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Author |
Published |
Section |
Volt Early, Volt Often
On installing solar power |
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11 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I live on Long Island, N.Y., and am interested in getting solar power for my home. I am not sure, however, if that is viable in this area. Do you have any recommended reliable sources that I can reference? There is just so much confusing information in the marketplace. Thanks, Rick Port Washington, N.Y. Dearest Rick, Don't thank me until you've tried my recommendations in the marketplace. Solar power to the people. Photo: ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics) |
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Thin Is In
On thin-film solar panels |
Umbra Fisk |
06 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I read that thin-film solar panels are now being produced on a wider scale. I always hear that they can be sandwiched into window glass, but are there any companies that are actually using the technology in architectural products? How does thin film compare to the traditional PV panel? Jen Oakland, Calif. Dearest Jen, Thin films compare well to the traditional photovoltaic panel, and are commercially available in such fo ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, innovation, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics) |
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The Trouble With Dribbles
On seltzer bottles |
Umbra Fisk |
04 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I love drinking fizzy water, especially in the summer, but I am appalled to learn that the plastic bottles use petroleum in their production. Plus, hauling them home from the supermarket burns gas. I've been looking at seltzer bottles, also known as soda siphons, the original source of carbonated water, and also much fun in Marx Brothers movies. Once I bought the siphon, the only cost would be the charging capsule ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, recycling, shopping (all these topics) |
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Depositive Thinking
On returnable bottles |
Umbra Fisk |
30 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, I've been wondering lately what happened to the returnable bottles that were so common up until some point in the '70s. Why did the legislation go away? Does reusing bottles use less energy? It seems like it would, but I haven't found info on advocating for bottle reuse in any of the green action plans floating around. Anne Speck Lafayette, Colo. Dearest Anne, In days of yore, portable beverages came in glass bottles, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, recycling (all these topics) |
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Reflections
On albedo |
Umbra Fisk |
23 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, Can we make small changes to increase the albedo in the Northern Hemisphere? Choose white or light-colored autos (white is safer, anyway), white or light-colored roofs. Could we float white "islands" (recycled Styrofoam) in our lakes and oceans in locations that would not disrupt transportation? Sometimes white plastic bags get caught in the branches of trees and I've been so angry about that litter -- maybe I should appreciate ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, climate change mitigation, geoengineering (all these topics) |
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Citizen Cane
On cane toads |
Umbra Fisk |
21 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'm currently studying in Australia. I was recently in Queensland, where as you probably know, cane toads are a huge problem. There are over 200 million of the toxic toads, and this invasive species has been killing off native wildlife and just in general causing lots of problems. In fact, they have huge hunts where they gas thousands of the toads. Recently, when some friends and I saw the toads (hundreds of them come out at night, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, Australia, biodiversity (all these topics) |
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Lady, Bugged
On fighting pests with pests |
Umbra Fisk |
16 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have a pest problem in my backyard -- specifically, some tiny (but apparently hungry) insect is making lace out of my basil leaves. I do not want to use pesticides for many reasons, not the least of which is that I cook with the herbs I grow. I think I have found a "natural" solution, but I wanted to consult you first. My garden-supply store sells praying-mantis egg cases ("The natural pest control s ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, gardening, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Tassel Talk
On graduation gifts |
Umbra Fisk |
14 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, The recent question about a senior gift to the school got me wondering: what are some green gift ideas for graduates? Misty Boyd Tahlequah, Okla. Dearest Misty, Cash. You could help them set up a retirement account. With this answer, I think Grist will have covered most gifting opportunities: Valentine's Day, weddings, babies, winter holidays, winter holidays for kids, and birthday fart jokes. The gift of a public-transit hab ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, parenting, public transportation, shopping (all these topics) |
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Senior Moments
On class gifts, again |
Umbra Fisk |
09 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, My class also wants to give a greener gift when we graduate in 2008. We are starting to plan, and though your suggestion of solar power is awesome and very true, that will not be possible at my Seventh-Day Adventist school. We did not receive permission to do anything like that. Is there anything else that we might do to inspire our campus to become green? Heather Pfeifle Berrien Springs, Mich. Dearest Heather, I'm torn ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, green living, religion and spirituality (all these topics) |
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Mall Me
On online shopping |
Umbra Fisk |
07 May 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, A friend and I were recently discussing a conundrum about purchasing products from companies that have physical retail outlets and online purchasing, like The Body Shop. Which is the most ecologically sound option? Local store: most likely drive there, the products had to be shipped there, your purchase probably generates a need to ship more products there ... but you are supporting a local business that pays taxes, etc. Buy online, ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, shopping (all these topics) |
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The Hose Knows
On watering the yard |
Umbra Fisk |
30 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Thanks for your good advice about water conservation. You failed to mention the largest (unnecessary) water user in most U.S. homes: outdoor plant watering. While Grist readers may be eco-wise enough not to water their plants, nor even entertain the possibility of managing a green lawn, there may still be a few closet waterers out there. The solution: choose the right plant for the right location; water the plant to get it ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, gardening (all these topics) |
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No More Teachers' Dirty Looks
