|
| Headline |
Author |
Published |
Section |
Whence It Came
On biodegradable products |
Umbra Fisk |
11 Jul 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dearest Umbra, With biodegradable corn-plastic products like clothes hangers, credit cards, and trash bags, we are led to believe there are good alternatives to plastic that can be thrown out guilt-free. But doesn't all trash get put in landfills that are then hermetically sealed to prevent the bad contaminants from leaching out, but hold in the things that would have been composting otherwise? I thought that was the reason to co ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, green living, oil, recycling, shopping (all these topics) |
|
|
Heads You Lose
On replacing toilets |
Umbra Fisk |
09 Jul 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'm selling my house in Los Angeles and my toilet is not low-flow. One of the inspectors is trying to tell me I need to replace my toilet with a new low-flow. Well, I know the old ziplock baggie filled with water trick. But I saw that you made mention of some kits to reduce the flow from 3.5 gallons per flush to 1.6 gallons a flush. I believe in recycling. I don't feel that I have to replace my working toilet. Can I modify ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, ecological footprint, green building, green living (all these topics) |
|
|
Ka-Boom
On fireworks |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Jul 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Our family has always lit a fair amount of fireworks for our 4th of July celebration. I would like to encourage my family and friends to find other ways to celebrate due to the CO2 emissions that will result. However, I don't really know how much carbon is emitted. I already have to deal with the fact that many in my family are not taking climate change seriously, so I want to be knowledgeable when I state my case. Donna Elk Grove, Cali ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, green living, health (all these topics) |
|
|
Purity Supreme
On water filters |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I drink a lot of water. I have a food-grade stainless-steel canteen, and I filter my tap water via a Brita. I try to minimize my purchase of plastics, and I try to avoid plastics being anywhere near my food or water. But herein lies my dilemma: I've never seen a water filter pitcher that was not plastic. Even if I could find a pitcher, the filters are still plastic. Are there any options short of using a pant leg stuffed with ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, water pollution (all these topics) |
|
|
Dune What Comes Natur'lly
On peeing at the beach |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, When at a beach with no bathrooms, is it better, environmentally speaking, to urinate in the ocean or behind a sand dune? Tom Greenville, N.C. Dearest Tom, A good, silly summer question to consider as regards our impact on the natural environment. There are non-environmental concerns with beach urination as well, such as disgusting your fellow sunbathers and your fellow readers. Who, however, will cast the fi ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, water pollution (all these topics) |
|
|
Pay for the Rays
On solar funding |
Umbra Fisk |
20 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have been looking high and low regarding ongoing tax credits and incentives for solar installations on private residences. I may be looking for something that doesn't even exist, but the rumors certainly do. Is there some website I can confer with to see if there really is such a thing? I have already received the initial installation credit, but, as I said, I have heard of new tax laws regarding ongoing, slowly decreasing ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, green living, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics) |
|
|
Yes, More Solar
On passive solar |
Umbra Fisk |
18 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Not to belabor the home heating series, I'm considering installing a masonry stove. I've read that they're quite efficient, though costly to build. What's your take in relation to the other options you've discussed? What about other alternative heating methods like passive solar heating and radiant floor heating? John Logan, Utah P.S. I'm glad you mentioned insulation and glazing. We've been remodeling and recently upgraded ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, green living, renewable energy, solar thermal power (all these topics) |
|
|
Something New Under the Sun
On solar hot-water systems |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Jun 2007 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I would like to change to solar heating for providing some of our electricity requirements, particularly for hot water. Can you advise me how to go about it? Leela Pienaar Grahamstown, South Africa Dearest Leela, I notice you're in South Africa. I can talk about solar equipment as found in the U.S., and perhaps these general thoughts will be useful to you. Since the web is worldwide, I was able to see a ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, renewable energy, solar thermal power (all these topics) |
|
|
Volt Early, Volt Often
On installing solar power |
|
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: ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, innovation, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, recycling, shopping (all these topics) |
|
|
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, ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, recycling (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, climate, climate change mitigation, geoengineering (all these topics) |
|
|
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, ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, Australia, biodiversity (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, food, gardening, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, parenting, public transportation, shopping (all these topics) |
|
|
Buyer Be Wary
On the peculiar American habit of demonizing food |
Tom Philpott |
10 May 2007 |
Victual Reality |
| Not long ago, a reader wrote in with an interesting response to one of my many articles condemning industrially grown corn. Yes, you can buy it! Photo: iStockphoto "When sweet corn appears at the farmers' market next summer, can I buy it in good conscience?" she wanted to know. "Or is it bad for me and bad for the land?" I can see why she might be confused. Even as U.S. farmers pre ... |
|
| Topics: advice, agriculture, food, industrial ag, Victual Reality (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, green living, religion and spirituality (all these topics) |
|
|
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, ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, shopping (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, gardening (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, education, green living (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, bikes, green living (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, energy, energy at home (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living (all these topics) |
|
|
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 ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, parenting (all these topics) |
|
|
|
©2008. Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Gloom and doom with a sense of humor®.