 Stories About: advice AND Ask Umbra AND green living AND green products
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Petered Pans
On green cookware |
Umbra Fisk |
08 Oct 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'm thinking it's time to start switching out my family's cookware. When hubby and I got legally partnered, we received some Calphalon (am I allowed to name names?) and pseudo-Calphalon non-stick cookware, and we've used it for a number of years. While the non-stick finish has been well cared for and is not chipping, flaking, or peeling, I have some concern about non-stick finishes and want to be able to put my cookware under t ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, green living, green products, health, toxics, US EPA (all these topics) |
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No Can Do
On aerosols |
Umbra Fisk |
06 Oct 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Love the column. Keep up the great stuff! A question: My co-workers and I are suspicious of buying spray cans, even though we know they no longer contain CFCs. We suspect that aerosol cans contain HCFCs -- hydrochlorofluorocarbons -- which are proving to be dangerous as well, this time as greenhouse gases. Do all aerosol cans contain HCFCs? Can we trust a "green" product like an essential-oils-and-water-based deodorizer that c ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, greenhouse-gas emissions, ozone, US EPA (all these topics) |
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America's Top Sheaf
On recycled vs. certified paper |
Umbra Fisk |
03 Sep 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Our office is trying to develop an environmental paper procurement policy, and we were wondering which component is most critical -- certification by the Forest Stewardship Council, or recycled content? If you could help us understand which is best to support, we would greatly appreciate it. Dan S. Denver, Colo. Dearest Dan, We need to pause and celebrate: 15 years ago, was it even possible for this questi ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, Forest Stewardship Council, green living, green products, recycling (all these topics) |
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Three Wheels Good
On adult tricycles |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Jul 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I want to reduce my carbon footprint. I already take a commuter train to work, but the station is down a steep hill from my house, so I drive the first mile or so in the morning and back up the hill at night. The train station has lock-ups for cycles and I'm interested in that -- but I have a disability that affects my whole right side, arm, foot, leg. I'm not able to stay balanced on a conventional two-wheeled bike but h ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, bikes, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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Deflater House
On air mattresses |
Umbra Fisk |
14 Jul 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We live in a small house, and when we have guests, the bed situation is limiting. Convenience tells me that an inflatable bed would be ideal. However, the "no vinyl, that's final" rule reigns supreme in our household. What sort of options can you suggest for a sleeping surface that is easy to store, environmentally responsible, and comfy? Sleepily, Angie Huntington Beach, Calif. Dearest Angie, The night I spent on ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, health, shopping, toxics (all these topics) |
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Wee, Wee, Wee All the Way Home
On the never-ending diaper ado |
Umbra Fisk |
18 Jun 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| My Sweet Umbra, The diaper debate continues! I've read Grist's position, and I even saw the same answer posted in your FAQs, which means I'm not supposed to be asking you about it again (all change has been effected by those of us who challenge the system!). The thing is, I disagree vehemently with your assertion that cloth diapers are as evil as disposables, and here's why: We use organic cotton diapers on o ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, parenting (all these topics) |
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Till Stuff Do Us Part
On wedding registries again |
Umbra Fisk |
16 Jun 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, I'm getting married in August, and I've registered on Heifer International, but am looking for other ways to offer gift-givers a way to buy socially conscious and green gifts. Since "green," fair-trade, and organic are all the rage, could you recommend any good online places to find eco-friendly products other than the obvious (Whole Foods, REI, etc.)? I want to be sure I support the right places inst ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, shopping (all these topics) |
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Ounce For Ounce
On buying eco-products in bulk |
Umbra Fisk |
14 May 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Why can't I find environmentally friendly products (laundry soap, shampoo, etc.) in bulk packaging? It seems like there are many companies that make products that are not so hard on the planet, but they are only sold in little tiny containers, which of course increases packaging. I would love to find eco-friendly laundry soap in a five-gallon bucket ... after all, if I think clean clothes are important today, wh ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, consumerism, green living, green products, shopping (all these topics) |
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Stacks of Advice
On library furniture |
