67 K)
The never-ending parental juggling act gets even trickier at back-to-school time, especially if you want to go green and spend lean.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Aug. 16, 2008
Saying "I do" to a green wedding (PDF, 142 K)
For a sterling example of the contradictions of modern environmentalism, look no further than the green-wedding movement.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 19, 2008
It takes a less-is-more attitude to embrace smaller houses (PDF, 66 K)
In these troubled economic times, the savings from buying and living in a smaller home loom large.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 12, 2008
Waging the water-bottle battle (PDF, 112 K)
When we drink water, what's the real message in the bottle?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 29, 2008
Cloth vs. paper vs. dryers: How to be clean and green when you wipe your hands (PDF, 79 K)
Sometimes the most mundane environmental choices are the most perplexing.
Note: This article was published in "Footprint," a quarterly environmental section.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 28, 2008
Cleaning the basement or garage can make a big green difference (PDF, 89 K)
Few household chores provide the visceral satisfaction of cleaning and organizing the basement or garage.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 7, 2008
Harnessing the green power of windows (PDF, 94 K)
Follow these tips to take full advantage of the green potential in your windows.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 17, 2008
Living green in the living room (PDF, 76 K)
The road to green living runs directly through your living room.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 3, 2008
Make a green statement with your next bouquet (PDF, 47 K)
Whether you're sending a Mother's Day bouquet across the country, or just adding some color and fragrance to your home, follow this guide to make your cut flowers as green as nature intended.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 20, 2008
Good mileage, safety often don't ride together (PDF, 96 K)
When your green tendencies collide with reality, you've got an eco-dilemma on your hands.
Note: This article was published in "Footprint," a quarterly environmental section.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 12, 2008
Questions to ask before buying a supposedly “green” product (PDF, 225 K)
How many "green" products will it take to stop global warming? If you answered, “as few as possible,” you‘re on the right track.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 5, 2008
Sweet dreams: a green makeover for the bedroom (PDF, 59 K)
With these tips, you can do a quick bedroom eco-makeover without spending a pillowcase full of cash.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 15, 2008
Wake up to coffee’s impact (PDF, 64 K)
Every sip you take of coffee or tea has global consequences.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 8, 2008
Don’t overlook the bathroom as you turn the home green (PDF, 57 K)
It may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but the bathroom offers myriad ways to reduce your environmental impact.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 23, 2008
How to find the best carbon offsets (PDF, 85 K)
Once considered a gimmick, carbon offsets have moved to the front lines in the fight against global warming.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 2, 2008
Easy steps toward a greener kitchen (PDF, 67 K)
You can make your kitchen significantly greener and more healthful just by taking simple steps over a weekend at a total cost of under $100.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
January 19, 2008
Tame your paper monster (PDF, 32 K)
Paper spreads in our homes like a plague, taking over desktops, tables and drawers.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
January 5, 2008
See Spot go green (PDF, 58 K)
You don’t have to walk on two legs to go green.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
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2007 EcoConsumer Columns
December 22, 2007
Recycling the holiday flotsam and jetsam. (PDF, 67 K)
Recycling has become a fixture of the Seattle holiday season, like the Christmas ships, the “Nutcracker” and the rain.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
December 8, 2007
Ways to cut back on holiday excess. (PDF, 47 K)
At least once during the holiday season most of us think, “You know, the Grinch had a point.”
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
November 24, 2007
Buy local, and community may reap benefits. (PDF, 51 K)
As organic products increasingly travel thousands of miles to our tables, the “buy local” movement has picked up steam.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
November 3, 2007
Getting the lead out of toys. (PDF, 110 K)
This year’s unprecedented toy recalls give new meaning to the term “educational toys”.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
October 27, 2007
Area businesses showing green leadership. (PDF, 35 K)
No matter how much we do individually to go green, we can always use a little help.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
October 13, 2007
Avalanche of calls sends a mattress message. (PDF, 30 K)
EcoConsumer responds to a few readers’ questions and comments.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
September 29, 2007
Opinions on tankless water heaters run hot and cold. (PDF, 53 K)
Compared with other “green” purchases, the stakes get a little higher when you buy a tankless water heater.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
September 15, 2007
We‘re going great guns for green homes. (PDF, 32 K)
Built Green homes now make up more than 20 percent of new residential construction in King County.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
September 8, 2007
Thinking of sending a mattress to a landfill? Sleep on it. (PDF, 41 K)
In just one day at a local landfill, more than 300 old mattresses and box springs arrive for burial.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
August 25, 2007
Bringing a little green to your deck. (PDF, 55 K)
Since a deck serves as a bridge to the great outdoors, why not make it eco-friendly?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
August 22, 2007
Green but stylish choices for back–to–school shopping. (PDF, 127 K)
Many of us remember when preparing for the school year simply meant picking up a few new pencils and folders at the drugstore.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
August 11, 2007
Coated pots and pans can present health hazards. (PDF, 35 K)
The good news is that most cookware will not put you at risk during normal use.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 28, 2007
How to stay cool and comfy when Seattle heats up. (PDF, 43 K)
Here are my top 10 EcoConsumer tips for keeping your home cool while conserving energy and saving money.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 14, 2007
Is food waste next on our recycle chain? (PDF, 39 K)
Food scraps and food-soiled paper make up more than 30 percent of residential solid waste in King County.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 14, 2007
Willises "green up" best, by putting basics to work (PDF, 42 K)
The hard part about being the judge for the "Green Me Up" reality TV show was that I had to pick a winner.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 7, 2007
Seattle families "green up" for a national TV audience (PDF, 205 K)
