Just the FAQs
On repetitive quest syndrome
26 Oct 2005
Dearest, dearest readers,
The environmental movement is made possible by common concerns between all people. Even you unique, special individuals (my dearest readers) share similar concerns about your impact on the natural environment. And I am here to address these concerns. I am here for you. However. As a group, you unique persons sometimes send me some pretty darn repetitive questions, and I can't keep answering them -- my editor won't accept it, and the state of shopping-bag science is not rapidly shifting.
So with great joy and anticipation that we can soothe your minds -- and also have a tremendous impact on environmental progress -- we present "Just the Favorite Ask-Umbra Queries." Below, you will find the questions I see most often, presented in an easy-to-find format using only the latest internet hotlink technology. Not only is this FAQ page handy, I also hope it will push you, my dearest readers, to New Inquisitorial Heights. If I have already answered your query (and don't forget to search the archives), it is your duty to develop a new one, which will push us all to deeply examine our lives, our choices, our daily grind.
Then again, if you make it too hard, I won't be able to find an answer. Bit of a bind there. But I'm willing to take the risk.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Bravely,
Umbra
Should I use paper or plastic bags at the grocery store?
Should I dry my hands with paper towels or the electric blow dryer?
Should I wash my dishes by hand or use the dishwasher?
Is it better to leave (lights, cars, computers) on when I'm not using them, or turn them off and restart them?
Restart! Whether you're driving, defeating darkness, or doing work, it takes more energy to keep your power-suckers running than it does to turn them off and on.
My old (car, refrigerator, washing machine) isn't energy efficient. Is it worse to keep using it, or to toss it and buy a new one?
In general, it's better to upgrade (whether washing machine, fridge, dishwasher, or car) -- but make sure your old machine is reused or recycled if possible.
Should I use cotton or disposable diapers?
Is it better to buy organic food from far away, or non-organic food grown locally?
Ideally, buy food that is both organic and local -- but if you have to choose, local is the way to go.
I want to follow your recommendation and buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs, but I've discovered they contain mercury. What should I do?
Buy them anyway -- the small amount of mercury (less than in a watch battery) can be handled by a hazardous-waste facility.
Which plastics are OK?
Which is better: Diesel? Biodiesel? Straight vegetable oil? Hybrid?
They're all bad. Stop driving!
Can I put my (milk carton, stapled paper, nose wipe tissues, number 17 bottle) in the recycling?
I don't know. The only people who know are those running your recycling program -- usually your municipality. Those same people should be able to answer questions about why certain objects are accepted and others are not.
What's the one thing I can do to help the environment?
Watch out, helping the environment becomes addictive. There's no one answer, but try to limit your consumption and keep the big picture in mind.
The environmental movement is made possible by common concerns between all people. Even you unique, special individuals (my dearest readers) share similar concerns about your impact on the natural environment. And I am here to address these concerns. I am here for you. However. As a group, you unique persons sometimes send me some pretty darn repetitive questions, and I can't keep answering them -- my editor won't accept it, and the state of shopping-bag science is not rapidly shifting.
So with great joy and anticipation that we can soothe your minds -- and also have a tremendous impact on environmental progress -- we present "Just the Favorite Ask-Umbra Queries." Below, you will find the questions I see most often, presented in an easy-to-find format using only the latest internet hotlink technology. Not only is this FAQ page handy, I also hope it will push you, my dearest readers, to New Inquisitorial Heights. If I have already answered your query (and don't forget to search the archives), it is your duty to develop a new one, which will push us all to deeply examine our lives, our choices, our daily grind.
Then again, if you make it too hard, I won't be able to find an answer. Bit of a bind there. But I'm willing to take the risk.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Bravely,
Umbra
Should I use paper or plastic bags at the grocery store?
Should I dry my hands with paper towels or the electric blow dryer?
Should I wash my dishes by hand or use the dishwasher?
Is it better to leave (lights, cars, computers) on when I'm not using them, or turn them off and restart them?
Restart! Whether you're driving, defeating darkness, or doing work, it takes more energy to keep your power-suckers running than it does to turn them off and on.
My old (car, refrigerator, washing machine) isn't energy efficient. Is it worse to keep using it, or to toss it and buy a new one?
In general, it's better to upgrade (whether washing machine, fridge, dishwasher, or car) -- but make sure your old machine is reused or recycled if possible.
Should I use cotton or disposable diapers?
Is it better to buy organic food from far away, or non-organic food grown locally?
Ideally, buy food that is both organic and local -- but if you have to choose, local is the way to go.
I want to follow your recommendation and buy compact fluorescent lightbulbs, but I've discovered they contain mercury. What should I do?
Buy them anyway -- the small amount of mercury (less than in a watch battery) can be handled by a hazardous-waste facility.
Which plastics are OK?
Which is better: Diesel? Biodiesel? Straight vegetable oil? Hybrid?
They're all bad. Stop driving!But while you work toward that goal, here are thoughts on some of your quandaries: diesel vs. regular gasoline; converting to biodiesel; converting to veggie oil; biodiesel vs. veggie oil; and hybrids vs. veggie oil.
Can I put my (milk carton, stapled paper, nose wipe tissues, number 17 bottle) in the recycling?
I don't know. The only people who know are those running your recycling program -- usually your municipality. Those same people should be able to answer questions about why certain objects are accepted and others are not.
What's the one thing I can do to help the environment?
Watch out, helping the environment becomes addictive. There's no one answer, but try to limit your consumption and keep the big picture in mind.
Yours is to wonder why, hers is to answer (or try). Please
send Umbra any nagging question pertaining to the
environment -- but first check out her FAQs!
The claims made in this column may not reflect the views of
this magazine. Neither the magazine nor the author
guarantees that any advice contained in this column is wise
or safe. Please use this column at your own risk.
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From the Archives
Trivial Pursuits, by Umbra Fisk. On the perfect eco-day.
The Meal World, by Umbra Fisk. On getting local foods into college cafeterias.
Good Bite, and Good Luck, by Umbra Fisk. On freezing local foods.
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