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Ask Eartha: Let’s talk about producer responsibility

Dear Eartha, I have recently heard of extended producer responsibility in the world of recycling. What exactly does this mean? For the state of Colorado, extended producer responsibility is happening thanks to HB22-1355, a bill that requires companies selling packaging and printed paper into the state to fund and manage a coordinated statewide recycling system […]

Ask Eartha: How to repair instead of replace

Dear Eartha, Now that I understand the limited options for recycling clothing and gear, I’ve been wondering – are there any good repair options in Summit County? I love the way you think! First, let’s reflect on why it is important to prolong the life of our items instead of opting to trash them and […]

Ask Eartha: A Guide to Boiler Replacement

Dear Eartha, My boiler is old and I’ve been told it might not last much longer. Do I get a higher efficiency boiler or are there other heating options to consider? I don’t know where to start! The decision to replace an old natural gas boiler is a significant crossroads in a homeowner’s journey. It’s […]

Ask Eartha: What should I do with my bountiful garden?

Dear Eartha, Every summer I start my vegetable garden with the best intentions for healthy eating. And despite finding a ton of new ways to enjoy kale, here I am again, with more greens than one person can possibly handle. Any suggestions for planning my garden differently next summer? At our altitude, vegetable gardening is […]

Ask Eartha: A summer of climate change

Dear Eartha, Is it hotter than usual, or is it just me? It’s hot. As my colleagues and I sweated in a steamy office this week, I began to wonder if local temperatures were breaking any records. Then the Summit Daily News confirmed my suspicions — with highs pushing the mid-80s last week, we were darn close. […]

Ask Eartha: Need new lawn gear? Here are some tips.

Dear Eartha, Now that the snow’s melting, my yard is coming back to life! My old lawnmower is due to be replaced soon. Before I pick up another gas-powered mower, are there other options I should check out? These days, you can electrify your car, your home heating system, your water heater, your cooktop — […]

Ask Eartha: Should I make the switch from a gas stovetop to an induction range in my kitchen?

Dear Eartha, I’ve heard a lot about induction cooking, but can anything really be better than gas? What’s better than cooking with gas? How about breathing clean air? Americans, on average, spend 90% of their lives indoors. That may come as a surprise since so many Summit County folks don’t skew “average American” when it comes […]

Ask Eartha: ‘I keep seeing solar panels pop up on all my neighbors’ roofs. How do I figure out if solar is a good option for my home?’

Dear Eartha, I keep seeing solar panels pop up on all my neighbors’ roofs. How do I figure out if solar is a good option for my home? Seems like you got some smart neighbors! Solar panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into clean, green electricity. This is a benefit to the planet […]

Ask Eartha: ‘Aren’t we all just doomed anyway?’ No, but it’s easy to fall for doomscrolling.

Dear Eartha, headlines about the declining Colorado River, and extreme weather being a ‘new normal’ makes me wonder what difference it actually makes to change our lifestyles. Aren’t we all just doomed anyway? Believe me, it’s easy to feel helpless and unmoored when contemplating a future with less water and a growing number of billion-dollar weather […]