Energy At Home

Space Evaders

Ask Umbra on ungreen roommates 5
Posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago
So you're trying to enlighten the folks you live with, but they're just not getting the picture? Umbra unlocks some new ideas.
Same Batshit Channel

The digital TV conversion is here—are you e-ready? 2
Posted 6 months ago
All TV broadcasts have now gone digital. Here's how to green your transition.
John Muir, Green Building Consultant

With green home venture, Sierra Club mixes profits with passion 4
Posted 6 months ago
One of the nation's oldest and most-respected environmental organizations has launched a for-profit online venture as a one-stop shop for information and services to green up your lifestyle and decarbonize your home.
Talkin' Bout Cogeneration

Two homeowners, one monster, and a cutting-edge power source 6
Posted 6 months, 2 weeks ago
There's a monster in the basement, but Peter and Edith are going to slay it. They're replacing their outdated furnace with a state-of-the-art micro-cogeneration system -- one of the first used in a residential setting.
Use the Course

Ask Umbra on hydro power at home 5
Posted 7 months ago
Behold the mightiness of the backyard stream: Umbra explains how to harness it for home-energy purposes.
A Real, Big Scale Solution to Climate Change Individuals Can Pull Off

Utility rate structures can be fun 2
Posted 7 months ago
Let's say you were a very powerful being, something called Utility God. And let's pretend you realized climate change was a big problem. How do you encourage homeowners to save energy?
Banner Up

Ask Umbra on flag flying 1
Posted 7 months ago
When it comes to displaying the U.S. flag, there are certain rules to follow. But today's letter-writer finds her eco-values getting in the way. What to do?
Good Griddance

Ask Umbra on living off the grid 17
Posted 7 months, 1 week ago
What does it mean to live off the grid, and how can you get in on the action? Tune in to Umbra's latest advice.
Draft punk

Seattle, utility to help pay for home energy audits 3
Posted 7 months, 1 week ago
Mayor Nickel's Green Building Capital Initiative will help fund discounted home energy audits and create a loan program for efficiency improvements.
I've Had the Time of My Light

Ask Umbra on light timers 5
Posted 7 months, 1 week ago
Can't remember to flip the switch? Umbra glows on and on about automated options.
How many LEDs does it take to light up the Earth? 0
Posted 7 months, 1 week ago
Push My Buttons

Umbra advises on elevators 0
Posted 7 months, 2 weeks ago
When it comes to climbing, is it better to take the stairs or the lift? Umbra steps in with an answer.
Ugh, April 22nd already?

What’s the matter with Earth Day? 5
Posted 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Why does Grist hate Earth Day? Are the Gristers jealous or something?
In the line of fireworks

Expect sparks as the Senate takes up energy legislation 0
Posted 7 months, 3 weeks ago
If the mark-up of some of the least-controversial energy measures last week was any indication of things to come, we can expect fireworks in the Senate on energy policy when legislators return from their two-week April recess.
Myth: Using less energy = sacrifice 8
Posted 8 months ago
Mention "reducing demand" to Average Jane American and she'll assume you mean conservation: turning off lights, drying clothes on a clothesline, riding a bike to work, wearing a sweater when it's cold inside. And when she thinks conservation, she'll generally think, ugh, there go the dirty hippies telling me to feel guilty and be miserable again.

Both these associations are bogus.
Each In Its Place

Umbra on burning wood and gas 1
Posted 8 months, 1 week ago
Which emits more carbon, firewood or gas? And is it even a fair comparison?
Twenty steps to a greener home

Eric Corey Freed extrapolates on his recommendations in the NYT 0
Posted 8 months, 2 weeks ago
Monday I wrote "Ignore NYT's Green Home column."

I was critical both of the author Julie Scelfo and Eric Corey Freed, the author of Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies. But having corresponded with Freed, it seems that his recommendations were taken somewhat out of context. He in fact provided a rough list of 20 things to do.
Whirl Rule

Umbra on hot tubs 1
Posted 8 months, 2 weeks ago
Should you use a hot tub timer? Umbra's answer bubbles to the surface.
Ignore NYT's Green Home column

First five steps to a greener home are not what the article says 0
Posted 8 months, 2 weeks ago
On Friday, the New York Times Andy Revkin directed his readers to the new column, "The Green Home" by Julie Scelfo. The column he linked to, "Five Beginners' Steps to a Greener Home," is not terribly useful at all -- indeed I would say it is counterproductive.
Smart infrastructure, courts v. coal, and energy efficiency all over 0
Posted 8 months, 3 weeks ago