Q. Is there anything I can do to make the air in my home cleaner this Winter? —Jeanne

A. You're right to be concerned about the quality of the air in your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indoor air often contains two to five times the amount of certain pollutants. See Clear the Air - Inside written by Rowena Finnegan and the other founders of eco-terric, a socially responsible home furnishings retailer, for some ideas on how to improve your overall home air quality and check out these quick tips from our Winter issue.

First, stop indoor air pollution at the source by eliminating cigarette smoke, artificially scented air fresheners and candles, aerosol sprays, household cleaning products and disinfectants, insecticides, moth balls, paints and solvents, and damp areas that can harbor mold and/or bacterial growth. Keep the door to the garage closed to prevent nasty fumes from entering your living space. Consider using microfiltration vacuum cleaner bags to reduce the amount of dust released while vacuuming. To ensure proper ventilation, keep fireplaces, chimneys, wood stoves, furnaces, space heaters, and humidifiers properly serviced and maintained, and replace furnace and air purifier filters as directed. By all means, if there is a clear day, open windows and doors to let in some fresh air–even if it means wearing parkas indoor for a few hours.

Q. Can you recommend any sources that list earth-friendly job openings? —Amy Jones

A.There are several online sources dedicated to connecting job-seekers with earth-friendly or socially responsible jobs.

Some list a broad array of employers that are considered socially responsible, such as Care2 JobFinder or Sustainable Business.com’s Green Dream Jobs. Others stick to a stricter definition of “environmental jobs,” listing primarily policy, engineering, and scientific jobs. If you are a college student or a recent grad, an excellent resource is The Environmental Careers Organization, a nonprofit organization that helps build careers in the environmental field through hands-on, paid internships. Other resources are the Environmental Career Center, GreenBiz.com, and OrionOnline.

According to a 2004 study by ECO, the environmental sector is seeing a surge in jobs, so it’s a good time to start the search. – Sharon Beaulaurier

Q. Is there such a thing as a green airline? I realize that airline travel is earth-unfriendly, but sometimes it's really the best - or only - option. -Frank P.

A. Most airlines have programs to increase fuel efficiency—escalating oil prices are pummeling their bottom lines. We’re talking billions here, not millions. Measures include adding winglets to aircraft to reduce fuel burn and emissions; flying optimal routes, altitudes, and speeds; eliminating excess weight onboard; and using electric vehicles for ground-crew operations. European and Asian airlines often have more advanced green programs than their American counterparts (but this is changing thanks to rising oil prices and savvy consumers like yourself).

British Airways stands out as a leader on several fronts, including advocating an emissions trading scheme in the industry and establishing carbon offsetting and sustainable-tourism initiatives. Stateside, JetBlue wins my vote for being the greenest airline because of its newer, more fuel-efficient fleet and its in-flight recycling and waste-management programs. Kudos also go to American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and several more for their in-flight recycling programs.

Here are some tips to keep your air travel as green as possible:

• Opt for direct flights instead of multiple stops—take-offs and landings are a major source of CO2 emissions.
• Choose an airline with fewer delays while the plane waits for a gate upon arrival, if possible. Planes burn excess fuel while waiting.
• Become a frequent flyer on an airline with a newer, more fuel-efficient fleet such as JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, or Virgin Atlantic.
• Consider purchasing carbon offset credits for the miles you fly.

Q. Your summer issue mentioned eco-friendly swim suits, which actually were synthetics. Is there really such a thing as an organic swimsuit? -Reader Jane

A. Hard to find, we agree, but try Greenloop.com for a woman's earth-friendly swimsuit. This suit is made of 90% organic cotton and spandex. Whether or not it is stylish enough, we'll leave to you. Men are traditionally less difficult to please when choosing swimsuits, and there are number of earth-friendly models, such as this one from Greenloop and these shorts from Rawganique, made from cotton and hemp.

