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"Look - it's a bird, it's a plane ... no, it's EcoGirl!"

Ask EcoGirl's Columns

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January 2012: Standing Up for the EPA

Some presidential candidates have said that they'd abolish the EPA, citing supposed benefits to voters. EcoGirl looks deeper and confirms that the facts just don't support these arguments, making this proposal indeed harmful to our health and shared well-being. This article can help you know the facts for yourself and to inform others, so that we can together stand up for the value of an even stronger EPA.

 

December 2011: From Gratitude to Action

Too often, children can devour their Christmas gifts so quickly that they don't really experience or appreciate each one, let alone the person who gave it. In much the same way, our culture is voraciously turning the earth's amazing ecosystems into momentary objects that we barely notice and quickly become part of our overwhelming piles of waste. To help remedy this, EcoGirl offers some easy ways that we can redirect our actions towards sanity, and through this more fully enjoy the objects and experiences we have, reduce our harm to the precious earth, and help ensure that there will be happy times tomorrow!

 

November 2011: Honoring Change and Tradition

Like many folks, EcoGirl has been fascinated and thrilled to see people come out onto the streets to call for major changes in our system's structures. These movements offer us a chance for the scale of change that we need to steer ourselves away from so many crises, including eco-collapse. EcoGirl offers her thoughts about how we all can respond constructively to the opportunity of this powerful moment, wherever we are; what she feels is vital for the movement's success; and how the earth's ways can (and must) be included in the new solutions. She also honors the tradition of our winter celebrations by offering organized and helpful lists full of ways that you can honor the earth in all your holiday activities.

 

October 2011: Creating Sane Group Dynamics

A key way that we can work on eco-issues is through community groups, which allow us to join together in creating a better world. However, these groups are often so fraught with unproductive conflict and covertly harmful personal dynamics that people can shy away from them. Does it have to be that way? Or can we create productive and enjoyable experiences? In this piece, EcoGirl shares her thoughts about how we can constructively take on these groups' inherent challenges in order to build effective teams, move community issues forward, and support our own personal growth!

 

September 2011: Speaking Effectively for the Earth

A reader asks how she can talk to her uncle, who's opposed to President Obama's recent increase in car mileage standards, because he thinks they're only harmful and that global warming isn't real. EcoGirl offers her two quick links to email him that address his key points, and offers her general suggestions for being persuasive in talking with people about eco-issues.

 

August 2011: Reclaiming the Sun as Our Ally

As climate disruption increasingly impacts our everyday lives, and nuclear energy has demonstrated that its risks far outweigh any potential benefits, the question becomes once again: How can we meet our energy needs in eco-friendly ways? A key solution, says EcoGirl, is for us to reclaim the sun as an elemental ally in our quest. Then she offers us a variety of specific creative ways that we can each do just that. After all, the earth receives 20,000 times the energy we use each year, giving us more than enough for our needs. All it takes is for us to put it to use!

 

July 2011: Is There Hope For The Planet?

It's easy to feel disheartened seeing all the eco-crises in the world. Is there really hope, or is an early death for the earth just inevitable? EcoGirl answers that there is hope -- to the extent that we take positive actions. That's because the future scenarios aren't black-and-white but a range of outcomes that will unfold in better or worse ways depending on the choices that we make. What's even more exciting though is that we also benefit personally by taking constructive action for the earth and proactively embracing the upcoming changes, because it reduces our pain while creating more fun, aliveness, empowerment, and business opportunity. Why would we choose anything else?

 

May 2011: Love Your Local Activist/Change Agent

No matter how bad you think the world is now, imagine how much worse it would be without the change agents (by whatever label or title) who stepped back from their individual lives to imagine and create something better for their communities and our shared future. And yet those of us working for a better world today can often be considered odd ducks in this culture that's so often focused on immediate personal rewards. In this column, EcoGirl speaks up for her team of innovating pioneers, and suggests that a smart culture welcomes and nurtures its change agents, valuing their essential role in steering wisely and avoiding collective disaster. She hopes that you'll be empowered by this perspective -- and share it with others!

