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| Headline |
Author |
Published |
Section |
Lyin' Tamer
On global warming |
Umbra Fisk |
10 Apr 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, The many articles on global warming conclude with something about the inherent complexity and uncertainty of the issue. So exactly what is the evidence for (and against) arguing that the current warming trend is inside the scope of normal fluctuations? What is the evidence for (and against) arguing that the trend is caused by human activities, and is not just part of a "natural cycle"? Is it true that the U.S. is just ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, climate science (all these topics) |
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Talk This Way
On talking to friends about climate change |
Umbra Fisk |
05 Apr 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I need a good stick-it-to-ya comeback to friends who, while they acknowledge global warming and hear me rattle off all that is bad about it, are liking the direct effects, which right now are sunnier and warmer days. What can I do or say to get them to snap back into reality, especially when some of these folks are addicted to tanning and the sun? Kate Semmens Perkiomenville, Pa. Dearest Kate, What a ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, green living (all these topics) |
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Comic Re-Leaf
On plants and global warming |
Umbra Fisk |
03 Apr 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, My simple understanding of global warming is that we are introducing long-buried carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This is shifting the balance, leading to a host of undesirable issues. CO2 is consumed by plants, so here's my thought: Could we grow crops that consume a lot of CO2 (I'm thinking bamboo here, which grows really quickly) and then bury them, effectively taking the CO2 they've consumed out of the atmosp ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, carbon sequestration, climate, deforestation (all these topics) |
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Bug Me Not
On organic pesticides |
Umbra Fisk |
29 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Recently, an article in my newspaper stated that federal and state guidelines allow the spraying of "organic pesticides" on organic crops. I thought organic crops were pesticide-free. I am very disappointed to find out that there are sanctioned "organic pesticides" which, with probably little to no independently researched information, may or may not pose a risk to my health. Tell me the paper got it wrong ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food and agriculture, toxics (all these topics) |
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Oceans Delve
On measuring ocean temperatures |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I've been hearing about rising ocean temperatures more and more. My question is, what are the criteria for measuring the temperature of the ocean? Wouldn't probe location, probe depth, water depth, prevailing current, time of day, and ambient temperature all potentially affect the result? Have the criteria remained constant for the recorded history? Douglas Seattle, Wash. Dearest Douglas, I became riveted with t ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, oceans (all these topics) |
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Rambled Eggs
On free-range chickens and eggs |
Umbra Fisk |
22 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I just read your column on organic syrup, and you made a comment about the futileness of the phrase "free range." I always try to buy free-range eggs and, whenever possible, the same with chicken. Am I wasting my money? Jeff Pritts St. Louis, Mo. Dearest Jeff, Yes, basically. There is a chance that your egg purveyor uses "free range" in the way that you understand it, but the only way to tell ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food and agriculture (all these topics) |
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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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Politicked Off
On politicians and the environment |
Umbra Fisk |
15 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I got into a long debate with a conservative friend recently about how President Bush has shown that he does not have environmental interests at heart. But I did not have any facts on hand about detrimental policies or budget cuts. On the other hand, my friend was able to go to the EPA website and show me a list of initiatives and results. There must be some reason environmentalists feel that Bush is not Moth ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, politics (all these topics) |
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The Sweets Hereafter
On dorm snacks |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, As a hall adviser at a college where social activism is valued, I find myself stuck when it comes to entertaining en masse. Sure, I buy from local farms when buying snacks for myself, but when leaving goodies for my hall, putting the ever-enticing winter squash outside a resident's door does not say "midnight snack." Basically, I want to have my candy and eat it too. How can I appeal to the green in me while appe ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, food and agriculture, local food, organic food (all these topics) |
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Better Freight Than Never
On alternatives to flying |
Umbra Fisk |
08 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I just read about Brits swearing off flying and feel such a sense of elation that I'm not the only one! Difference is, I'm in the U.S. I can't take the train to Thailand. Any ideas on transoceanic travel? What will it take to get from Boston to Europe by boat? Anna Churchill Watertown, Mass. Dearest Anna, Not much -- just planning ahead, a hardy stomach or a good supply of Dramamine, and a few weeks of ad ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, placemaking (all these topics) |
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Quad Squad
On college Earth Day fests |
Umbra Fisk |
06 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, With Earth Day coming up, our environmental group at Purdue, Campus Greens, is trying to plan some events. Last year we had 15 groups handing out information and we provided free veggie burgers plus other food. This year we were hoping to expand on that success and include some activities like having people manually power a TV, washing machine, or some electronic device. Other than that, we're really struggling for ideas ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, Indiana (all these topics) |
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Shall I Compare Thee to an Activist?
