 Stories About: advice AND Ask Umbra AND green living AND toxics
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Cradle to Cradle
On baby nurseries |
Umbra Fisk |
20 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am pregnant and wondering if you know of any websites or resources for setting up a nursery -- for green furniture, bedding, and mattresses. We're painting the nursery with low-VOC paint and looking for low-VOC carpeting, and we gratefully accept used toys and clothes from friends and family. Janine Olsen Pine Brook, N.J. Dearest Janine, Happy to advise, based on a bit of research I've done for you in particular, but als ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, parenting, toxics (all these topics) |
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Carpet Diem
On carpeting |
Umbra Fisk |
15 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Our home is mostly wood floors, but we would like to have a carpeted den. My gut instinct is that the carpet pad (looks like the foam from the inside of a car seat all smooshed together with other pieces) is full of chemicals that will constantly offgas. Am I right? If so, is there an alternative, or something to do so we can have a safe carpeted area? Yosh Schulman Millerton, N.Y. Dearest Yosh, Almost all the articles I just read ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Rock the Coat
On eco-friendly paint |
Umbra Fisk |
01 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I just bought a home that needs lots of TLC, and would like to do it in a way that is best for the environment and my health. Do you have any advice about the best choice of interior paint? Every room in the house desperately needs new paint, but I'd like to avoid inhaling all the toxic who-knows-what in your basic everyday latex paint. Carrie Wadman Phoenixville, Pa. Dearest Carrie, My advice is to go with yellow, always ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Good Nintentions
On video games |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Jan 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, After reading some heart-rending, gut-wrenching articles on global warming, I've decided that I want to do something about it. I've started by vowing never to buy a car, or get a driver's license. But I happen to love video games. Nothing is going to make me stop playing my video games. As I am painfully aware, a consumer lifestyle is what contributes to global warming and the ecocide of our planet, so how can I be an environm ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, e-waste, green living, toxics, video games (all these topics) |
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Laptop Dance
On choosing a laptop |
Umbra Fisk |
18 Jan 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am buying a new laptop, and I was wondering if all computers are the same energy-wise, or if some brands are better for the environment? Aviva Horrow Philadelphia, Pa. Dearest Aviva, You're already off to a good start, as laptops consume far less energy than desktop machines -- we're talking over 50 percent less. Thin is in. Photo: iStockPhoto. Computer manufacturers have three opportunities to earn their environmental s ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, e-waste, green living, recycling, toxics (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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The Drain Brain
On unclogging without chemicals |
Umbra Fisk |
25 May 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, How does one unclog a clogged bathtub drain without pouring toxic chemicals directly into the waste stream? Allie Cat Boiling Springs, Penn. Dearest Allie Cat, I don't believe that's your real name. But yours is a noble question. Let's get motivated by reviewing a Drano material safety data sheet [PDF], where we find that the product has a hazard rating of "high," that "mixing with other cleanin ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green cleaning, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Epistled Off
On letter-writing campaigns |
Umbra Fisk |
16 May 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I just switched to all-natural cleaning products (Seventh Generation, it's great!) and I wanted my switch to have the most impact possible. I was thinking about sending emails to the companies whose cleaning products I had previously used, telling them why I switched, describing the nasty effects of their products, and encouraging them to change their products to be earth-friendly. I also thought I would send this ema ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, business, grassroots activism, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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Mold School
On bathroom mold |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Feb 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Do you have any tips on dealing with the nasty black mold that appears in bathrooms without dousing it in highly toxic chemicals? Kirsten Dearest Kirsten, I read that hydrogen peroxide would work, so I tried it for you in the Grist Test Bathroom. The recommendation was to dilute the solution in a spray bottle, spritz the mold, then return a few hours later to wipe it away. It didn't work. But my control mold is deeply embedded wi ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green cleaning, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Lather, Rinse, Rethink
On making eco-friendly cleaning products |
Umbra Fisk |
24 Jan 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'd like to start making my own environmentally friendly cleaning products for my home. Are there any books or websites you would recommend for cleaning "recipes"? Rachel P.S. -- Thanks ever so much for your mention of the Keeper in one of your columns. Quite possibly the most useful device ever invented. Why aren't more people talking about this? Dearest Rachel, Go, Keeper, go! You'll ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Sorry, Wrong Number
On which plastics to avoid |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Jan 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Since you only mention #1 plastics as being safe, I'm assuming I should throw out the #4 I just purchased? Sylvia Ann Arbor, Mich. Dearest Sylvia, I confused and frightened and annoyed many of you on the issues of food and plastic. I'm sorry -- #4 is OK, as are #2 and #5. Honestly, I can hardly keep the numbers straight myself. I thought about a rhyme ("four and two are fine for you"), but I can't com ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Nalgene Therapy
On plastic water bottles, again |
Umbra Fisk |
10 Jan 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, After slurping away from a Nalgene bottle all summer, you struck me with the fear of petrochemicals. So I did some quick research on my own. My conclusion is that your Aug. 2 column is misleading, even though I'm very sympathetic to your argument regarding plastics. Upon inspection, I learned that most of my Nalgene water bottles are made of plastic #2, HDPE, which you suggest is relatively benign. Perhaps you ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Urine Trouble
On cat-pee stains and dry cleaning |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Dec 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am aware of how polluting regular dry cleaners can be and therefore make a point to wash clothes at home. Recently, however, my charming cat peed on my comforter. I was wondering if you knew of any environmentally friendly ways to clean "dry clean only" clothes or, in this case, comforters. Heidi Falls Church, Va. Dearest Heidi, I've seen feather comforters with both dry-cleaning and home-washer o ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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What the Deck?