 

April 2011: Detoxing Our Products & Our World

How can we truly protect ourselves from the multiple toxics permeating our products, bodies, and world, given the overwhelming evidence that they're threatening both our health and the planet? This column describes some key resources to avoid toxics in our personal lives, as well as two approaches being taken to stop toxics at their source, Green Chemistry and California's Green Chemistry Initiative.

 

March 2011: Detoxing Cookware

A reader asks how to avoid the toxic PFCs used to make nonstick pans and other consumer products. "What are our options?", she wonders. "Those nonstick pans are so useful!" This month's column describes the issues with PFCs, what products they're in, and how to help reduce our exposure by buying healthier cookware and more.

 

February 2011: Are Smart Phones Green?

Smart phones, MP3 players, and other mobile devices are sprouting up all over the place. But are they good or bad for the earth? To help answer that question, EcoGirl walks through her assessment process for her latest purchase, the iPod Touch. The web version of this article also has additional information, resources, and app recommendations!

 

January 2011: Connecting With Your Eco-Passion

Most of us love the earth, but amidst life's busyness, how do we make sure we follow through with our good intentions to take care of her this year? EcoGirl offers constructive tips for eco-motivating yourself in ways that bypass "should" and shame, and instead are fun, inspirational, and aligned with your other goals in life. Nurturing the earth can be a fun way to nurture YOU!

 

December 2010: Nurturing Authentic Holiday Green

With so many companies claiming to be green, how do we choose products that are truly better for the earth? EcoGirl can help! Read her column this month for quick and easy tips for buying and being authentically green, this holiday season and all year 'round.

 

November 2010: Sipping Earth-Friendly Holiday Cheer

Does it really make a difference if we serve and bring eco-wines to our holiday events? Yes! Here are the reasons they're indeed better for both your health and the planet. And they're tasty too! EcoGirl also gives you tips for sorting through the eco-labels to find ones you like -- and even lets you in on her local favorites!

 

October 2010: Voting Green

A reader wonders if it's worth the effort to vote, and if EcoGirl has any voting recommendations for the coming election. EcoGirl says that she understands why some people are skeptical about "the system", but that the best remedy isn't to toss away our hard-earned vote (and hand over our power to those who do show up), but to use it instead to help improve the governmental systems that so deeply impacts everyone's lives. After giving her responses to the top four anti-voting arguments, EcoGirl gives links to some groups to ally with in making real change and some eco-voting advice for the upcoming Nov. 2 election.

 

September 2010: Pet Care Without Toxics

Very often folks will grab mainstream pet care products without realizing that these can contain neurotoxic pesticides that can harm both their pets and their families. How do you avoid the products that are the most toxic and swap to less-toxic approaches instead? This column shows you how!

 

August 2010: Reaping the Rewards of the Bulk Bin

Hiding in plain site, the bulk bin aisles at the grocery store offer many benefits to both us and the planet. This includes saving us money, offering us freshness and variety, and greatly reducing the packaging waste that fills our trash cans, landfills, and waterways. EcoGirl offers tips for making it fun and easy to forage in the bulk bins! (Note: The website version of this article offers lots of additional tips and information.)

 

July 2010: Preventing Future Oil Disasters (The Gulf, part 2 of 2)

EcoGirl describes how we can channel our anger and frustration about the Gulf's devastation into constructive action that creates a better future. She describes ways that we can reduce our individual petroleum use, join with others to encourage wiser governmental policies, and encourage the recognition of the vital truth that our health and financial well-being depends on a healthy earth. (Note: The website version of this article includes lots of great links for more information and action.)

 

June 2010: Reducing Your Transportation Footprint (The Gulf, part 1 of 2)

A reader is heart-broken watching the Gulf oil gusher's slow-motion destruction of ecosystems, livelihoods, and communities. So she asks how we can help reduce the country's need to drill in such ecologically-sensitive areas. EcoGirl responds with tangible ways that we can all help avoid such disasters in the future by reducing our oil use for transportation. (EcoGirl will also be offering other action ideas in her July column.)