On gifts for your school |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, I'm the senior president for my high school class. My cabinet and I want to leave a "green" gift to the school. We would like it to be something that is on campus or easily visible. Can you recommend anything in the $10,000 to $15,000 price range or below? I go to a public school in Northern California, if that's any help. I would appreciate a quick response; the end of the school year is quickly ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, green living (all these topics) |
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The Spoken Word
On bicycle tires |
Umbra Fisk |
23 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Is there such a thing as recycled bicycle tires? I have looked and even asked a friend's husband who wrenches in a local shop. He was not aware of any. I think because people ride their bike they automatically assume they are Earth-"friendlier" than others. But I go through two sets of tires a year (more due to road conditions than my riding style). While it is not a lot, they are still petroleum-based materials. So ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, bikes, green living (all these topics) |
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Heating Elements
On home heating |
Umbra Fisk |
18 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, My fiancée and I bought a house in October. We plan to green the house up as best we can, and one of our first projects will be how we heat the house. Since we didn't have any money after buying, we had to limp through this winter with an oil-powered steam boiler from 1962. Obviously not efficient at all. Plus it was having "puff back" issues so part of the time our basement was filled with lovely oil smoke. What shou ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home (all these topics) |
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Stop It
On wine corks |
Umbra Fisk |
16 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Not that I am a big-drinking old lady or anything, but I find myself with a lot of wine corks that I can't find a recycling outlet for. All of my retired farmer friends have made all the cork trivets the neighborhood can stand. What to do with our corks, please? Marianne de Sobrino Eureka, Calif. Dearest Marianne, Here I go, focusing on the big stuff again. I found your letter charming, and it does bring up a three R's question along t ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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Don't Get Rattled
On baby gifts |
Umbra Fisk |
11 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am expecting my first baby, and I am wondering what would be the most polite way to make sure that people who wish to get it a gift understand that I want only organic, used, or sustainable type products. Most of my family thinks I'm a kooky tree hugger. I think they're still expecting me to grow out of it, and will likely ignore my wishes. Should I just stress the gift receipt, or should I try to make it very clear beforeha ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, parenting (all these topics) |
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Drip Drop
On water conservation |
Umbra Fisk |
09 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Your general drift has been to get us to focus on the big stuff instead of the little paper-or-plastic issues. So what's the big picture of household water use and overuse? I have a clothes washer and a dishwasher, I wash dishes in the sink, I take showers and flush every time I pee, and my bathroom sink drips a bit. Which of these is my biggest issue, or is it something else I'm overlooking? How should I big-picture my water ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra (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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Mrs. Sippy
On plastic and kids |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Apr 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hi Umbra, What about "sippy" cups for little kids, not to mention bottles? They're all plastic, and we all know that kids are more vulnerable to environmental toxins. What's a mom to do? Janet Byron Berkeley, Calif. Dearest Janet, A mom is to check the research and purchase only bottles and sippy cups that are not considered health hazards. Umbra is to help the mom do so right now in this very column. Sip sip ... harrumph. Photo ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, parenting, toxics (all these topics) |
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Standing on Ceremony
On greening your wedding |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Mar 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, How about some practical thoughts on "green" weddings? My daughter is planning an outdoor July wedding in Wisconsin -- any tips? The reception is going to be outdoors at our home. Tomm G. Waukesha, Wis. Hi Tomm, This week's theme is 10-foot-pole topics! Or love! They're one and the same! And they lived sappily ever after. Photo: iStockphoto Environmental issues to consider for weddings are going to be ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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Mama's Got a Squeeze Box
On greening your sex life |
Umbra Fisk |
26 Mar 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Hey Umbra! So I'm finally starting up a relationship with a guy as eco-friendly as I am (I'd say eco-freaky, but since I'm writing about sex, I thought it would be overload). However, since neither of us is into polluting, killing animals, or overpopulation, how do we go green in the bedroom? Just what are the ins and outs of eco-friendly safe sex? Sascha Portland, Ore. Dearest Sascha, Uh. The ins and outs are basicall ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, sex (all these topics) |
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Whiz and Hers
On peeing in the shower |
Umbra Fisk |
21 Mar 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Is it suitable to justify peeing (urinating) while showering in order to save a toilet flush? Any health issues to your feet or shower algae growth? Luke Whistler Brisbane, Australia Dearest Luke, If I told you that my editor picked not only this question, but also the previous question about organic likker, what would you guess about her interests? It's party time upstairs at Grist when she's around. Maybe she can test ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy at home (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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One Word
On oil and plastic |
Umbra Fisk |
14 Mar 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, How much oil is used to make a pound (or some other comparable measure) of typical plastics? Melody Evans Paris, Ill. Dearest Melody, Ah, Paris. Is it as lovely in the springtime as they say? Yes, Ben, plastics ... Photo: The Graduate (1967)/MGM Your question is a good and tricky one. Let's start with a look at how plastic is made. Manufacturers take simple hydrocarbons from whatever source material they're using -- commonly crud ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, green living, oil (all these topics) |
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Levels of Risk
On chlorine |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Mar 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, So I've been buying unbleached diapers for my baby, using chlorine-free laundry and dish soaps and non-chlorine bleached paper, and generally thinking that's better for me and the environment. Then I go swimming in a chlorinated pool twice a week, sometimes with my kids! Is there a difference in the type of chlorine exposure? Is swimming a health risk? It certainly bothers my nose (I think I'll start using some nose plugs). Can you ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, parenting, toxics (all these topics) |
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