Most Popular
1500 questions
27
votes
4 answers
Biodegradable cleaners to remove mold?
I've relocated to an apartment with considerable mold in a couple of closets and bathroom.
Is there a way to remove this mold with a biodegradable solution?
wxs
- 537
- 3
- 14
27
votes
19 answers
Prevent concrete roof from absorbing too much heat during summer
I live in India where most of the building roofs are made of concrete. In summer during night, the roof emits too much of heat that were absorbed during day time.
I was aware of the options like having good ventilation, insulation, trees etc. But I…
Gopi
- 371
- 1
- 3
- 6
27
votes
8 answers
How to avoid buying planned-obsolescence products?
Is it possible to recognize products that have been designed and manufactured with built-in or programmed obsolescence in mind, before I buy them? Are there guidelines how to recognize such products? Or can I find a list of typical products/brands…
THelper
- 14,470
- 7
- 60
- 147
27
votes
1 answer
What to do with wood ash?
I have a wood burning fireplace which I use on occasion, and I have a decent amount of wood ash each time I have a fire. How can I dispose of the wood ash without just throwing it in the trash? I live in an apartment so I can't just chuck it in the…
lemontwist
- 2,013
- 1
- 19
- 29
27
votes
4 answers
Is there a difference in insulation to keep heat in or out?
I know that one of the best ways to save energy at home is insulation. The question is, is there a different method for keeping the heat in when it's cold and keeping the heat out when it's warm?
I know that there is a lot to be done with…
Carmi
- 403
- 4
- 8
27
votes
5 answers
What types of plugged in electronics use energy even when turned off?
I just need some convincing before I start unplugging everything. I kind of assumed that USB type computer, phone, or printer chargers would use electricity. And obviously my computer, sound system, and modem/router do. I can't imagine the lamps,…
Enjabain
- 957
- 1
- 7
- 15
26
votes
5 answers
What form of electrical lighting has the smallest energy-footprint?
We all know that when it comes to household electrical lighting, LED lights consume the least amount of energy for a given amount of light, followed by fluorescent tubes, halogens, and Edison-age tungsten-filament light bulbs.
We also know that…
Rody Oldenhuis
- 840
- 6
- 16
26
votes
10 answers
How can I manage my fridge's contents better?
Sadly, about 30-50% of the Western world's food is thrown away. Personally, I waste about half of my food, due to poor fridge management. I forget what I have bought and find expired food located in the back of the fridge all the time. It's very…
Gruber
- 531
- 4
- 10
26
votes
5 answers
What can I do as a developer for the environment?
After different years of contributions on FOSS software I would like to contribute in some way to the sustainable living, doing something for Earth and in some way for the mankind.
Are there projects that I can help with my knowledge? I would like…
Davide Pastore
- 361
- 4
- 8
25
votes
4 answers
Why does cheese have such a high carbon footprint?
(Source of information here)
As you can see, cheese has the third highest carbon footprint. Only beef and lamb have a higher footprint.
Several other sources (such as this) corroborate this.
Why is it so high? You would expect it to be due to the…
Martin Tournoij
- 811
- 9
- 20
25
votes
2 answers
Are mouldy kitchen scraps okay to compost?
I was reading about the dangers of introducing pathogens in a compost pile. As you know, some moulds can be toxic. So I am curious if the normal household mould that appears in the kitchen or the refridgerator is something I should be concerned…
theUg
- 1,780
- 14
- 23
24
votes
5 answers
Why don't toilets use saltwater?
It would seem to be a major environmental benefit if toilets used saltwater instead of potable (drinkable) fresh water, right?
Slippers
- 376
- 1
- 3
- 13
24
votes
5 answers
Planting trees for firewood - how many?
I'd like to heat my house using self-grown firewood. How do I go about calculating the number of trees I'd need to plant each year to make it sustainable - same number of trees harvested each year as new ones planted?
I know how much firewood (m^3)…
SF.
- 677
- 1
- 5
- 15
24
votes
4 answers
Dimensions for greenhouse to feed a family of 4?
I think a sustainable choice would be to start producing my own food in my backyard. To achieve year round production, I'll need a greenhouse. We enjoy lots of vegetables and salads on a daily basis, and will be using this as a supplement to our…
pizza247
- 1,478
- 1
- 10
- 22
24
votes
8 answers
Palm oil vs coconut oil, which has the smallest ecological impact?
There is a valid fuss and concern about palm oil for a few reasons. To myself the main concern is the destruction of ecology and habitat for species in the countries which are increasingly producing palm oil.
Should I have the same concern about…
Samuel DR
- 342
- 1
- 3
- 8