Ask Umbra

Astute advice to green your life

Umbra's Just Bee-Cause

Tweet for the bees 4
Posted 2 weeks, 1 day ago by Umbra Fisk
Find out how you can support honeybee research, the lazy way -- plus, a second chance to drink in Umbra's incredible bee hugs video! Read More
Bring It On

Ask Umbra on her hotness, corporate gift baskets, and more 7
Posted 2 weeks, 5 days ago by Umbra Fisk
One question at a time wasn't enough for our dear Umbra Fisk, who debuts a multi-question column this week with advice on taking climate action, greening corporate gift baskets, and recycling receipts. Read More
I Gave at the Office

Ask Umbra on offsetting work trips 3
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago by Umbra Fisk
If you absolutely have to travel for your job, is it better to buy carbon offsets -- or make more concrete changes to your energy use at home? Or both? Umbra drops in with an answer. Read More

More Ask Umbra

Tress for Success

Ask Umbra on shower caps, computers, and junk mail 18
Posted 5 days, 18 hours ago by Umbra Fisk
Does anyone make a non-vinyl shower cap? Is it better to turn computers off at night or leave them running? And how, how can you get rid of all that junk mail? Umbra advises. Read More
Kids Learn the Darnedest Things

Ask Umbra on climate-skeptic teachers, low-flow toilets, and more 32
Posted 1 week, 5 days ago by Umbra Fisk
Umbra addresses crap of the educational and evacuational varieties, as well as helping a reader with New Year's resolutions and revealing another resource for greening your life. Read More
It’s Getting Ha! in Here: Featuring Aziz Ansari 0
Posted 2 weeks, 2 days ago by Umbra Fisk
Aziz Ansari, from NBC’s Parks and Recreation, talks with Grist about what he’s doing to lessen his carbon foot and handprints. Read More
Just Boo-Cause

Ask Umbra on Halloween treats and costumes 6
Posted 3 weeks, 4 days ago by Umbra Fisk
Looking for good eco-handouts for the holiday, or perhaps an inspired climate-themed costume? Umbra has a few tricks (and treats) up her sleeve. Read More
Flash in the Pan

Ask Umbra on canned and frozen foods 23
Posted 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Umbra Fisk
With winter making the selection of fresh produce dwindle, a reader wonders which is the better eco-option: frozen foods, or canned? Umbra digs into the question. Read More
Can't you Hear me noggin

Ask Umbra on bike helmets 12
Posted 1 month ago by Umbra Fisk
When a cyclist wonders about the impact of her discarded helmets on the planet, Umbra suggests that she shift gears. Read More
Ask Umbra’s video tips for Climate Action Day 2
Posted 1 month ago by Umbra Fisk
Umbra’s hottest tips for committing climate civil disobedience Read More
Sustainabull

Ask Umbra on writer’s block 0
Posted 1 month ago by Umbra Fisk
A newly minted intern at a consulting firm has been asked to write about sustainability, but is feeling a bit tongue-tied. Umbra guides him through. Read More
We Will All Go Down Together

Ask Umbra on climate weapons 4
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago by Umbra Fisk
It's great that some people want to buy carbon offsets, says Umbra -- but it won't get the job done. Here's her advice on making bigger, better change. Read More
Free Pass?

Ask Umbra on buying carbon offsets 11
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
Your power company wants to sell you offsets, but what are they doing with the money? Umbra explains how to find out, and whether it's worth the investment. Read More
Tank and File

Ask Umbra on replacing hot-water heaters 21
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
When the parents of three little boys wonder which hot-water heater makes the most sense for them, Umbra sheds light on the issue. Read More
A Non-Starter?

Ask Umbra on anti-idling campaigns 15
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
A Girl Scout troop wants to start an anti-idling campaign, but they're not sure how to combat nervous grown-ups who think turning a car on and off will cause damage. Umbra, floored, gives them fuel for their cause. Read More
Ask Umbra’s video advice on making lunch matter 8
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on drafty houses 3
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on that new-car smell 3
Posted 1 month, 4 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on giving advice 0
Posted 2 months ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on combating climate denial 55
Posted 2 months ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on sex ... chicken sex, that is 14
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on big families 48
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on bubble wrap 6
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on autumn leaves 1
Posted 4 years, 2 months ago by Umbra Fisk
Ask Umbra on green cleaning 7
Posted 2 months, 4 weeks ago by Umbra Fisk