Advice | Grist

It's a roux story

How to turn your turkey carcass into a spectacular gumbo 3
Posted 1 day, 13 hours ago Foodie sites are now brimming with recipes for the Thanksgiving feast. As usual, April McGreger's thinking ahead. She delivers the goods on what to do with the turkey leftovers. Goodbye, mundane sandwiches; hello, delicious gumbo.
Calling All Wildcats

This Friday, don’t just Buy Nothing—use nothing! 4
Posted 1 day, 19 hours ago The organizers of Buy Nothing Day, an annual attempt to counter the rampant consumerism of Black Friday, are notching things up this year, calling for a 24-hour "wildcat strike" against consumption. Find out how to join in.
Feast Your Eyes

Ask Umbra on trash, toxics, and tots 6
Posted 2 days, 3 hours ago Is composting bad for landfills? Are eco-products sprayed with chemicals? And could melamine cabinets make a safe changing table? Umbra advises.
Tress for Success

Ask Umbra on shower caps, computers, and junk mail 19
Posted 1 week, 2 days ago 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.
Ask Umbra's feeling tipsy

You never get a second chance to make No Impact—oh wait, yes you do 2
Posted 1 week, 4 days ago It's No Impact Week! Again! Find out how to reduce your consumption in just seven days -- and see why Umbra is suddenly craving lollipops.
Kids Learn the Darnedest Things

Ask Umbra on climate-skeptic teachers, low-flow toilets, and more 32
Posted 2 weeks, 2 days ago 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.
Umbra's Just Bee-Cause

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

Ask Umbra on her hotness, corporate gift baskets, and more 7
Posted 3 weeks, 2 days ago 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.
Just Boo-Cause

Ask Umbra on Halloween treats and costumes 6
Posted 4 weeks ago 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.
Flash in the Pan

Ask Umbra on canned and frozen foods 23
Posted 1 month ago 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.
Can't you Hear me noggin

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

Ask Umbra on writer’s block 0
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago 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.
Gwyn Some, Lose Some

Does being hot make your green website hot, too? 3
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago We take a peek at a crop of eco-sites started by starlets. Ooh, say that five times fast.
We Will All Go Down Together

Ask Umbra on climate weapons 4
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago 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.
I Gave at the Office

Ask Umbra on offsetting work trips 3
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago 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.
is it too late?

A video interview with Bill Moyers 2
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago Renowned journalist Bill Moyers on what it takes to change direction in America, whether it's too late to act on climate, and what he thinks of climate skeptics.
Free Pass?

Ask Umbra on buying carbon offsets 11
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago 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.
Tank and File

Ask Umbra on replacing hot-water heaters 21
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago When the parents of three little boys wonder which hot-water heater makes the most sense for them, Umbra sheds light on the issue.
A Non-Starter?

Ask Umbra on anti-idling campaigns 15
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago 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.