 Stories About: Ask Umbra
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Civic's Lesson
On used cars |
Umbra Fisk |
03 Oct 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, With rising -- OK, skyrocketing -- gas prices, I would like to invest in a car that gets good mileage and is reliable. However, I can't afford a new Toyota Prius. Do you have any suggestions for environmentally friendly used cars that those of us on a budget might be able to invest in? Living in Wyoming, I have to travel long distances on a frequent basis, and public transportation is a joke here, so any suggestions would be appre ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, cars, fuel efficiency, placemaking (all these topics) |
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The Wheel Deal
On bicycle commuting |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, My question regards my daily half-hour (each way) bicycle commute through fairly heavy city traffic. I've been wondering if the benefits (exercise, sunshine, free and fast transport) are outweighed by the negatives (primarily breathing in diesel and other exhaust, but I'd also throw in the risk of almost getting run over, despite the cheap thrills). I am fortunate enough that my alternative would be to take the subway, not ... |
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| Topics: advice, air pollution, Ask Umbra, bikes, green living, health, placemaking, public transportation (all these topics) |
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Litter Bugged
On kitty litter |
Umbra Fisk |
26 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I recently adopted a cat, and I am having a hard time deciding what to do with the kitty litter. Is there some kind of green litter that is best to use? Anything flushable and sewage-tank friendly? Or, can I compost the litter -- and what should I use to cover it up with? Kate Graves Nashville, Tenn. Dearest Kate, Just as our eco-children can be diaper-free, it appears our cats can be litter-free. Teach your cat to use the toil ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, gardening, green living, waste (all these topics) |
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Rake's Progress
On autumn leaves |
Umbra Fisk |
21 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, With fall here, the leaves are changing and falling from the trees. What is the best way to handle them? Burning them makes so much smoke, but putting them in trash bags and sending them to the landfill doesn't seem like a good thing to do either. Please advise. Thanks! Molly Ratkay South Bend, Ind. Dearest Molly, Keep them. Partially decomposed deciduous leaves are an excellent source of micronutrients. In fact, they are ge ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, land stewardship (all these topics) |
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Take It to the Limit
On speed limits |
Umbra Fisk |
19 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I was babbling about the '70s energy crisis, gas rationing, and the nationwide 55 mile-per-hour speed limit at work the other day, and found myself explaining to a group of younger people how you save gas if you drive slower. They had never heard such a thing! Could you refresh my memory about why 55 is the magic number for saving fuel? They need to hear it in scientificese. Ruth Denton, Texas Dearest Ruth, As you well r ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, fuel efficiency, placemaking, recycling (all these topics) |
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Knob Appeal
On architectural salvage |
Umbra Fisk |
14 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We recently replaced the doorknobs in our place, so we have a fistful of old yet working doorknobs I'd hate to just toss. What to do with this and other perfectly good hardware? R.B.M. Arlington, Va. Dearest R.B.M., This answer goes out to you, but also to all your fellow home remodelers out there. One person's old doorknob is another's period-restoration item, as the adage goes. Don't knock it. You can, of course, try t ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, business, green living, recycling (all these topics) |
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Sill and Grace
On windows |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I just bought an old house and need to replace some of the windows. Are there alternatives to vinyl windows that will still cut down on heat loss? Noah Winer Philadelphia, Pa. Dearest Noah, I hope I've caught you before you've placed your window order, because you are at a moment of opportunity. Window replacement will make a huge difference in your house's energy efficiency. You could be losing up to a third of your heat through t ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home, energy efficiency, green building, green living (all these topics) |
