Tom Watson's EcoConsumer Columns –
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.
Please see the archives to view previous EcoConsumer columns.
top of page
|
