Questions, Answers and Interesting Facts

Hi! Today I'm including some suggestions that have been sent to me, and answered subscriber questions. Many of your suggestions and emails are fantastic, so please keep them coming!

Let's get to it.

Q&A
Question: “Is it better to use a gas or a charcoal grill?” -- Michelle, New York

Answer: Go with the gas. Natural gas is a much cleaner fuel than charcoal. While it is true that natural gas is a non-renewable resource and charcoal is made from trees and thus has a renewable base, natural gas is really the lesser of two evils. Research suggests that even charcoal from sustainable sources contributes more to global warming than does natural gas. (keep reading)

Charcoal production is harmful to the environment in several ways: it leads to deforestation, the creation of carbon dioxide gases, and increased air pollution. To manufacture charcoal, trees are cut down and then burned slowly in a kiln. During this process, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Also, burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide and several other pollutants. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels if used in areas that are not well-ventilated.

Even cooler (and a great way to make your friends turn your heads)! Get a solar oven!

These amazing little machines use the power of the sun to cook your meal. This amazing Global Sun Oven reaches 350-400 degrees. Folds easily for transportation--it's great for camping or use on the patio. No fumes, no hoses-- just delicious hot food cooked by the sun.

Question: “I've heard that compact fluorescent lights are dangerous because they contain mercury. Is that true? And how do I dispose of them properly?” -- David, California

Answer: Yes, CFLs do contain tiny amounts of mercury—an average of 5 milligrams, which is about the amount that would cover the tip of a pen. High quality CFL brands cut this amount by 50%. (Older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams, for comparison.) No mercury is released directly during the use of the bulbs, so you and your family should consider them very safe to use. Currently, there is a wide selection of CF lighting, including dimmable and reflector bulbs for recessed lighting.

However, you do need to take care when disposing of the bulbs. (Since CFLs last up to 10 times longer than normal bulbs, though, you won't be disposing of them often!) The EPA recommends taking advantage of local recycling centers. To find instructions for disposal and the location of your local recycling center, please visit Earth911.org.

SUGGESTIONS
Suggestion: “You should tell people that since summer is coming up they should get and use clothes lines to dry their clothes outdoors.” -- Barbara, Texas

You are so right! Drying clothes in a traditional dryer uses a great deal of energy and is really unnecessary when the weather is good. Use a clothes line and you'll cut your energy use and your contribution to global warming. And your clothes will last longer from not getting beaten up in the dryer! You can get a great backyard drying stand like this one at right or you can opt for a smaller indoor-outdoor model like this.

Environmental News Updates
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Releases Third Report: Mitigation of Climate Change
The growth in greenhouse gas emissions can be curbed at reasonable cost, experts at a major UN climate change conference in Bangkok have agreed. Learn more about the report here.

Bottled Water Has High Environmental Costs
Bottled water, the world's fastest growing beverage, carries a heavy environmental cost, adding plastic to landfills and putting pressure on natural springs. To learn more, read here. And be sure to reuse the bottles you do own/buy. Read more here.

US Air Pollution: Our Air Has Less Smog Overall, but More Soot in East
In its annual State of the Air report, the American Lung Association applauded reductions in smog since its peak in 2002, and blamed the rise in soot -- also called particle pollution -- on coal-fired power plants in the East. Read about smog and soot here. Remember, that the best way to cut this smog and soot is to use less electricity. Find tips for cutting your electricity usage here.

Thanks, and I'll be back next week!

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Jessica Jensen is the Co-Founder of Low Impact Living