Where else but Seattle would "going green" make you a celebrity?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 7, 2007
And the winner is…all of us, and our planet (PDF, 70 K)
When I was asked to be the judge for "Green Me Up," my first question was whether this was one of those mean and nasty reality TV shows.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 1, 2007
Does your makeup need a nontoxic makeover? (PDF, 39 K)
When your personal-care products could cause cancer, that‘s a little too personal.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 30, 2007
Eco–friendly answers to your consumer questions (PDF, 61 K)
Tom Watson answers a few readers‘ questions regarding earlier columns.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 16, 2007
The big picture (PDF, 50 K)
How those fancy new TV sets affect the environment.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
June 2, 2007
Where can we put all those plastics? (PDF, 47 K)
Plastics and recycling have a complicated relationship.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 19, 2007
The hazards in our plastic. (PDF, 47 K)
You don't have to be a card-carrying environmentalist to wonder about all the chemicals we're exposed to every day.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 5, 2007
The environmental side effects of old medicine. (PDF, 58 K)
How many bottles or vials of medication do you have in your home?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Arpil 21, 2007
Green resources you (and the Earth) can really use (PDF, 38 K)
If information alone could save the planet, we'd be sitting pretty right now.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Arpil 7, 2007
Recharge, recycle, resolve to reduce battery discards (PDF, 105 K)
In a perfect "green" world, all batteries would be rechargeable.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 3, 2007
Now you're out of excuses - time to switch to CFL bulbs (PDF, 38 K)
Let's look at three major reasons people have not yet chosen to light up their lives with compact fluorescents.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
February 3, 2007
I vant to suck your energy (PDF, 41 K)
Slay perpetually plugged-in "power vampires" with one simple yank of the cord.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
January 6, 2007
It's a good year for eco-resolutions (PDF, 24 K)
With these green New Year's resolutions, you can make a statement as an EcoConsumer with your wallet and by making your voice heard.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
2006 EcoConsumer Columns
December 9, 2006
How to reduce food waste during this season of indulgence (PDF, 38 K)
During the holidays alone, the average household of four could save $100 to $150 by reducing food waste.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
November 4, 2006
Disposables or cloth? Environment weighs heavily on diaper decisions (PDF, 63 K)
The environmental movement has finally begun to have an impact on a very different kind of movement.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
October 7, 2006
There's something fishy about some air fresheners (PDF, 48 K)
If you define fresh air as unpolluted outdoor air, the ideal indoor "air freshener" is an open window
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
September 20, 2006
Autumn leaves are a windfall for your garden (PDF, 54 K)
You need to get those leaves off the lawn, so why not save money in the process?
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
September 2, 2006
The benefits of green carpeting, in any color (PDF, 57 K)
Here are a few things to know when considering "green" carpeting.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
August 12, 2006
Old bricks add a new layer of interest to your landscape (PDF, 42 K)
Make a creative environmental statement this summer – one brick at a time.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 8, 2006
Throw a green party, and throw less away (PDF, 55 K)
It used to be that the only time anyone would throw a green party was on St. Patrick's Day.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 5, 2006
Compost that your plants and the planet will love (PDF, 55 K)
Tips for buying compost and other products to give your garden soil a boost.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
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May 28, 2006
A call for recycling (PDF, 33 K)
Reduce the environmental impacts of your cell phone.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 14, 2006
Fair and square (PDF, 33 K)
How to know if a product meets fair trade guidelines.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 23, 2006
Get green, save green (PDF, 33 K)
Our planet, your wallet win with 5 easy ways to save.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 22, 2006
A "go-green" painting primer (PDF, 33 K)
Paint is the most visible thing in your home. But you should also think about what you don't see.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 2, 2006
Refill, don't replace (PDF, 39 K)
You can save up to 50 percent – and help reduce waste and conserve resources – by purchasing refilled or remanufactured printer cartridges.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
March 5, 2006
Even with our clouds, solar water heaters are a viable option (PDF, 42 K)
Think of it as your revenge on those endless gloomy Northwest winter days.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Feb. 12, 2006
Clean with conscience (PDF, 35 K)
Becoming more eco-friendly with your household cleaning is one of the easiest ways to reduce toxics in your home.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Jan. 8, 2006
If you're going to burn wood, burn it cleanly (PDF, 38 K)
When it comes to the environment, firewood has a split personality.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
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2005 EcoConsumer Columns
Dec. 11, 2005
Trim your waste (PDF, 32 K)
You'd think the holidays would be the worst time to be an EcoConsumer... But it's actually the best time.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Nov. 13, 2005
Be fix-it friendly (PDF, 27 K)
Getting things fixed was once a way of life in America. In today's fast-paced, shopping-obsessed society, that's a distant memory.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Oct. 9, 2005
Save energy (and money) around the house (PDF, 35 K)
Let's take a closer look at the costs and potential pitfalls of four common strategies to save energy.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
Sept. 4, 2005
Eco-clothes help you make a statement (PDF, 25 K)
As you ponder your fall and winter clothing choices, remember this: Leaves will soon turn brown, but clothing is turning green.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 31, 2005
Commercial car washes use less water than home (PDF, 32 K)
Home and charity car-washers need to keep soapy water out of storm drains.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
July 10, 2005
When gadgets go to the graveyard (PDF, 34 K)
It's a problem as close as your computer, your cellphone, your TV or the iPod hanging out of your teenager's ears.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
May 29, 2005
Don't be a drip (PDF, 24 K)
Rain barrels and front-loading washing machines make a splash.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
April 17, 2005
Essential/excess? (PDF, 20 K)
Transport packaging makes up bulk of waste.
Reprinted with permission from The Seattle Times.
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