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School Daze
On why we shouldn't waste energy |
Umbra Fisk |
07 Sep 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am doing a big geography project at school on saving energy and recycling. My part is to comment on what will happen if we keep wasting energy. I know the basic information, but I am not sure what to write, as it is to be given out to adults (and I'm only 12!). Please send me some useful information because I am really stuck! Laura Heartfordshire, U.K. Dearest Laura, There are a few things that happen as we kee ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, energy, renewable energy (all these topics) |
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Give a Hoot, Offset a Poot
On offsetting emissions from flatulence |
Umbra Fisk |
31 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I was wondering if there is any information about the average CO2 emissions from human flatulence. My friend (and I really do mean my friend, I'm not just trying to hide that it's for me) has a birthday coming up, and I think it would be a fun and meaningful gift to get him renewable-energy credits for his CO2 emissions. Thanks! Matt Ashland, Wis. Dearest Matt, When I first began writing thi ... |
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| Topics: advice, air pollution, Ask Umbra, energy, wind power (all these topics) |
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The Ol' Razzle-Nozzle
On garden hoses |
Umbra Fisk |
29 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'm diligently avoiding PVC plastics, but cannot find a good quality non-PVC garden hose. We have particularly high water pressure, so we need a hose that can withstand the pressure. I only need to water the veggie garden a couple of times a week in summer, but it's not quite feasible to do it with a watering can. To further complicate matters for you, we live in New Zealand, though we are willing to try importing a non- ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, gardening, green living, New Zealand (all these topics) |
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Change for a Ten
On taking the next step |
Umbra Fisk |
24 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I've noticed that often you tell people "don't sweat the small stuff" and suggest they focus on the major issues (transportation, housing, etc.). What about those of us who already do that, and want to do even more? I can almost guarantee you we are the ones sending you questions about widgets and all the other seemingly minuscule choices one faces. So what, then, would you recommend for us hard-core, been-t ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, grassroots activism, green living (all these topics) |
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Paper or Drastic
On personal actions that make a real difference |
Umbra Fisk |
22 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, What are some everyday things I could do to protect the environment? Like choosing plastic or paper, that kind of thing. Dominick Spokane, Wash. Dearest Dominick, Your good question has a surprising answer, and it's one I'm happy to repeat as often as necessary: None of the important things has to do with paper or plastic, or any of the daily choices most of us spend lots of time pondering. W ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, innovation (all these topics) |
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Changes of Engine
On biodiesel vs. straight veggie oil |
Umbra Fisk |
17 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have the opportunity to convert a 1979 non-turbo Mercedes into a non-diesel. The question I have is: to which should I switch, biodiesel or vegetable oil? I can't seem to find out which one is best, just that these two are better than any petroleum-based fuels, which we already know (thanks for your earlier column on hybrids vs. veggie oil). Also, is it possible to switch from biodiesel to veggie oil, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars, placemaking, renewable energy (all these topics) |
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Su-Su-Pseudo
On true hybrids |
Umbra Fisk |
15 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I read the New York Times article that reported auto manufacturers are using hybrid technology to boost power rather than improve mileage. It specifically mentioned the Honda Accord, claiming that the mileage difference between the six-cylinder and the hybrid is minimal. What are the facts here? Is there a hybrid that really, actually, no-foolin'-around, gives really good mileage, represents a significant improvement over the reg ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, cars, electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, hybrids, placemaking (all these topics) |
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Harmin' Hammer?
