Just Ask
Submit a QuestionDo you have a question for the Green Guide? Just Ask us anything, really! From plastic recycling to non–toxic mold fighters–we’ll give you the straight story. Note: Given the high volume of questions, we cannot always guarantee a response.
Home & Garden
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Question
How long does it take a cell phone to break down?
Answer
Cell phones are made from several valuable materials, such as gold, silver, and copper, and from several slow-to-decompose and potentially toxic materials, such as plastic and lead, used in the casing. According to Earth911.com, plastic casings can take hundreds, if not 1,000 years, to start breaking down in landfills. Lead, arsenic, zinc, and other compounds inside the phone can leach into and pollute surrounding soil and water.
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Question
Are there any environmental consequences to using either granite or Silestone for new countertops?
Answer
Well, yes, unfortunately. But there are environmental consequences associated with any countertop choice, or any consumer choice for that matter. When you consider materials, think of the lifecycle costs—mining damage, energy use, transportation costs, toxic elements, durability, recycling potential, and more—then chose the best option for your location and needs. In many cases, stone countertops may make the most eco-sense.
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Question
How Does Rainwater Harvesting Work?
Answer
Harvesting rainwater simply means finding a way to capture rainfall and runoff so that it can be recycled and used for landscaping, and in some cases water for toilets, depending on water quality regulations..
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Question
Can green roofs help?
Answer
Yes—especially in cities. By lowering air-conditioning demand, green roofs can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming.
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Question
Can you recommend a space heater?
Answer
Electric heaters are the safest kind, according to the Department of Energy, so you've made a good choice, especially since children are involved.
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Question
How green are bamboo clothes?
Answer
Bamboo has long been regarded as an eco-friendly material because of its amazing green attributes: It can grow with few pesticides and little water.
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Question
Have you done any research on insect-repellent fabric treatment? I'm curious about what's involved in production and whether it does indeed work.
Answer
The active ingredient in this clothing won't protect exposed skin from insects, although you'll likely sustain fewer bites through your clothing. And while it may prevent ticks from crawling on your clothes and then on to you, the clothes won't keep ticks from jumping onto exposed heads, necks, arms or feet.
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Question
How can I safely dispose of household toxins?
Answer
Your local sanitation department can tell you how to safely dispose of pesticides and other chemical waste in your area.
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Question
Does turning off appliances that use "phantom energy" do them any harm?
Answer
"Phantom energy," used to power digital clocks and easy-on remote-control features, can account for 8 percent of a household's annual electricity use and cost you $80 per year.
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Question
I'm in the market for a low-VOC carpet, but I'm having problems finding one in mid-price range.
Answer
Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are often found in mothproofing, water-stain protectors, synthetic backings and underlays and adhesives.
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Question
Is there an easy way to get rid of mold without having to revert to chlorine-based cleaners?
Answer
First, determine the point of origin. Mold won't grow without moisture, so fix things like leaky pipes, dripping faucets and cracks in the foundation into which water might seep.
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Question
How wholesome are Mrs. Meyer's cleaners?
Answer
As an industry standard, many manufacturers of household cleaning products refrain from releasing exhaustive ingredient lists to preserve industry secrets, and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products happen to fall into that category.
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Question
Is natural cleaning is as effective as mainstream cleaning when it comes to food-borne illnesses like E. coli?
Answer
Natural cleaners can be highly effective in the kitchen, even when it comes to nasty food-borne illnesses like E. coli.
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Question
Is there any reliable information on the safety of visco-elastic memory foam?
Answer
If you believe the glowing testimonials, visco-elastic memory foam is a NASA-engineered gift to sleepers everywhere, a sophisticated foam that conforms to the body and lets those with back, nerve and joint problems get a good night's rest.
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Question
What is the best way to dispose of bacon grease?
Answer
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Question
Have you ever heard of Organica?
Answer
Organica's full name is Organica Biotech Inc.; as its name suggests, it is a biotechnology company dedicated to environmentally sound, technologically sophisticated approaches to a range of agricultural, waste, and household problems.
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Question
Products such as OxiClean and Oxy-Boost are touted as being safe products, and I was wondering, are they?
Answer
Found in OxiClean, Oxyboost, and other cleaners and detergents, sodium percarbonate is a powder that combines soda ash (sodium carbonate) with hydrogen peroxide.
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Question
How hazardous is particleboard?
Answer
Pressed woods—particleboard, medium-density fiberboard and some plywood—contain, and release, vapors of formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen.
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Question
How can I get the PBDEs out of my sofa?
Answer
Your concerns about polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are well taken and, happily, alternatives such as organic wool batting and a PBDE-free foam are available.
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Question
Which is better in blankets: polyester or acrylic?
Answer
The greenest blankets are made from organically grown, renewable fibers, like organic cotton, organic wool. But when it comes to synthetics, polyester is, as you put it, the "lesser of two evils."
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Question
Should I choose a reverse osmosis system?
Answer
Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective, but they can waste more water than they filter.
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Question
Are there organic or natural methods to clean slow drains?
Answer
Try a manual method—a plunger or a plumber's snake—before you start pouring things down your slow drain.
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Question
Can you recharge a laptop in a more environmentally friendly way, e.g. using solar energy instead of electricity?
Answer
Absolutely, and the most compact solar chargers we found can accommodate as much as 26 watts, enough to charge non-Energy Star–rated Macintosh and PC portables.
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Question
Is my china toxic? Do imported dishes have to meet the same safety requirements as those made in USA?
Answer
Most tableware doesn't pose a serious health risk. However, lead and cadmium are still used in some ceramic dishes.
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Question
Is it better to unplug or reboot?
Answer
Letting a computer completely cool down by spending some time unplugged may actually be beneficial for the device.
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Question
I am looking for a de-icer that is both pet-friendly and easy on the environment.
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