Q. I'm a barbecue purist. Are charcoal grills all that bad for the environment?

A. We appreciate that charcoal delivers a slightly superior taste, but burning charcoal pollutes the air as well as your lungs—especially if you use lighter fluid or easy-light charcoals, which release smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic particulates. Factor in the manufacturing and transportation of charcoal and the residual ash (unless you compost it), and the pollution quickly builds. Though reliant on nonrenewable fuel, gas grills are cleaner burning, more efficient, and easier to use. I switched four years ago and haven’t missed that charcoal flavor, or the hassles that went with it. If you’re not ready to make the switch, use a chimney-type starter or electric probe instead of lighter fluid, and wood briquettes instead of easy-light charcoal. – Sharon Beaulaurier. (For more questions and answers from Sharon, see greenlight’s Summer issue.

Q. Is there a biodegradable car-washing soap that's safe for runoff into street gutters?

A. No. There are biodegradable car-washing soaps, but even these are unsafe for gutters, which drain into nearby waterways. Biodegradable soaps are still toxic to fish; they're just toxic for a shorter time. Plus, the oil, grease, and automotive grime rinsed from your car will pollute the water. Instead, go to a commercial car wash that recycles its water. If you must wash your car at home, do it on the lawn or a gravel area where the water will soak into the ground instead of draining into the gutter.

Q: Every year when the weather warms up, my dog gets blitzed by fleas. Soon they're in the house too. Is there an earth-friendly way to protect my dog as well as get rid of fleas indoors and outdoors? — Reader Chuck

A. Late spring is the ideal time to start controlling fleas, before they move in and multiply. First, healthy pets are less attractive to fleas. You can also supplement your dog’s diet with raw garlic, brewer’s yeast (be careful of allergies), or B vitamins—all of which have a smell that, when manifested in the skin, drives fleas away. In the house, vacuum well, and weekly, with a canister vacuum you can empty right away, outside; don’t skip furniture, pillows, and rugs, and use an attachment to get into the corners. In the yard, trim grass short and avoid piles of plant waste like leaves, which can harbor fleas. You can also add pennyroyal, a naturally flea repellent herb, to your garden. For more on natural pet care, check out the Whole Dog Journal.

Q. My fiancé and I are in the process of registering for wedding gifts, and when it comes to pans, nearly everything we have to choose from is nonstick. I heard these types of pans aren't good for you. Is that true, and if so, what should we register for? — Denise

A.In February, a group of EPA advisers did recommend that PFOA or perfluorooctanic acid, one of the chemicals used in making nonstick coatings, should be considered a likely carcinogen. But George B. Corcoran, a toxicologist who was on the EPA panel, recently told Forbes magazine that there's little evidence PFOA causes harm during everyday cooking. Manufacturers do admit that nonstick pans release minute amounts of unhealthy chemicals at high heats, somewhere between 600 and 750 degrees—which isn't considered normal use. However, according to the Environmental Working Group, it's the equivalent of preheating the pan over high heat for 2 to 5 minutes. So, while the FDA, EPA, and manufacturers like T-Fal and DuPont say nonstick coatings are safe in the consumer kitchen, some cooking experts suggest using nonstick pans only over lower heat, and only for items that actually stick, like eggs. For alternatives, look to Williams-Sonoma's selection of Le Creuset enameled cast-iron, or stainless steel pans from brands like All-Clad and Calphalon, available through major department stores like Macy’s and Crate and Barrel.

Q. I'm currently temping, and I'm surprised by the wastefulness that happens on a daily basis in the offices where I work. My coworkers throw away papers, bottles, and cans and leave large amounts of food untouched after meetings. Recycling has always been second nature to me; what can I do to raise awareness? — Reader Renee

A. Start by getting management behind your cause. If they can't be swayed by the traditional environmental argument, remind them that waste affects the bottom line, as well as a company's image. Once you have support from the top, begin with paper recycling. Since the average worker uses 10,000 sheets per year, this will have an impact without requiring too much effort from employees. Then, encourage the purchasing department to buy recycled paper products for the office, which completes the circle. For advice on setting up a program, then expanding it, go to Earth 911 and click on "Business Resources".

