November 28, 2007 -- Meaghan O'Neill on going green
juniflash__Guest_: do you drive a hybrid vehicle?
Meaghan_O_Neill: I do not. I considered buying a hybrid Toyota Camry earlier this year, but decided to stick it out with my 2000 VW Passat, which averages about 31 mpg.
Meaghan_O_Neill: Even though most of the emissions associated with cars come from driving, not manufacture, I decided that for the amount I drive--which isn't a ton since I work from my home--I'd stick with the old car. Now I'm waiting for a promised biodiesel pump to be installed on the island where I live; then I'll buy an used a diesel car.
kara__Guest_: Hi Meaghan, can you tell us how you got started with promoting eco-friendly living?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Sure. I was raised to be conscious of both waste and to respect my natural surroundings, but it was really while I was working at Interior Design magazine in the early 2000s that I saw this green revolution starting to take shape. The architecture and construction community is one of the biggest sources of waste, but the design community has also been one of the biggest innovators in green technology. I was hooked on the trend I saw happening, then. later, connected with Graham Hill, the founder of TreeHugger.com, and voila.
Alli_Rogers__Guest_: Meaghan, this is an amazing thing! I have never seen an online chat on green living -- awesome work! I am hosting an eco-party in a couple of weeks, disguised as a birthday/holiday combo party. Do you have recommendations on eco-drinks to serve? We are thinking of organic wine, organic wheat vodka, and hopefully some local beers. Do you have suggestions on eco-mixed drinks that could be fun, easy to make, and thought-provoking?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Great question Alli, because living green should be about having fun! There are some really terrific organic, local, and smartly-brewed beers out there. I'm partial to Long Trail, which isn't organic, but the brand's Vermont facilities are super ecologically conscious. Wolaver's is another organic Vermont beer. For wine, Benziger's vineyards are biodynamic, which is like organic times ten. But if you even if you don't go organic with wines and vodkas, try to source locally. For mixers, I like fresh squeezed juices--no sense in shipping heavy liquids all over the country when you can make it at home! It's tastier, too.
naturalnews__Guest_: Hi Meaghan, do you have ideas for staying green through the holidays?
Meaghan_O_Neill: The greenest things we can do through the holidays are simply to consume less. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy presents, but I like the idea of quality over quantity. Less is more, so how about one really nice sweater instead of three cheap ones? Also consider gifts that don't have a lot of material to them, like tickets to a concert or a game. And skip the gift wrap. Decorating is another area where we can make a big difference. Definitely* make the switch to LED holiday lights, and please skip the invasive plants (like bittersweet) in your arrangements.
RIGreen__Guest_: Hi Meaghan. Can you speak to some highlights in your forthcoming book? I still would like to purchase it, and am excited for it to hit the presses. Any overarching tips for those of us who would like to try and live a more green lifestyle?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Thanks for asking! We are really excited about the book over at TreeHugger.com because the book is a programmatic "eight weeks" idea. So the biggest highlight is that in just eight weeks, we'll get you to "think like a TreeHugger." It's packed with loads of tips from food to energy to transport, but the biggest deal to me isn't so much that we're going to tell you to stop using nail polish, but to help you understand why (hint: it's got some nasty chemicals). I think of it as the "teach a man to fish paradigm. We're giving you all the tools you need to make the right decisions for your personal situation, not just a to-do list. So if composting just isn't for you, maybe joining a crop share is.
Alli_Rogers__Guest_: Thank you for the fabulous eco-drink suggestions, I love them! Here at the Green the Capitol Office at the US House of Representatives, we are trying to encourage congressional offices (US Representatives, legislative aides, and their interns) to go green. For people who have such incredibly complex, busy and demanding schedules, what would you suggest should be their Top 3 priorities in trying to go green? I know we all lead such busy lives, but how would you tailor your message about eco-living to, say, a Congressman?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Congresspeople are a special case in some ways because they must travel so much. That's probably the biggest part of their footprint. Anyone who needs to travel a lot for work should buy carbon offsets from a organization like TerraPass to help minimize that impact. So that would be number one. But I'd also say spreading the word to the people around them, and leading by example. Congressmen have a unique opportunity to both show people that things like energy efficiency and renewable energy are achievable goals and help implement legislation, but anyone can help show their neighbors how green "works," simply by turning down the heat this winter or recycling their garbage. Third, I'd like to see every single person who cares make the environment an issue in the 2008 election. Doesn't matter to me if you're blue or red, just talk about it.
kurt__Guest_: good afternoon, i have a question about CFL disposal, i broke one and i wasn't sure what to do
Meaghan_O_Neill: CFLs contain mercury, which is dangerous when let loose in the environment. The amount in CFLs is minimal, but they should still be properly disposed of. IKEA already a take back program; Home Depot and Wal-Mart's are in the works. Check with your local hazardous waste program or check earth911.com to learn more about doing so in your community.
