Dear Dot ™

Dear Dot is here to answer all your sustainable living questions from her perch on the porch. Got a question for Dot? Send her a note for a chance to be featured in an upcoming post.

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Dear Dot: Is Organic Food Really Better?

Dear Dot, I’m a Harvard alum and a recent article in the Gazette indicated that organic food is no better than conventionally grown. What say you, Dot?  –David The Short Answer: There are many factors that determine if organic...

Dear Dot: Is it Okay if I Plant Seed Paper? 

Dear Dot, I recently received a card that’s printed on “seed” paper — that paper that has wildflower seeds embedded in it that we, presumably, should plant. But with all the talk about planting native species,...

Dear Dot: What are Some Gift Alternatives to Store-Bought Stuff?

Dear Dot, While there are things I love about the holidays, the rampant consumerism depresses me. But friends and family still expect me to give them something. Any suggestions? —Steph The Short Answer: There are many ways to...

Dear Dot: Where Should I Buy a House?

I’m a realtor curious about how climate change is going to impact where people will want to live. What are some climate change concerns people should be considering before committing to a next home/next location? –Karen Dear...

Dear Dot: How Can I Invest in Earth-Friendly Funds?

Dear Dot, Does Dot know anything about responsible investing for 401(k) plans? I was looking at mine last night and realized I have an aggressive portfolio and know nothing about the companies. —Ali Dear Ali, While Dot tends to...

Dear Dot: Why Aren’t Cities Embracing Bicycle Infrastructure?

Dear Dot, I’ve heard that bike transit could really help fight climate change but New York City sometimes feels very anti-bike (and dangerous!). Why aren’t cities embracing bicycle infrastructure? –Kyle, Brooklyn The short answer: While more cities are...

Dear Dot: Air Dry or Paper Towels?

Dear Dot, If I'm in a public bathroom and I have a choice between paper towels and an electric hand dryer, which should I choose? I imagine it depends a lot on whether those towels are...

Dear Dot: What Can I Do With My Old Piano?

Dear Dot, I’m moving and downsizing. It seems I can’t even give away my family’s 1880s square piano. No one I’ve contacted even wants it to repurpose the exquisite wood. I contacted Big Reuse and they...

Dear Dot: How Do I Keep Pigeons Away From My Balcony?

Dear Dot, Pigeons are ruining my ability to enjoy my balcony. They perch on a ledge above, so poop is everywhere. I don’t like the idea of using those pointy sharp metal things to discourage them;...

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CSAs Bring The Farm To You 

Despite this year’s uncharacteristically warm winter, it’s hard to deny that the vibrant flavors of fresh summer produce are but distant memories. These days,...

The (Health) Buck Stops Here

New York City is encouraging its lower-income residents to shop at farmers markets. And they’re giving them the Health Bucks to do so.

Brooklyn Bird Watch: Common Yellowthroat

Today, Brooklyn Bird Watch features a Heather Wolf photo of a male juvenile Common Yellowthroat.  In the Midwest the adult Yellowthroat is called the “Yellow Bandit”, because of...

Washers and Dryers Are About to Get a Whole Lot More Efficient

This article by Tik Root at Grist is published here as part of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now. Doing laundry accounts for about...

Quick Climate Conversations: What Are Heat Pumps?

Bluedot Living Brooklyn sat down with Chris Petri of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning in Brooklyn to ask some of our biggest questions about...