Umbra Fisk |
07 Apr 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I work in an academic library that has just received funding to purchase new furniture for the first time in over 20 years. As such, the committee examining this is very interested in purchasing stuff that will last a long time and be attractive and comfortable well into the future. We are purchasing a combination of comfy couches and chairs along with more austere study tables and chairs. Other libraries in the area tha ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, shopping (all these topics) |
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Different Beasts
On organic vs. natural foods |
Umbra Fisk |
31 Mar 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'm trying to convince my sister that there is a difference between all-natural and organic products, and she doesn't think there is. I'm pretty sure there is a difference, I just don't know what it is. I look at the ingredients of some of the food she buys that she says are "natural" and I wonder how these products are able to claim that! What are the qualifications for something to be labeled all-natu ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, consumerism, food, green living, green products, organic food, shopping (all these topics) |
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Nasty Namaste
On toxic yoga mats |
Umbra Fisk |
24 Mar 2008 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I own a yoga studio and our mats are wearing out and in need of replacement. What's the best alternative for buying new mats? And if I do get new mats, what's the best option for disposing of the old ones: donate to one of the many organizations that provide yoga for people that can't afford the usual yoga studio rates? Or spare them the toxins and send the mats to the landfill, or my gosh are they possibly recyclable? Help! ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, recycling, sports, toxics (all these topics) |
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Sleep of Faith
On organic mattresses |
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19 Dec 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I need a new mattress and really want to buy one that is not doused in chemicals -- in other words, an organic mattress. I've searched a number of sites online and have been horrified by the prices. They are really, really expensive! How bad is it if I buy a regular old affordable mattress? And if it's really that bad, where can I find an organic one that won't cost a small fortune? Emily Wynnewood, Pa. Dearest Emily, Hey, I just foun ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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Still Worth It
On mercury in CFLs |
Umbra Fisk |
16 Jul 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dearest Umbra, For the past 10 years or so I have been patiently and methodically replacing the incandescent light bulbs in my house with the more efficient compact fluorescent ones. Even though they cost more than incandescents, I have been confident that their lower energy requirements and longer life span more than made up for the increased cost. Thus I was greatly dismayed the other day when I went to our local transfer station and ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home, energy efficiency, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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Message on a Bottle
On aluminum bottles |
Umbra Fisk |
04 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Umbra, Are aluminum bottles safer than Nalgene bottles? I'm looking at getting Sigg bottles for my self, wife, and son. Vendor agnostic, are the materials used by aluminum-only vendors safer than those that incorporate Lexan? Chris Webber Seattle, Wash. Dearest Chris, I swear, I pick questions and only then do I notice that yet again I have chosen one from Seattle. It is not a conspiracy. I just wanted a question to go with our r ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, health, toxics (all these topics) |
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Moonshine Lullaby
On organic liquors |
Umbra Fisk |
19 Mar 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, After an epic weekend of drinking, I realized I've never seen or heard about any organic liquors. I've seen organic beer and wine, but never any organic gin, vodka, scotch, etc. Any chance I can drink in the future without having to feel guilty about not being organically drunk? David Tucker Rockville, Md. Dearest David, Isn't the whole point of drunkenness insulation from guilt and its fellow emotions? Don't feel guilty. ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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From Pad to Worse
On that time of the month, again |
Umbra Fisk |
10 Jan 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, You mentioned in "Kid Commando" that the "disposable vs. reusable diaper fight is in a stalemate for the foreseeable future." Is the same true for sanitary napkins? Clara Yuan Ithaca, N.Y. Dearest Clara, I haven't heard tell of the debate, frankly. I certainly get several "which is better" diaper questions a month, but yours is the first on sanitary napkins in quite a while. Pe ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, health (all these topics) |
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Minding the Gap