On love |
Umbra Fisk |
01 Mar 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I long to have a partner join in (or be excited and supportive) when I participate in an environmental event, or write a well-researched and poignant letter about a pressing environmental issue. I have broken off three serious relationships in the past few years because I decided the men were not environmentally sensitive enough. Where does a nice, smart chick like me meet a nice, smart, environmentally sensitive ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (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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Greece Lightening
On vacations |
Umbra Fisk |
22 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, My wife and I want to celebrate our 25th anniversary by taking a significant trip. We are thinking of a 10-day European vacation, possibly the Greek islands. I am conflicted by my dedication to celebrating this milestone and my dedication to living eco-friendly. What advice would you have for those wanting to travel while limiting their impact on the environment? Realistically, if I hope to enjoy another 25 years of marriage, I ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, Greece, travel (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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Love Factually
On Valentine's Day |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Do you have any advice on how to have a guilt-free, pleasurable Valentine's Day? I would like to give my husband gifts that are good for him and the environment. Krista Ashley Gadsden, Ala. Dearest Krista, Love, love, love. Does greeting him at the door dressed in strategically placed hemp napkins count as a Valentine's Day present? Your birthday suit: the most ecological clothing. Good for you, pleasurable, and guilt-free ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, holiday (all these topics) |
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Bamboozled
On bamboo flooring |
Umbra Fisk |
08 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We will be putting in new flooring in the very near future. My first choice was hardwood, but I have recently read a lot about bamboo. Because it is renewable, it seems to be a better option. But how is it grown? Who is harvesting it? Are the people in the industry fair to their employees? Is it truly a better option for the environmentally conscious, or just a marketing tactic? Kathleen DiBacco Darien, Ill. Dearest Kathleen, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green building, green living (all these topics) |
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I'm Floored
On flooring options |
Umbra Fisk |
06 Feb 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, If I have to replace my old carpet, what are the environmental pros and cons of the different choices? (Ceramic tile, carpet, or the laminate flooring sold at Home Depot seem to be the most common.) And can I recycle my old carpet? Claudia Bloom Mesa, Ariz. Dearest Claudia, I'm going to lay out all the flooring choices of which I'm aware, and I'll talk about some of them in depth in upcoming columns. In terms of your carpet, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green building, green living (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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Cutting the Cord
On cell phones vs. land lines |
Umbra Fisk |
30 Jan 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, In this day and age, when many people seem to be getting rid of their "land lines" in favor of cell phones, I find myself wondering how these two options stack up against one another from an environmental-impact perspective. Doug Quirk Eugene, Ore. Dearest Doug, I have a fairly strong anti-cell-phone bias. I am a cranky lady who believes they are eroding public manners and encouraging various irrespon ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, e-waste, green living (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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Matters of the Hearth
On fireplaces |
Umbra Fisk |
23 Jan 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We pile on socks and sweaters, but there are just times you need more warmth. Should we use the fireplace or our central (gas-powered) heater? Also, can you let us know which is better, natural firewood or those chemically infused logs that claim lower particulate matter is released? Kas Sut Davis, Calif. Dearest Kas, Although we've contemplated this heating dilemma before, I find I have more to say about fire. Don't use ... |
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| Topics: advice, air pollution, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home, energy efficiency, green living (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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Comic Relief
On amusing questions |
Umbra Fisk |
11 Jan 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, When I was a kid we were allowed to lick our plates at the dinner table, except when guests were present. We were told that starving children in other countries would never leave a scrap on their plates, and my mother also took it as a compliment to her cooking. I still lick my plate in the privacy of my home, but today there are environmental reasons: licking prevents a small amount of waste from being transported and dumpe ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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When the Rubber Hits the Road
On recycling condoms |
Umbra Fisk |
09 Jan 2006 |
Ask Umbra |
| For the sake of argument, how does one recycle condoms? Unused they are plastic of some sort? I know it's a bit silly, but don't you just hate to have to flush them and all the water that goes with? Flavia S. Milan, Italy Dearest Flavia, In brief: condoms are generally made of latex and are not recyclable. (Though the actual recyclability of Milan condoms may be a question for the Milan Recycling Bureau, not yours trul ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, recycling, sex (all these topics) |
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