Sustainable Living Stack Exchange
Sustainable Living Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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Is drip irrigation more water-efficient than conventional watering?

I have set-up a rooftop garden at home. I am too lazy to water it every day so I am planning to set up a drip irrigation system. But the question remains: is drip irrigation more water-efficient than conventional watering?
neydroydrec
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Propane vs. Electric vs. Heat Pump

Is there a relatively reliable way to figure out what energy source to go with when upgrading appliances? We need a new hot water heater, for starters. Our current one is propane. Options include another propane tank, an electric tank, or a combo…
DA.
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Why can't black plastic be recycled?

My local council now takes most types of plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays in the recycling bin. But they specifically exclude black plastic containers. Is there a reason for this? Why can't black plastic be recycled in the same way as other…
vclaw
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Are plastic cups more environmental friendly than ceramic mugs?

Many years ago I read that plastic cups, like this: are more environmental friendly than ceramic mugs, like this: This is rather counter-intuitive. If I remember correctly, I believe the argument was that ceramic mugs take a lot of energy to…
Martin Tournoij
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Should I reuse or recycle Ziploc bags?

I'm wondering whether I should wash and reuse my Ziploc bags or if it makes more ecological sense to bring them to a grocery store plastic recycling collection bin. Ideally at home we wash the bags in bulk in a sink full of soapy water then…
glenviewjeff
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Which is more sustainable: Almond, Soy, Coconut, Cashew or Other Milk?

As my question indicates, what is the most viable dairy alternative from a sustainability perspective (ignoring the importance of nutritional value)? From a life-cycle analysis are some options more environmentally friendly than others?
sensitivestoic
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What percentage of plastic drinking bottles is recycled after use, worldwide?

I often hear that, although plastic bottles can be recycled quite efficiently, only a percentage of them gets effectively recycled. I have heard about shipments to Africa to pile them up without a further look at them. What about this is true? Are…
Steven Roose
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What life-style decision can I make to reduce my carbon footprint most efficiently?

I'm interested in the sustainability, especially the carbon footprint, of life-style decisions regarding: transportation (i.e. get an electric car, use bike and public transport) dietary: going vegan or vegetarian home efficiency (i.e. using led…
Aubrey
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Is it possible to reuse grey water in an apartment?

Is it possible to reuse greywater in an apartment, in which you can't modify the plumbing? Seems like it would be better to water plants with greywater than using fresh water.
lemontwist
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What's a good green ground cover that uses less water than a lawn?

So I want to put in several raised beds in my garden, surrounded by a green ground cover that will stand up to my 3 dogs. Something that is both tougher and uses less water than grass (I live in a mediterranean climate). Any suggestions? I have…
user72
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How can I determine the U-value (or R-value) of my existing double glazing system?

Is there an easy way to determine the U-value (or R-value) of an existing fitted double glazing system? Two options spring to mind, looking up the value in some kind of database (sadly I have no idea who the manufacturer of my windows were as my…
Mark Booth
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Is it normal to have maggots in my compost?

I noticed maggots in my compost scraps recently (not yet mixed in the tumbler). Is this all right? Should I do something to prevent this in the future? If so, what?
Wolf
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How can I decarbonise my domestic heating, given severe physical constraints?

tl;dr : For the millions of dwellings that have significant physical constraints imposed by the physical fabric of the building, its configuration and location, that rule out heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal, how can we decarbonise our space…
410 gone
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Should I dry my hands with paper towels or a dryer?

In our office toilets, we have paper towels and a hand dryer. Is it better for the environment to use the towels or the dryer to dry hands?
Rob Sedgwick
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Is it economically sensible to install a heat exchanger on my wastewater pipes?

In the winter, I rather enjoy hot showers. I try to keep them short (5-6 min), but it's still a lot of heat going down the drain and out of the house - particularly with 3 other people who do not have the same timing compunctions. I was wondering if…
AlexanderTD
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