Meaghan_O_Neill: As for a break and cleanup, the amount of mercury that gets into the air isn't hugely dangerous; still precaution is wise. First open the windows (the mercury should vaporize within an hour). Next sweep up glass and dab the area with a paper towel--don't vacuum (toxins could get stuck in the machine, none too good for your air quality). Seal up the waste in a plastic Ziplock and dispose of as hazardous waste.
IDrinkGas__Guest_: I have 10 SUV's and drink them around for fun.
Meaghan_O_Neill: How do you drink an SUV? ;)
nickname__Guest_: what can I do at work (recycle paper, etc) to be more eco-friendly? My co-workers always insist on printing tons of things for meetings...
Meaghan_O_Neill: Obviously using less paper is greener. But sometimes you've just gotta have it that way. Suggest setting the printers to print out double-sided, and recycle recycle recycle! If your office doesn't already have bins, beg facilities to set them up.
sb__Guest_: What in your opinion is the best way to heat pool water ? Do the solar systems actually work ?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Pools are a tricky one, because they're diverting valuable water from other sources, but if you must have one, and it must be heated, solar is definitely the way to go. Solar panels for a pool are a terrific idea. Also, I understand that there are now non-chlorine chemicals that can be used for keeping your pool safe and clean.
danmazz2001__Guest_: Hi, I am an engineer and I realize that the green front is growing bigger and bigger. I am interested in consulting or helping buildings convert over to green. From a company/business point of view, do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Yes, I would say that the benefits outweigh the costs in almost every case. For building green, payback for higher building costs can come pretty quick. But we also need to think about what "costs" and "benefits" really are. Are we willing to make a profit at any cost? I think most projects and companies that truly want to green function according to the "triple bottom line"--people, planet, profit. Each of these must benefit in a "green" economy. Truly green businesses will make a profit, but not at any cost.
Eric__Guest_: Do any companies have incentives for their employees to be greener within their homes and lifestyle??
Meaghan_O_Neill: Many do. Seventh Generation, for example, gives kickbacks to employees who install energy-efficient appliances or other home improvements. I believe Google provides incentives for those who drive hybrid cars. And many, many companies provide vouchers for employees who use public transport. Take advantage!
kara__Guest_: Meaghan, I'm wondering if you see this "green" thing a trend or do you think it's hear to stay? For instance, in the 80s there was a bunch of hype about the HIV virus, but you don't hear much anymore. Do you feel that could happen?
Meaghan_O_Neill: I think that the trend we're seeing with green right now is much more than just a fad. The main reasons are that we a) are facing an international scientific crisis, global warming and b) consumers are getting very savvy. The AIDS comparison is interesting, but think about it: We've pretty much eradicated the scary spread of AIDS that we saw in the 80's in the US. That because we set out to educate the public. There's a still a problem, of course, but think about AIDS compared to, say, breast cancer. Enormous amounts of money are still being raised for AIDS. I think it's a more a question that it is part of the mainstream consciousness rather than that the issue has disappeared. Mainstream media coverage of hype-y green may see a similar downturn eventually, but I don't think it will go away.
jdemello__Guest_: Since most of this is relatively new...where can i find a list of local contractors that have the experience installing these green technologies for residential applications?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Good question! The Nexus Green Building Center on Chauncy St. in Boston is an terrific place to start. Go to www.greenroundtable.org. Or check out www.usgbc.org.
Alli_Rogers__Guest_: Meaghan, thank you for the very thoughtful answer for bringing the green message to Congressmen. I appreciate your insight so much! What eco-gift are you most excited about giving this holiday season? And what is on your dream list to receive?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Hmmmm....My gifts will be small and long-lasting. I think I'll be giving gifts like tix to a Celtics game and earrings made from sea glass. And they won't be wrapped up, maybe just a recycled ribbon for a bow. From Santa I'd like a shiny new-to-me bike. If it's from the used bike store, that would be just fine with me.
Marty__Guest_: Do you think most people underestimate their personal responsibility in getting this country on a more sustainable path?
Meaghan_O_Neill: Well, I think that many people don't realize how big of an impact they can have. One of the most interesting things about this dilemma is that we're all part of the problem, but we can all be part of the solution. What other international issue can say that?!
Meaghan_O_Neill: Thank you everyone!