 

May 2010: Organizing for Eco-Success

A reader wants to know how she can get better at actually following through on her intentions to be more green. EcoGirl empathetically offers three easy steps for turning her eco-ideas into actions and everyday habits. She illustrates with two easy examples: setting up your home recycling setup and fully using your printer paper.

 

April 2010: Greening Medicine

With illness and health care costs weighing on us all, EcoGirl offers additional specific ways that we can use environmental knowledge to help heal both people and the planet, as both patients and health care providers.

 

March 2010: Eco-Remedies for Our Health Care Crisis

The health care crisis is such a timely topic right now. Yet, amidst all the passionate debates, the environmental dimension is still largely being ignored, even with the clear evidence linking our high illness rates and exposure to environmental pollutants and everyday toxics. However, by turning and seeing how our actions in the world are harming our own health, we can find true solutions that significantly reduce both illness and costs, lightening the load on us all.

 

February 2010: Sharing Your Eco-Love

This Valentine's Day, you can express your love for both your sweetie and the planet. Here are some easy ways to eco-upgrade your amorous expressions, thus embodying your values while revealing that oh-so-attractive eco-awareness that so many beloveds admire. This column includes specific tips about buying chocolates, roses, and more, including some lovely local options!

 

January 2010: Greening Your New Year's Resolutions

The new year offers us a handy time to identify the changes we want to make in our lives. And it's smart to include caring for the earth among our intentions, because the planet's well-being is key to our survival, and because aligning with the earth can help us achieve our personal goals. Here some example ways that you can eco-charge your New Year's resolutions to be healthier, save money, connect with others, and have more fun!

 

December 2009: Trimming Your Holiday Waste

A reader wonders how their family can reduce the increased trash they generate during the holidays. Yes, given how much our waste increases this time of year, this is a vital and fruitful time for us all to cut back. Luckily, as usual, EcoGirl comes to the rescue with an organized list of tangible ways that you can trim your trash, this holiday season and beyond, thus reducing your eco-impacts, your garbage costs, and even often having more fun! Topics you'll find covered in this column include: entertaining, food, greeting cards, gift wrapping, gift giving, disposal after the festivities, and resources.

 

November 2009: Detoxing Your Holidays

Unfortunately, our need to protect health and planet from hidden toxics doesn't stop during the holidays. This column offers specific tips for recognizing common seasonal threats and choosing less-toxic options, including when buying toy gifts. Plus there's information about how you can support current much-needed proposals to strengthen toxic regulations, thus better protecting ourselves for many holidays to come.

 

October 2009: Constructively Channeling Your Inner Eco-Rebel

Are you feeling guilty for not doing more for the earth? EcoGirl makes it easy for you to convert guilt into personal passion with her handy checklist for understanding what's holding you back. As you then use her simple steps for resolving these, in ways that fit with your life and style, you'll find that indeed acting for the earth can be fun and empowering. Really!

 

September 2009: What Does Green Mean?

With so many companies claiming to be green nowadays, a reader asks, how do I know which actions really make a difference for the planet? EcoGirl comes to the rescue with key tips for looking beneath green claims to recognize the more committed and effective approaches.

 

August 2009: Being a Smart Organic Consumer

Despite areas of controversy, organics are still a convenient way for consumers to choose food and agriculture that's healthier for themselves, their families, and the planet. But how do you know if something is really organic? And how do you sort out the organic issues and labels? Find out more in this column!

 

July 2009: Greening Our Techno-Tools

Our daily lives can be enhanced in many ways by today's technological devices, including computers, cell phones, cameras, TVs, stereos, game players, and more. However, it's vital for us to be smart about our use of these techno-toys, because they do have eco-impacts throughout their lifecycles. Here are specific ways that you can buy, enjoy, and discard these products while minimizing their harm -- and even saving money as well!