On weather-stripping |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Nov 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, With rising heating costs on the horizon, we're looking to install a storm door, seal gaps, etc., around the house to prevent air leaks and increase efficiency before old man winter arrives. What are some good resources (how-to's, sustainable product suppliers, etc.) for the job? Scott Roswell, Ga. Dearest Scott, Hi-dee-ho, dee-ho, to the hardware store we go. To choose vinyl or metal, adhesive or nails, That will pro ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy at home, energy efficiency, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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A Mug's Life
On travel mugs |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Nov 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am putting together a fundraiser for the Environmental Law Association at the George Washington University Law School, whereby I intend to sell coffee mugs. If you saw all the paper cups that get thrown away at my school you would be in tears (at least two trips to Starbucks a day: double cups and a hand cozy ... scary). My question is, should I get plastic (I know you hate plastic), metal (almost all metal coffee mugs have some ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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A View to a Sill
On window manufacturers |
Umbra Fisk |
06 Nov 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We are looking into replacing some of our windows. Any thoughts on which companies are more environmentally friendly, not just in the energy-efficiency of their windows, but in the manufacturing process (Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, recycling materials, etc.)? Lyell Slade Concord, Mass. Dearest Lyell, Let's warm up on this topic: Windows in residential buildings are responsible for about 2 percent of th ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home, energy efficiency, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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You Down With PVC?
On PVC substitutes |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Oct 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I know to avoid PVC, but it's difficult to know all the places it lurks. Is all vinyl PVC, or are there PVC-free vinyls? What options are there for waterproof but PVC-free materials (I have children who wet the bed and spill, and I would like to protect my mattresses and wood table)? I have tried asking merchants whether certain products contain PVC, but they are clueless. Why can't PVC be clearly marked? And are there a ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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An Affinity That Chafes Our Ends
On recycled toilet paper |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Sep 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, The few brands of recycled-content toilet paper available are nasty. Why is it so difficult to manufacture TP that's not from virgin trees but doesn't feel like bark on one's sensitive skin? What exactly is the technological barrier the nation's scientists must overcome in order to make a roll that's sensitive, both against our skin and environmentally? Jennifer Stanley Oakland, Calif. Dearest Jennif ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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As Phosphate Would Have It
On phosphates in detergents |
Umbra Fisk |
20 Sep 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Why haven't phosphates been removed from dishwashing detergents like they have been from laundry detergents? I know they make your clothing look brighter, but what do they do for dishes? Natalie Waddell-Rutter North East, Pa. Dearest Natalie, Phosphates in dish detergent do a few nice things for dishwasher-washed dishes. Their biggest contribution is that they essentially soften the effects of "ha ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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Counter Measures
On countertops |
Umbra Fisk |
24 Jul 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| With the home remodeling boom, we keep wondering: what is the best countertop choice? We've gone through a couple homes since getting married, and are now considering building our own. Laminate, Formica, butcher block, concrete, granite, plastic, composite, tile ... they all have their own durability merits and drawbacks, but from creation to home health, which is the friendliest? Leonie Mowat and Greg Overley North Las Vegas, Nev. Dear ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, recycling (all these topics) |
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Your Finest Shower
On shower curtains |
Umbra Fisk |
26 Jun 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, You have successfully instilled the fear of all things vinyl in me. Now the big question is: with what do I replace my old vinyl shower curtain? We have a cotton one at work, but it clings to your legs like a drowning jellyfish. This, and the constant mold, is something I would like to avoid in my own bathroom. Any suggestions? Flo Miller Montpelier, Vt. Dearest Flo, I'm always full of suggestions -- in a wide range of ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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Give a Little Bit
On wedding registries |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am getting married and would like to register for some socially and environmentally responsible household and kitchen items: pots, pans, etc. I found plenty of resources on organic cotton and hemp, but other than that I have come up with nothing! Paige Doughty Cambridge, Mass. Dearest Paige, This is a potential stumper. First we would have to figure out every possible thing that might be wrong with the pots and pan ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products (all these topics) |
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