Buy-Nothing CommunityWe were part of our neighborhood Buy-Nothing Facebook group when we lived in Altadena, California, and found it a great way to generate...
Climate-Friendly RecreationSome recreational activities, like flying to Europe or off-roading in a gasoline-powered vehicle, are less climate-friendly than others....
Build a GreenhouseIn our climate (zone 4B), a greenhouse really helps to extend the growing season. We decided to add a greenhouse on the south side of an...
Pollution-Free LaundryImage credit: https://cires.colorado.edu/news/fragrant-consumer-products-key-source-ozone-forming-pollution-new-york-city Did you know...
Shopping bags & Leftover containersWe've been in the habit of bringing reusable canvas tote bags to the grocery store for decades. It is just the way shopping for food is...
Herbs(image credit https://organicveganearth.com/lemon-balm-a-lovely-mild-herb-from-mint-family/) Ever since we began gardening as kids, we've...
Food-sharing(photo credit https://www.303beekeeper.com/2009/09/baby-joe.html) We have been the recipients of food largesse from friends, neighbors,...
Zero-packaging food store(photo credit newskudo.com) A very helpful trend for those of us looking to reduce the plastic packaging is the zero-packaging food...
Farmer's MarketBuying food at your local farmer's market is a very pleasant way to obtain the freshest, most delicious produce. I still remember the...
Native TreesWe are fortunate to have become the human tenders of a 5-acre portion of a mixed conifer forest. This particular micro-climate at 9000 ft...
Planting an OrchardOne of the first projects we undertook on our new property was to hire a neighbor with a skid steer to dig swales in the sunny...
Reducing Food Waste by Vermicomposting (Worm Bin)The methane emissions from food waste breaking down in landfills is one of the top priorities for reducing greenhouse gasses, according...
Clothes DryingA clothesline is a classic way to dry clothing. Ours is right by the house, strung between trees, and in our climate clothes hung outside...
A Climate-Friendly CareerWhen we moved to Colorado, I took a teaching job. Then my employer decided to start the school year in person during the pandemic, and...
Indoor Air QualityWith a super-airtight house, indoor air quality is a big concern. When the windows and vents are all closed, we get headaches, even...
Cat and OtaA bit about us: Cat (left) is a PhD Electrical Engineer and Solar Photovoltaic System Designer, and Ota (right) is a PhD Environmental...
Off-Grid SolarWhen we bought our 1200 square foot off-grid house in 2020, it had a small photovoltaic system. The system was designed for a single...
Warm, natural flooringNatural clay tile and fast-growing native hardwood installed over the radiant heat insulate floor from the cool slab and make it even...
LED lightingLED lighting is near and dear to my heart, I'll admit, because I knew graduate students when I was in the PhD program at UC Santa Barbara...
Switch to electric cooking from burning fuelOur house had many propane appliances when we bought it (stove, water heater, and fireplace). Our intention has been to move to...