 

June 2009: Eco-Lighting for a Brighter Future

What's the story with these curly-cue "eco" lightbulbs? Yes, they lower energy use, helping save money and the planet. But they also contain mercury and can't go in the trash. Are we just trading one eco-problem for another? EcoGirl tackles one of the practical questions of eco-implementation with her usual combination of information and inspiration! (Hint: The answer is that, on balance, these CFL bulbs offer significant value for reducing energy use and thus climate disruption, but need to be handled with care. And there are emerging options to support. Read the article to find out more!)

 

May 2009: Remaking the EPA

For many years, it has seemed that the EPA has put corporate interests over its mission to protect the environment. Will President Obama's EPA really be any better?, asks a skeptical reader. EcoGirl says that real improvement is possible, if we help. And this is a key action for us to take. Because, by encouraging current efforts to restore the EPA's vital functions, we'll help improve our prospects on a wide variety of environmental and health issues.

 

February 2009: Pursuing Your Green Job Dreams

Green jobs are increasingly being discussed in books, magazines, even President Obama's economic stimulus plan. And, yes, by bringing together economic, ecological, and employment objectives, we can address multiple problems at once -- if we pay attention to the details. So, how can a job-seeker skillfully align with these trends, while avoiding the pitfalls?

 

January 2009: Happy Traveling on Public Transit

We've heard that using public transit can be great for both the planet's well-being and our convenience. But how do we get started? This column makes it easy, offering both resources and encouraging stories. By including public transit among our transportation modes, we can reduce our car pollution's contribution to climate change, reduce our shared wealth transfer to oil-rich nations, turn stressful travel time into useful time, and connect more with our community.

 

December 2008: Taming Our Tiny Ant Friends

Ant invasions can tempt one to use poisons. But studies show that toxics are no more effective than household cleansers! Instead of putting your family at risk, follow this three-tiered approach for addressing your visiting ant armies.

 

"Dear Patricia - I just read your article, "Taming Our Tiny Ant Friends." I think it's just great that you write these articles, and always with such conscious respect for the earth, and in this case, all those amazing little ants."
Patrice Ryan

 

November 2008: Greening Your Holidays, On a Budget

Yes, you can create greener winter holidays while treading lightly on both the earth and your budget. In fact, one of the silver linings of this economic downturn is that it can help us reduce the consumerism rates that are more than the planet can bear. Here's some ideas for how to do that while still having loving fun with friends and family!

 

October 2008: Preventing Plastic's Pollution

Plastic offers us durability, but makes long-lasting trash, both in our landfills and ecosystems. Even remote spots are becoming cluttered with this debris, creating for instance the "plastic island" in the northern Pacific. Scientists estimate that each year at least a million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die from eating or getting entangled in plastic. Here's how to help protect the planet by reducing, reusing, and recycling your plastic.

 

September 2008: Great Sources for Environmental Info

Our information sources can either lead us wisely or astray. Too often mainstream coverage of environmental issues focuses more on celebrities, drama, and consumerism than on the real information we need to understand and support truly effective solutions for the planet. In this column, Ask EcoGirl highlights her favorite sources for keeping informed and taking wise action.

 

August 2008: Discarding Your Stuff - Ecologically

Do you have items that you want to discard - without adding to our overstuffed landfills? There are many ways to do this - plus make a little money and delight in contributing to others! In this article, EcoGirl walks you through the key ways you can sell and donate your goods, summarizing the benefits and drawbacks of each, highlighting creative options, and providing handy information about websites, local outlets, and more!

 

July 2008: Greening Our Money

Our current economic woes make it increasingly urgent that we shift to more earth-honoring ways, because our economy depends on functioning ecosystems. But how can we take care of the earth when everyone's budgets are so challenged? EcoGirl explores tangible ways that we all can nurture our economy's transition to wiser ways.

 

June 2008: Can We Afford to Care About the Environment?

I'm anxious about the economy, writes a reader, with rising gas and food prices, medical costs, even food riots. How can we worry about the environment when real survival issues are at stake? EcoGirl responds by describing how our survival depends first on the earth, both physically and economically. Therefore, our current economic disruptions actually offer us an opportunity to redesign our economic systems to better align with nature and thus better ensure the survival of us all!