On baking soda |
Umbra Fisk |
10 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I liked your column about homemade cleaning products. I have a question, though: What's up with baking soda? It's frequently bandied about as an eco-friendly cleaner, but I have no idea what it is, where it comes from, or how it's made. Amanda Charlottesville, Va. Dearest Amanda, Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a naturally occurring crystalline compound. I can be unusually precise about where it comes from: Green River, Wyo ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green cleaning, green living, mining, Wyoming (all these topics) |
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IBM Me Up, Scotty
On computer recycling |
Umbra Fisk |
08 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Do you have any suggestions for locating a computer-recycling service in the Piedmont area of North Carolina? Janet Fortune Dearest Janet, Frankly, I couldn't even have located the Piedmont area of North Carolina before you wrote. With today's technology, however, such ignorance is no barrier to giving advice. The rest of you, listen up, because Janet's question will be your question some day. Electronic waste is a big ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, e-waste, green living, North Carolina, recycling, toxics (all these topics) |
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Greasing Their Alms
On oil subsidies |
Umbra Fisk |
03 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Grist keeps mentioning that the U.S. government gives large subsidies to oil companies, but doesn't go further into what these subsidies are. I can't make a good argument against the government's subsidizing Big Oil if I don't know more about it: Are the subsidies tax breaks, and if so, for what? Are the tax breaks larger than for most other large companies? How biased is our treatment of Big Oil? Christine Hillsboro, Or ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, Big Oil, business, energy, oil, politics (all these topics) |
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Des Cartes
On utility carts |
Umbra Fisk |
01 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I live less than a half-mile from a supermarket, and prefer to do my errands by foot. Any thoughts on where I could buy a top-of-the-line utility cart? I'm willing to pay a premium for something lightweight, smooth-rolling, stable, foldable, and durable (or if not durable, then easy to recycle when it breaks!). Something stylish would be a bonus: it might just convince my neighbors to follow suit. Liz Alexandria, Va. Dearest Liz, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, New York (all these topics) |
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LeSabre Rattling
On car disposal |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Jul 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, My wife and I are making plans to purchase our first hybrid vehicle and need to properly dispose of our current car -- a 1989 Buick LeSabre. My question is, what is the best way to get rid of it? It is old and has a lot of miles on it. I suppose the dealer may take it off our hands for a very small trade-in amount -- at which point, they will probably just send it to the scrap yard. What are the odds of it getting properly re ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, cars, green living, placemaking, recycling (all these topics) |
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Just Maui'd
On green weddings |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Jul 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We are having a wedding in Kauai in September and are expecting about 40 guests. I would like to make it as "carbon-neutral" as possible. We've already instituted some greening aspects -- recycled invitations, recycling at the reception, etc. -- but would like to take it a step further. Obviously, air travel is the most significant contributor. Are there any organizations offering carbon offsets for weddings? I researc ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, carbon offsets, green living, Hawaii (all these topics) |
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Easy, Breezy, Beautiful
On micro-wind |
Umbra Fisk |
20 Jul 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Are there any worthwhile resources or models that would enable me to generate my own electricity in a cost-effective way, using wind power? This is on a one-household basis. Matt Pines Toronto, Canada Dearest Matt, In jargon-land, you are interested in micro-wind. Little did you know! Because you are a blessed Canadian, you have an excellent resource, the Canadian Wind Energy Association's small-wind calculator. Just en ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, Canada, energy, renewable energy, wind power (all these topics) |
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We Must Increase Our Gust
On wind farms ... again |
Umbra Fisk |
18 Jul 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, In your response about opposition to wind farms, you neglected in your enthusiasm to say how much electricity from wind would actually be used and what effect, if any, the farms would have on our overall energy use. Can you cite an example of actual reduction of fossil- and nuclear-fuel use brought about by existing wind farms on a general grid? And if so, couldn't conservation bring even more benefits, witho ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, renewable energy, wind power (all these topics) |
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Your Ask Is Grass
On lawn mowers |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Jul 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, OK, I hate lawns. But for a number of reasons, I have to move into a town where lawns are the law, and mowing a necessity. Can you give me the scoop on the most eco-friendly lawnmower that will still cut decently? (No, I can't have goats.) My old reel lawnmower never did a decent job, and I doubt I could talk the rest of the family into it. That leaves, as far as I know: electric (corded and cordless), solar, and (gasp) gas. ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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Get a Load of This
On washing machines |
Umbra Fisk |
11 Jul 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have a top-loading washing machine that's nine years old. I've heard that front-loading machines are a lot more efficient and use less detergent, so I'm thinking about taking the plunge, even though my old machine works fine. How much less water do the front-loading machines use, and why? And is it true that they use less detergent? (I just switched to an environmentally friendly detergent, but boy, is it expensive -- ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home, energy efficiency, green living (all these topics) |
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Hirsute Yourself
On shaving, part two |
Umbra Fisk |
22 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I just read your response about men's shaving, but what about women? I don't see many women shaving with straight razors, plus we have the depilatory cream and waxing options too. What's our best option, especially for those of us who just hate dealing with it, but must? Catherine Appleton, Wis. Dearest Catherine, Although I pledged to avoid the widget this year, I am failing -- for the widget's size belies its magnetic ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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