 Stories About: advice
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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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The Fashion of the Grist
On eco-conscious fashion |
Umbra Fisk |
20 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I need some new clothes! But besides shopping consignment and used clothing shops and hunting through labels looking for "Made in USA" tags, are there online sources of organic- or sustainable-fabric clothes that are guaranteed sweatshop-free? I would not mind investing in some decent duds that look nice and last. Lorna Vogt Salt Lake City, Utah Dearest Lorna, Yes! I'm going to mention a few, and I ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, fashion, green living (all these topics) |
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Group Think
On joining your first environmental organization |
Umbra Fisk |
15 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am new to the environmental world, and looking for ways to help and organizations to join. It took me a while to find Greenpeace. I am wondering what other organizations are out there, and my friends (and I'm sure other Grist readers) would also like to know. Ayla Pinus elliottii var. densa Naples, Fla. Dearest Ms. Slash Pine, Happily, this is a difficult question to answer, because there are so ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra (all these topics) |
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What, a Way to Make a Living?
On finding the right green job |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am in the midst of getting my master's in environmental science and policy. I am so sick of reading and researching -- I just want to get out and do something. My thesis is on composting (of industrial and municipal wastes), but my true love is water. While I have a pretty good background in everything from chemistry to physics, I see myself as the "master of none." Essentially, what I ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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String Theory
On clotheslines |
Umbra Fisk |
08 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, We would like to install a clothesline this summer to take advantage of the few months of sun that we get here in Oregon. Any advice on the best kind, and how to keep air-dried clothes from feeling like cardboard? German Whitley Philomath, Ore. Dearest German, Excellent. If your power supplier is, as I suspect, Consumers Power Inc. in Philomath, you are paying about 7 cents per kilowatt-hour; their handy electricity calculator ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home, energy efficiency, fashion, green living (all these topics) |
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Stubble Trouble
On shaving |
Umbra Fisk |
06 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Every morning when I shave, I stare in the mirror and wonder if my razor is the best choice for the environment. I realize the easy answer is to let the beard grow. Except the problem is, lots of today's environmentalists are quietly waging their struggles in modern offices, where beards do not sit well with the management. And besides the risk of my boss telling me I look unprofessional, a beard is a surefire way to guarantee that ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
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We Won't Emit Defeat
On reducing emissions, one person at a time |
Umbra Fisk |
01 Jun 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I want to adopt the Kyoto treaty myself and adjust my lifestyle accordingly. No waiting, and to hell with George Bush! If my nation had adopted it, I'd have to be doing it anyway. So what is my per-capita fossil-fuel ration for the next 10 years, how do I measure it, how do I account for indirect consumption, etc.? Please advise. Thanks! Hans Noeldner Oregon, Wis. Dearest Hans, Good for you. T ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, green living, greenhouse-gas emissions (all these topics) |
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