 

May 2008: Affording Organic

With today's economic uncertainties, a reader wonders, how can I still include organic in my budget? EcoGirl offers tips for saving money, and a reminder that our true survival depends on our health and the well-being of the earth.

 

April 2008: Creating Your Personal Earth Action Plan

The current blossoming of green stories and claims in mainstream media can be both encouraging and overwhelming. Where on earth should we start in taking action? EcoGirl hears that a lot. So, instead of just giving you another list of tips to add to your already-stuffed do-list, this column maps out four simple steps for you to follow to uncover your personal approach to this topic. This Plan will help you both prioritize and feel excited about the impact you can have!

 

March 2008: Creating a Healthy Garden from the Start

Here in one place are the easy steps to creating a good foundation for your garden so that toxic pesticides and fertilizers just aren't necessary. Your harvest will be healthier food and flowers, a nurturing place to hang out, and a healthier world for all.

  

January 2008: Can I Afford to Go Solar?

Most people think solar is just for those with up-front capital. But what if you could take out a loan with payments equal to your current utility bill? Then you'd be converting an expense into an investment! (We love to do that!) And reduce your vulnerability to energy price increases. Oh, and help the planet by supporting our transition to earth-friendly energy sources. Here are the key notions to consider, and the steps and resources for you to determine if this approach is right for your situation.

 

"Solar financing is a complex topic and you nailed it."
Chris Cone, Writer, Coordinator Green Energy Loan Program

 

December 2007: Holiday Donations: Your Magic Wand for Planetary Change!

You can empower change in the world through your holiday donations (and perhaps even get a tax deduction!). Here are inspiring ideas for finding your own passionate issues, and suggestions for wonderful local groups you can support.

 

November 2007: Greening Your Gifting

Want to truly green your gifting? Here in one place are key principles for thinking green to include Mother Earth in your holiday giving. Includes specific ideas you won't find other places - plus great local resources!

 

October 2007: Seeing Through Green Eyes: Remodeling Green on the Cheap

Yes, being cheap can be good for the planet - when you see through green eyes! Here are great ways to remodel green and save money, including local resources that most folks don't even know about!

 

September 2007: Keeping It Clean: Less-Toxic Cleansers for a Healthier Home

Cleaning green doesn't have to be more expensive. In fact, you can clean your house less-toxically - and save money too! Did you know that you can do most of your cleaning with four common and inexpensive ingredients? This also makes space in your supply cabinet, reduces packaging waste, and keeps your home a truly healthy clean smell.

 

July 2007: Batteries Need Recycling Too

No, household batteries don't belong in the trash! Here's the straight scoop on where to properly dispose of your spent batteries in Sonoma County and beyond.

 

Other Planned Column Topics Include

Should You Buy an EcoCar?

Mosquito Protection Without Toxics

Perfume Dreams

Living Green Air Fresheners

Avoiding the Twin Pitfalls of Hope & Despair

Eco-Dining & Travel

Upcoming Events & Activities

To see some of the many other types of topics that can be covered in this column, based on reader and editor interest, seeThe Next STEP index of articles. Patricia Dines has been Editor and Lead Writer for The Next STEP newsletter since it's inception in 2000.

Note to Editors: Patricia can also offer your periodical a more traditional column format, named (for example) EcoHealthy Living, Everyday Green, or another name that works for you and your target audience. For samples, see <www.patriciadines.info/EHL.html>

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: You might also be interested in my articles on related topics in my Green Zone column.

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Ask EcoGirl is written by Patricia Dines, Author of The Organic Guides, and Editor and Lead Writer for The Next STEP newsletter, which gently educates readers about toxics and alternatives. For more information about her work for the planet, see <www.patriciadines.info>.

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This entire website is (c) Patricia Dines, 1998-2012. All rights reserved.
Page last updated 1/1/12
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