Q. I love to ski, but I’ve heard that it’s heavy on the environment. Is there anything I can do to reduce my impact?

A. The ski resort industry is controversial among environmental groups. One thing you can consider is to offset your days on the slopes with a different winter activity. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two that can be done outside of a traditional resort atmosphere, in parks or on other public land. While some prefer to keep snow activities confined to areas that are already built up, to keep wilderness pristine, the snow does protect the ground beneath from the impact of snowshoes and cross country skis. For more on new winter sports to try, click here to go to green*light magazine.

Q. Can rechargeable batteries be used in any device that takes alkaline batteries? How many times can they actually be recharged, and how do I dispose of them when they no longer work?

A. Rechargeable batteries will work in most devices that take alkaline batteries (check the instructions to make sure). Depending on the type of rechargeable battery and the device, they may even work better. Plus, you can recharge and reuse them hundreds of times. The nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation takes back Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) batteries. Click here to find a drop off site.

Q. I've heard conflicting opinions about manufactured logs-some say they're toxic and others they're better than firewood. What's the real story?

A. Firewood and manufactured logs both pollute the air. Manufactured logs include petroleum wax, so you're not just burning wood products-you have a virtual mini-oil refinery in your fireplace (yes, we are over-stating it to make a point). Earth-friendlier options include Duraflame's All Natural Firelog with vegetable wax instead of petrol, and the Java-Log made from used coffee grounds, wood and vegetable by-products. Though these two logs are cleanerburning than fire-wood, they're still air polluters. Switch to gas, propane or wood pellet appliances if you can.

Q. What's the best response when asked "paper or plastic?" at the grocery store?

A. Opt for plastic. Plastic bags require less energy to produce, generate less pollution and take up less landfill space than paper bags. But it takes hundreds of years for plastic bags to decompose, and errant bags injure or kill marine wildlife, so it's best to BYOB. Of course, if you're buying a week's supply of groceries for a family of five, a canvas bag won't cut it; reuse plastic bags until they're ready for the recycling bin. Find a local plastic bag recycling drop-off.

Q. I faithfully wash my reusable coffee mug every morning. Is this really helping the environment?

A. Probably, as long as you don't use a gallon of hot water to wash it. (An Energy Star dishwasher is more efficient than washing by hand.) According to the Institute for Lifecycle Environmental Assessment, you'd need to use a ceramic mug instead of a disposable foam cup 1,006 times before recouping the environmental benefits, given the energy and resources needed to make the mug. While that's an interesting tidbit to keep in mind, we'd still choose a mug over a mountain of foam cups any day.

Q. Short of not driving, how can I save money on gas?

A. You can improve fuel efficiency by keeping your tires properly inflated, by getting regular tune-ups and by turning off the engine instead of allowing it to idle for a minute or longer. Being polite also helps: Tailgating and pushing full-throttle between stoplights waste gas. For more tips, click here.

Q. I've been dating Mr. Right for three weeks and just discovered he owns a gas-guzzling truck. Is there any hope for our relationship?

A. Yes, absolutely. There's nothing like the power of love to persuade. Start with baby steps-a date at an organic restaurant or a bike ride through the park. The key is to show him the upside of earth-friendly living as you slowly convert him. No eco-nagging, please. If Mr. Dreamboat works in a field that requires a truck, refer him to the Edmunds listing of fuel-efficient trucks for his next purchase. Remember that truck ownership is a touchy subject for some men.

Q. I love scents. Should I be worried about the petrochemicals used in air fresheners and scented candles?

A. Indoor air pollutants build up during the winter, and petrochemical products are primary contributors. Petroleum-based products are not earth-friendly in their manufacture, use or disposal. And the chemicals in synthetic scents (including perfumes) can be damaging to your health, causing symptoms from headaches to central nervous system disorders. Our advice? Use baking soda for odor absorption, pure essential oils for fresh scents and beeswax candles instead of paraffin.

