Surely when people try to be more "green", some efforts are significant and some are mere rounding error. What are some examples I could use, with an emphasis on the quantifiable and counterintuitive?
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posted by quarantine
on Apr 30, 2013 -
26 answers
I think the EnergyStar program could do more good, and may actually be doing harm in its current form. In what ways could I try to impact it?
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posted by spbmp
on Apr 3, 2013 -
9 answers
What does it mean for palm oil and soya to be 'organically farmed'? Is it ethical to buy products with organic palm oil in? (I know that in general palm oil is
bad news and I try to avoid it.)
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posted by daisyk
on Jan 18, 2013 -
8 answers
Canadian politics question. Screwing the environment and shutting down science - what's in it for Harper?
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posted by Meatbomb
on Dec 25, 2012 -
10 answers
Any National Park Service or other closely affiliated agency (BLM, Army Corps of Engineers, etc) able to speak about their experience with said agency?
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posted by melizabeth
on Dec 13, 2012 -
5 answers
So, what is the most oil-dependent thing that most people do / western lifestyle choice?
How do we discourage that thing / encourage an alternative? [more inside]
posted by wormwood23
on Nov 12, 2012 -
25 answers
Some friends of mine live in a brilliant location in downtown DC, and one of them is leaving, giving me an opening to move in. This is far and away the best apartment I've ever had a shot at. Just one possible catch: the building's ground floor is a dry-cleaning business, so I'm concerned about exposure to
PERC. Should I be?
Does DC have any more stringent regulations than those enforced by the EPA? Can I request a test of air quality in the building before I move in (as appears to be available in
NYC)?
posted by phrontist
on Nov 6, 2012 -
8 answers
I'm looking for stories about hydrofracking. Specifically, for stories about how a drilling company obtains leases and commences operation, and how it manages its relationships with the locals. Ideally I'd like stories from the perspective of neighbors and people in the local community where they have operated, but stories from the drilling company side would be interesting, too.
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posted by gauche
on Sep 13, 2012 -
12 answers
I have an ongoing (friendly) disagreement with a guy I know. He drives a Toyota Prius because it's "better for the environment" than buying, say, a new Subaru Outback. Fine. I get that. But my argument is that it would be even
better for the environment if he were to buy a
used Subaru Outbook. I've never run the numbers, but it seems to me that if you were to buy the most gas-guzzling of used cars, the fact that you're not causing a new vehicle to be produced would make up for the lack of fuel efficiency. Can you help support my position? Or, alternatively, give me solid numbers as to why I'm wrong? Are there websites that have run analyses on this sort of thing already?
posted by jdroth
on Aug 10, 2012 -
24 answers
Should I take the flyer/free newspaper offered to me in the street? I am torn between helping the guy get home sooner, and not supporting an environmentally harmful practice.
posted by Dragonness
on Aug 8, 2012 -
15 answers
In 2009,
91.2% of Seattle's electricity was from hydroelectric sources, and in 2010,
87.9% was hydro. Is the hydro capacity maxed out, or will it scale up to meet additional demand and maintain that ratio? Here's what I'm getting at: If I were to use more electricity than now, will that incremental power effectively come from non-renewable sources rather than ~90% hydro?
posted by hodgebodge
on Jun 6, 2012 -
14 answers
At present, what is the most environmentally friendly way to deal with a human body after they die?
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posted by raztaj
on May 31, 2012 -
30 answers
What are some examples in fantastic and speculative fiction of characters struggling to survive in a beautiful but alien and dangerous natural environment? All media acceptable.
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posted by strangely stunted trees
on May 11, 2012 -
32 answers
I'm highly skeptical of a lot of brands that trumpet their environmental friendliness. I know "
greenwashing" is rampant. What are some green brands/products that walk the walk?
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posted by malhouse
on Mar 29, 2012 -
10 answers
What to do with 30-50 trees' worth of large branches in Orange County, NC? Burn, shred, give away for bird thicket, other ideas?
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posted by amtho
on Mar 16, 2012 -
10 answers
Asking for a friend: Any recommendations on books about social or environmental justice for a high school junior?
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posted by snowysoul
on Mar 15, 2012 -
9 answers
I can recall a text-book case of introducing a species (deer) into a new environment, where a lack of natural predators caused a population boom, followed by local extinction. I remember most of the details but I can't find the actual cite. Please help!
