Ecological Footprint

Ask Umbra's feeling tipsy

You never get a second chance to make No Impact—oh wait, yes you do 1
Posted 6 days, 21 hours 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.
Placemakers

A surprising sneak peek at the clothesline revolution 31
Posted 1 week, 1 day ago Alexander Lee travels the country evangelizing the merits of clotheslines through his organization, Project Laundry List. He says the humble laundry tool can have a real impact on climate and energy -- he'd even like to see one at the White House. So why are so many people vehemently opposed?
It’s Getting Ha! in Here: Maria Bamford 0
Posted 1 week, 1 day ago
Low Impact, No Publicity

Simple people 6
Posted 2 weeks, 2 days ago Certain people get a lot of attention for living simply (ahem, No Impact Man, Sleeping Naked lady). But simple living is all around us, offering inspiration that doesn't come in the form of press releases.
Flash in the Pan

Ask Umbra on canned and frozen foods 23
Posted 3 weeks, 4 days 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.
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, 1 week 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.
Tank and File

Ask Umbra on replacing hot-water heaters 21
Posted 1 month, 2 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.
TRAY CHIC

Ask Umbra’s video advice on making lunch matter 0
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago Common wisdom tells us there’s no free lunch. But you can have a guilt-free lunch, thanks to Umbra Fisk’s recipe for midday munchers everywhere. You won’t have to swallow your pride -- you can eat well, save money, and help this juicy planet we call home.
Ask Umbra’s video advice on making lunch matter 8
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Dispatch from the virtual front lines of parenting

The fight to save childhood 8
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
What happens when sustainability and internet addiction collide? At the JP Green House, an experiment in unplugging commences along with the new school year.
More, More, More, said the parents

Ask Umbra on big families 48
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
When a woman worries that her daughter wants to have too many kids, Umbra steps in with some familial advice.
Ask Umbra’s video advice on greening your campus 3
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Car-Bon Voyage

Ask Umbra on dream trips 1
Posted 3 months ago
A couple looking ahead toward retirement wonders how they'll be able to travel in an eco-friendly way, and Umbra works up a few suggestions.
Oh, those pesky existential questions!

Puppies and bunnies and carnivorous eco-curmudgeons 7
Posted 3 months ago
Should the JP Green House raise and slaughter bunnies in their back yard? That's just one of the questions they're struggling with. Weigh in!
Jet Smart

Ask Umbra on flying less 17
Posted 3 months ago
Is it up to us to fly less, or is it up to the airline industry to get on the stick? Umbra Fisk swoops through the skies with an answer.
Ask Umbra’s video advice on growing food in small urban spaces 0
Posted 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Same as the Old Toss

Ask Umbra on (gasp) throwing stuff out 10
Posted 4 months ago
It's been a year since today's letter-writer switched to less-toxic cosmetics, but she still can't figure out how to get rid of the old ones. Umbra advises.
Ask Umbra’s video advice on saving money (and water) in the toilet 12
Posted 4 months ago