Comments inkedbuddha has made

  • Years ago I purchased (yes, new) the cardboard banker's boxes from Costco. I've since moved 4 or 5 times (too often, but that's life), and each time I use the boxes, and then fold them up and store them out of the way. They are easy to fold, and are very durable, I expect them to last for at least 4 or 5 more moves, maybe more (although I hope they won't be my moves!).

    On Ask Umbra on moving boxes posted 5 months ago 2 Responses

  • I don't see how someone could be "rational and progressive" and then label you a fascist for wanting to conserve energy (no matter how annoying, or not, you happen to be about it). I think Umbra, in this case, is too soft in her answer. While we can all stand to do some "self-reflection," I'd recommend finding a roommate with whom you have more aligned values. Who knows - not living together (and thus not seeing her waste, and getting improperly and rudely called a fascist) might do wonders for your friendship!

    On Ask Umbra on ungreen roommates posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago 5 Responses

  • @MES - My local coop sells shampoo (not all, but at least the Nature's Gate brand) in bulk, so you can bring in your original shampoo bottle (or a glass jar, or whatever you want), and buy the shampoo and conditioner (also, lotion) in bulk. Cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Check your local coop or health food stores, and if they don't yet do it, ask for it!!!

    I'm curious how Aveda would stack up. I started using their Scalp Benefits style, because it was one of the very few shampoos I have found without SLS, which really irritates my scalp.


    One more thing - I know short hair isn't for every person, but it certainly cuts down on my shampoo and conditioner use by a LOT!

    On A sudsy study of eco-label shampoos posted 6 months, 3 weeks ago 22 Responses

  • breadbowl?

    This sounds amazing. I love anything resembling bread pudding, and I love berries. I was wondering if you could use a breadbowl to avoid the whole ripping-and-lining part of the recipe?

    Thanks!

    TaraOn With berries and bread, you can make a delectable summer pudding posted 1 year, 3 months ago 3 Responses

  • Volvo diesel-electric hybrid

    Personally, I've been holding out (read: ecologically keeping my '96 Volvo, and driving it less) for the Volvo diesel-electric hybrid, which they've said will come out in 2010. I don't know if I will be able to afford it, but I'm saving my pennies now! :)

    http://dieselblog.net/2007/01/volvo-talking-about-a-diese ...On Umbra on diesel hybrids posted 1 year, 4 months ago 16 Responses

  • coffee bikes

    Funny - when I saw the headline for this Umbra column, I thought it referred to Project Rwanda and the "real" coffee bikes! If you are not familiar, check out projectrwanda.org, in particular, the Coffee Bike tab. You can support this great project, or even get your very own coffee bike, limited edition and signed by Tom Ritchey! :)On Umbra on transporting coffee by bike posted 1 year, 8 months ago 12 Responses

  • Sarah and Sarah

    Thank you for being you. Great list. Although, I'll admit I did always kinda have a thing for Brian. I'm a sucker for the "boy next door." sigh for teenage angst. :)On From Adrian to Athletes posted 1 year, 10 months ago 2 Responses

  • vegan ricotta

    I don't have the recipe on me, but there is a recipe for a tofu "ricotta" (it uses nutritional yeast) in the Vegan with a Vengeance cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz (a must-have, even for an omni kitchen!). The ricotta isn't enough like regular ricotta to gross out hardcore vegans - in fact, it is way better. It browns beautifully on pizza, so I'm guessing it would be perfect for any kind of pasta dish. Get this cookbook!!! :)On A noncarnivorous path to Super Bowl-snack nirvana posted 1 year, 10 months ago 9 Responses

  • compostable paper plates

    Katherine - check your local natural food store or co-op for biodegradable/compostable "paper" plates. Your husband won't see a difference in the plates, you can feel a little better about him not using regular dishes, and hopefully marital harmony will be preserved. Also, if he is using paper plates for little things like toast or cheese and crackers, maybe you can get him to use recycled paper towels, and skip the plate and water issue altogether. Best yet - tell him he can use paper plates every day if he is willing to ride his bike to work or for errands at least once a week. :)On Umbra on paper plates posted 1 year, 10 months ago 15 Responses

  • How about your own matching donation?

    Ok, I had another idea. This one is admittedly more complicated, but meshing the ideas of Jeff and Andrew (and me). Consider hitting up friends, family and coworkers for your own one-year volunteer-a-thon. Here is how it could work: 1. Ask for donations. Tell people that for every $10 you get, you'll volunteer one hour, and donate $5 of your own (a 50% match, from the original $1000). So, if I am doing the math correctly (forgive me, it is Monday, after all), when all is said and done, you'll have $3,000 to donate, plus 100 volunteer hours! Wow, what a win-win-win! Like I said, it is more complicated, but what a way to leverage that $1,000.