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posted by ianso
on Jan 20, 2012 -
4 answers
What are other clothing manufacturers with clearly stated ethics? I'm thinking of Patagonia as an example. Who else?
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posted by tylerkaraszewski
on Jan 6, 2012 -
30 answers
I usually use the New Year for a small environmental resolution. Can you help me find a good one for this year?
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posted by sciencegeek
on Dec 30, 2011 -
19 answers
Can you help me Metafilter? The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado is trying to lease 30,000 acres of farmland and wilderness for fracking, including land completely surrounding the farm I live on!
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posted by ambulance blues
on Dec 19, 2011 -
16 answers
The air is usually very dry in the winter. Why are my car windows always frosted over without exception?
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posted by WhitenoisE
on Dec 19, 2011 -
6 answers
I vaguely remember reading an argument that in some situations, giving birth to a kid or two rather than adopting is not particularly worse (perhaps environmentally, or in terms of effects on population growth, or resource consumption, or something along those lines--the big picture/the global future.) Yes, I realize this sounds counterintuitive, but can anyone point me to such an argument?
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posted by needs more cowbell
on Dec 1, 2011 -
6 answers
Please help me find a job that I can do with my environmental/renewable energy degree.
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posted by sockpim
on Nov 22, 2011 -
3 answers
I would like to become a professional writer, and possibly someday be a freelance writer. My background is in the humanities, but I’m wondering if seeking an advanced degree in science might help me in my endeavors. Or are there other options that I’m overlooking?
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posted by indognito
on Nov 18, 2011 -
9 answers
Please help me find some specialist renewable/environmental recruitment agencies in the south west of England.
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posted by sockpim
on Nov 10, 2011 -
2 answers
I'm designing a university course on the grand ol' theme of humanity's place in nature. What are some readings on this topic, from any discipline, that have fascinated/moved/influenced you?
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posted by Beardman
on Oct 19, 2011 -
42 answers
What copper salt is left behind in this neutralized etchant solution? Also, how can I safely dispose of spent etchant in general?
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posted by [expletive deleted]
on Oct 19, 2011 -
3 answers
How important is context to getting work done? What are effective ways to manipulate context to get more done?
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posted by parudox
on Sep 24, 2011 -
11 answers
Does a water filter filter plastics like BPA? Is there a way to test my tap water for them? Are there water filters that do not contain plastic? Does Aquafina or any other filter plastics?
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posted by vash
on Jul 23, 2011 -
10 answers
You recently completed a diploma in environmental site remediation. What intangible gift should I give you?
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posted by methroach
on Jun 10, 2011 -
5 answers
Are there any programs that reward people for moving to within walking distance of their work place?
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posted by nomisxid
on Jun 8, 2011 -
6 answers
[PythonFilter] How can I create a location-based web application using Python? Or, what are some good resources to help me get started with this specific task?
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posted by Rickalicioso
on Jun 8, 2011 -
5 answers
I'm thinking of doing a major career change, and I'm interested in up-and-coming environmental technologies. I'm having a hard time separating the facts from the hype. Help me figure out what the next great field of green technology is!
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posted by Dilligas
on May 6, 2011 -
6 answers
Does a bomb calorimeter give a value of heat energy per gram of material or electricity?
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posted by sockpim
on May 3, 2011 -
13 answers
I'm looking for awesome short environmental videos available online, to be included in an environmental video festival. Thoughts?
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posted by binocularfight
on Apr 18, 2011 -
7 answers
The Australian government is working out the details for a tax on carbon. Where will the money raised in this tax go? What will it be used for?
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posted by robotot
on Apr 2, 2011 -
8 answers
Will the amount of sulphur in waste meat greatly affect the amount of energy produced from combusting waste meat?
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posted by sockpim
on Mar 15, 2011 -
2 answers
What are examples of ongoing struggles of indigenous people to protect their lands and the environment from corporations and/or the government? For example:
Black Mesa Indigenous Support. I'm especially looking for movements that have organized enough so that they have information on how supporters can
take action to help them. Thanks!
posted by long haired child
on Mar 10, 2011 -
8 answers
Looking for examples of environmental (in)justice in Mexico, Cuba, and/or northern South America.
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posted by gottabefunky
on Feb 28, 2011 -
4 answers