Q. I may have to auction off my Prius to pay the gas bill this winter. How can I reduce heating costs?

A. This winter is going to be tough. Stores are already reporting shortages of firewood and wood pellets as consumers turn to gas alternatives. Put on a sweater and hat before you bump up the thermostat, and heat only the rooms you use. Open curtains and blinds to sunny windows during the day to make use of solar heat. Winterize your home: Caulk leaky cracks, install weather-stripping, improve insulation and replace furnace filters. The EPA has more heat-saving tips.

Q. How can I find a green dry cleaner?

A. Conventional clothing dry cleaning requires perchloroethylene, a solvent that is harmful to your health and the environment. Two non-perc alternatives are rapidly replacing this suspected carcinogen: carbon dioxide and a silicone-based solvent called GreenEarth. To find a green cleaner near you, call around locally or use one of these online directories: Hangers Cleaners or GreenEarth.

Q. Should I buy farmed or wild salmon?

A. For both your health and the ocean's health, choose wild salmon. Farmed salmon has very high levels of PCBs and other carcinogens. (European farmed fish had the highest PCB levels in a 2004 study; fish raised in Washington State and Chile had significantly lower levels.) Fish-farming pesticides, antibiotics and wastes end up in ocean waters, making farmed salmon an earthunfriendly choice. Because of toxins, experts suggest no more than one serving of farmed salmon per month; young children and pregnant or nursing women should avoid it altogether.

Q. Are packing peanuts really biodegradable with water?

A. Most packing peanuts are made of polystyrene and are not biodegradable. However, starch-based, biodegradable packing peanuts are available. If you're not sure whether the peanuts used in a package are biodegradable, place one in a glass of warm water. If it dissolves, it's biodegradable and you can toss it onto the compost pile or in the trash. If not, many options for recycling exist...

If it's polystyrene, bring it to a local mail services store that collects and reuses clean packing peanuts, such as Mail Boxes Etc. or search for a business near you on the Earth 911 site. The Plastic Loose-fill Producers' Council's "Peanut Hotline" 1-800-828-2214 also offers local drop-off locations for foam peanut re-use. .

Q. Is there such a thing as eco-friendly, nontoxic dry cleaners? How can I find one near me?

A. Conventional dry-cleaning uses perchloroethylene - a solvent that's bad for your health and the environment. Two non-perc methods are rapidly replacing this suspected carcinogen: a carbon dioxide process and a silicone-based solvent called "GreenEarth." To find one near you, call local cleaners or use one of these online directories: Hangers Cleaners or GreenEarth. Wet Cleaning is another option although it did not fare well in a 2003 Consumer Report test.

Q. What's the truth about plastic bottles? There's all this controversy about storing liquids or microwaving in plastic, etc. Is it unhealthy?

A. The short answer is yes, plastics leach chemicals into food and beverages. In April, the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal published an article that raised serious questions about low dosage exposure to bisphenol A - a chemical found in plastics and in the lining of canned food and drinks - and urged more in-depth studies.

The article examined 115 studies; the 11 studies funded by the chemical industry found no harm from low dosages of bisphenol A, while 98 non-industry studies had starkly different results, linking exposure to reproductive problems, obesity, early maturation and hyper activity. Since it appears research science is trying to catch up to the many advances in plastic, we'd recommend erring on the side of caution. Use glass of ceramic instead of plastic whenever possible. Consider metal water bottles from Klean Kanteen.

Q. I drink soy milk for my health and the environment, but it comes in non-recyclable containers! What should I do? - Irene

A. Good for you, Irene, for making healthy choices! Soy milk usually comes in "drink boxes", which are recyclable but not widely accepted but there is hope on the horizon. According to the Aseptic Packaging Council (the official name for these types of boxes) 25 states have recycling programs and the numbers are growing. Check out earth 911.org to find out what your local community is doing.