    "Engineers: Making things extra complicated for the greater good!"On Umbra on green donations posted 1 year, 10 months ago 21 Responses

  • Turn that cash into supplies

    I like to go with small monthly monetary donations to the larger charities (eg Enviro Defense, ahem Grist, etc), and give resources/time to my local organizations. Here is another idea for your money - check out the website of your local charity (or charities) of choice, because they usually post a "wish list," or call them directly, and find out what they need, and then buy it. For example, our local homeless teen shelter needs toiletries, warm clothes, sleeping bags, books, school supplies, etc. The local animal shelter needs towels, blankets, food, cleaning supplies, etc. You could take that $1,000 bucks (your parents rock!), and buy items directly, so you know exactly where your money went. It would take a little more time, but then you know your money goes directly to those in need. Happy "shopping!"On Umbra on green donations posted 1 year, 10 months ago 21 Responses

  • What about leather, too?

    I know the fur issue isn't the same (exactly) as the leather issue, but I'd like to get more info about leather. Does leather get "raised" in the same way fur animals do? If I'm not full vegan, is it hypocritical to not wear any leather as a statement? And what is a good choice substitute? I can't imagine that "washed PVC" (which has a very soft leather-like feel) is a better alternative, knowing the toxicity associated with PVC. I can't afford the highest end all-organic, all-synthetic products - at least I don't think so. Anyone have any good tips on how to shop both cruelty-free and toxics-free, on a moderate budget? Thanks!On Umbra on (inherited) fur coats posted 1 year, 10 months ago 60 Responses

  • really?

    I thought the Suri Cruise thing was a funny Grist joke. But no. sighOn Knut to star in Hollywood flick posted 1 year, 10 months ago 3 Responses

  • Live Earth

    I have to respectfully disagree, Jeff. For those of us who care a lot about this issues and work with them all the time (I'm guessing this includes you), I think it is easy to forget just how many people really don't even know about the simplest energy saving tips and other earth friendly behaviors. Sure, some don't care it all, but lots of people, by necessity, are more interested in making a living than making history (a la Paul Wellstone). I thought they did an excellent job with the movie shorts and the commercials, giving a lot of tips and info without being preachy or seeming like a left-wing enviro agenda (of which I am a proud member). :) And frankly, celebrity does matter to a lot of people, so to have everyone from Fergie(ahem, licious) to Dave Matthews to Ludacris involved, you are going to get a lot of people's attention. And personally, I don't care if Ludacris (for example! don't yell at me, Lud fans) up until this event  drove four SUVs. Leading by example is so important - but if you aren't there, but you have the ability to make a much larger impact, then more power to you. Ok, I'm done now. :)On The Day the Music Lied? posted 2 years, 4 months ago 3 Responses

  • gaiam water filter

    Hi dpagano,

    I just gave Gaiam a call (they answer their phones without an annoying phone menu, they are great!). California has drinking water regulations that prevent them from sending the filters to a residence in CA. I'd say call up your friend in Reno (or LV, depending on where you are in CA), and get it that way. :)

    Although, I (and I live in Sacto) may just give the homemade version a try.On Umbra on water filters posted 2 years, 5 months ago 10 Responses

  • headlines

    I don't know how in the heck Grist staff come up the headlines for the Grist List, but week after week it is pure freakin' genius. Seriously. I had to wipe a tear from my eye just now.On From Possums to Paddling posted 2 years, 6 months ago 4 Responses

  • What's up with the digs at Amory?

    I think the story is good and the idea even better. As has been said many times - the cheapest energy is the energy never used.

    But why the fun at Lovins' expense? Twice (caption and text) you act like he isn't sexy for more than his brain. Ha! He may be some people's dreamboat!

    Other than this very rude and seemingly unprovoked mockery, I do love love love my Grist. :)On Plans to boost energy efficiency start getting traction in Congress posted 2 years, 7 months ago 11 Responses

  • like a giddy schoolgirl

    Gosh, I know it isn't decorous to gush, but I just love the gristlist. This is some of the best info I get all week (and I am on a lot of enviro and transport listservs!). Thank you thank you thank you for another great list!On From Cleavage to Coasters posted 2 years, 8 months ago 5 Responses

  • terror-free gas - possible?

    I understand what they are trying to get at with the terror-free gas, but a) aren't there serious problems in OTHER regions where we buy oil, e.g. Venezuela, and b) can't this lead to looking for oil where this is very little for the cost of getting it, e.g. Alaska?On From Bacon to Bouncin' posted 2 years, 9 months ago 4 Responses

  • But woodstoves - poor air quality?

    First, yes, fruitwoods make wonderful wood for burning. My parents live on a 10-acre walnut orchard, and as trees die over time, they get endless amounts of dense, "clean"-burning wood.

    But I have a question for Umbra (or anyone else). I live in the Sacramento area, where they are considering outlawing wood burning because during the winter, we have multiple days of "unhealthy" or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" AQI, in no small part due to the woodstoves (and yes, vehicles and industry play a role, too). Of course there are many problems associated with using oil heat, and electricity.

    So what are we to do? We have been seeing record low temps for the Valley (in low 20's at night), which I believe we will continue to see each year. Short of dressing in heavy animal pelts (which, naturally, has other enviro concerns), what option is the "least bad" option for heating our homes?

    (I should add that Sacramanto Municipal Utility District [SMUD] offers Greenergy, where you can very cheaply [~6 bucks a month] get the equivalent of your home energy use purchased from renewables. So maybe does that weight things in electricity's favor?).

    TaraOn Umbra on which wood to burn posted 2 years, 10 months ago 8 Responses