On protecting decks |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Oct 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Chip, You may remember me; we met most recently at Jenny's parents' house for dinner when you all were here in New Jersey. Anyway, the reason I'm writing you is because I'm looking for some advice. Do you have any recommendations on environmentally conscious ways to protect household decks? Lori and I just bought a house and we need to finish the deck, but we are hesitant to use a bunch of chemicals that will just seep into the gr ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Bottle Racket
On plastic water bottles |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Aug 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Several readers have sent in questions about the dangers of chemical leaching from plastic bottles. A composite version: Dear Umbra, I've read some conflicting things about the risks associated with reusing plastic water bottles. For instance, the generally trustworthy folks at the urban-legends site snopes.com have criticized a widely circulated email that claims regular water bottles are not safe for refilling because the plastic ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, recycling, toxics (all these topics) |
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The Environmentalist's New Clothes
Advice on natural fabrics vs. polyester |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Jul 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I've never appreciated human-made fabrics -- polyester and its cousins invariably feel less comfortable to me than cotton or wool. Until recently, I thought this personal preference also had the happy side effect of making me a greener clothes shopper, since producing natural fibers doesn't involve long chains of polymers. A friend recently claimed otherwise, telling me that the growt ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, fashion, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Tour of Beauty
On makeup |
Umbra Fisk |
24 May 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I haven't been reading Grist for very long, so excuse me if you've already addressed this topic, but what are the environmental impacts of using cosmetics such as lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, and especially nail polish? Since becoming an environmentally conscious consumer, I have purchased cruelty-free products, but I have only recently begun to consider the environmental impact of the packaging and the products themselve ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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Dye Another Day
On hair dye |
Umbra Fisk |
24 May 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Greetings, O Esteemed Umbra, I decided a while ago that I wouldn't put toxic chemicals down the drain for the sake of vanity. However, I'm a dirty, dirty blond (um, hair color) and was wondering if there is a "safe" way to add some highlights. Besides lemon juice, are there other products or substances that can be used to safely create that sunny look I'd like to have? Dirty Hairy Cincinnati, Ohio Dearest Dirty Hairy, A strand of ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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The In-Law That Broke the Camel's Back
On environmentally oblivious family |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Apr 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am totally frustrated with my in-laws. They know how important it is for us to raise our infant in the least toxic environment we can manage. However, when we go to their house, I have no control over the situation. We arrived there for Easter vacation only to find out that three rooms had been painted and two newly carpeted -- and not with eco-friendly materials! There was also a n ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Toxic Cling
On fabric softening |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Feb 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, With winter upon us, I'm thinking about a serious matter: fabric softener. During the summer, I don't use any. However, with snow looming, static cling is on my mind. Long story short, which is better: liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets? Allie Shippensburg, Penn. Dearest Allie, Your home will be a happier, healthier place if no fabric softener darkens your dryer. Both liquid and sheet contain a stunning amount of notoriou ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Go Fish
On eco-friendly fish consumption |
Umbra Fisk |
17 Nov 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I recently turned 40 and have decided I need to pay more attention to what I eat on a daily basis. My diet has never been horrible, and I've always believed in all things in moderation, but a persistently elevated cholesterol level and my mortality now a smudge on the horizon have helped nudge me in this direction. And everywhere I turn it's fish, fish, and more fish: doctors recommending more omega-3 oils (in the for ... |
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| Topics: advice, aquaculture, Ask Umbra, fishing, food and agriculture, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Battery FAQ
On recycling batteries |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Oct 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have to humbly admit that for years I've known that one can recycle batteries, but unfortunately, I've never known where or how to do this. I've been living in Seattle and northern Italy for the last year, and I have a pile of old batteries in each place. If you have any insight into how I might go about recycling them in both the U.S. and Europe, I'd so appreciate it! With gratitude, Meg Seattle, Wash., and Ivrea, It ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, Italy, recycling, solid waste treatment and disposal, toxics, waste (all these topics) |
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Cellout
On cell phones |
Umbra Fisk |
26 Jun 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, After many years of idealistic holdout, I have finally decided to own a cell phone; changes in my lifestyle have made the benefits too heavy to be outweighed by the detrimental effects. However, I would like to minimize the impact of my decision (brain tumors notwithstanding), so I am searching for the most long-lasting, recyclable, Earth-friendly cell phone I can find. Does such a thing exist? Where can I get one? Is "Earth-frien ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, e-waste, green living, toxics, waste (all these topics) |
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Puff the Toxic Dragon
On green reasons to quit smoking |
Umbra Fisk |
15 May 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I want to quit smoking. As if the risks to my health weren't enough, could you help out by twisting that knife of guilt into my tree-hugging heart and give me some environmental reasons to stop supporting the tobacco industry? Cough, wheeze, Elaine Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Dearest Elaine, I don't care whether you smoke or not. In fact, I think anti-smoking hype is often thinly disguised clas ... |
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| Topics: advice, agriculture, Ask Umbra, food and agriculture, green living, health, toxics (all these topics) |
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Menstruation Innovation
On that time of the month |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Mar 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hey there, Umbra! I have a kind of gross-yet-pressing question for you: Are sanitary products (pads, etc.) environmentally friendly? I would think no, but what do you say? And what can I do about it? Thanks, Jessica Telford, Tenn. Hey there, dearest Jessica, How is it possible that we live in a country where diapers are table conversation and menstruation is considered gross? But no worries, there are many nice flowe ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, health, toxics, waste (all these topics) |
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