It has been a banner year for lobstermen along the New England coast, where the harvest has been of epic proportions. They’re probably not getting rich on it, though -- the lobster invasion has driven prices down.

In the latest episode of Slow Ride Stories, our climate-talking heroes Erik and Albert head down to the hahbah in Gloucester, Mass., to talk lahbstah with some of the men who know these clawed crustaceans best. We learn a little about how the critters work, and what locals are saying about the role of climate change in this uncharacteristic year.

A local lobster wholesaler says he’s not convinced that climate change has anything to do with the warmer-than-usual waters that likely led to the bounty this year. A lobster fisherman and wooden boat builder quips, "Maybe Al Gore is right."

Photo by Shutterstock.

Birth control: Only controversial with your great-aunt who toyed with the idea of becoming a nun before having 12 kids -- and the Republican Party. For the rest of us non-Duggars, birth control has been a huge win for humanity and the Earth. But are there greener methods to that sexy madness? From a GINK in Seattle:

"[C]an you fill us in on the most eco-friendly forms of birth control currently available?"

Read on for Umbra's answer. But first, you might want to slip into something more comfortable -- she understands if you abstain from abstinence.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.

"What if climate scientists are wrong?"

That's just one question that our motorcycle-riding heroes, Erik and Albert, put to the researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on Cape Cod. In this, the latest episode of Slow Ride Stories, the boys geek out with the PhDs about climate science, climate change, and a little bit of politics.

"Society has been hoodwinked by the fossil fuel industry," says oceanographer Ray Schmitt. "We're putting out the facts, but people think we've got some sort of agenda. We don't have any agenda. We're just saying the climate system is changing -- what are we going to do about it?"

We've been really into showering lately. What's this, two in one month? If we aren't careful, we might lose the distinction of Most Distinctive Smelling Office.

Umbra's here to help you speed up your showers, however frequent they may be.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.

When Catherine Taylor-Rosenbaum and her husband David first saw Rondout Creek, they thought it would be the perfect neighbor. A floating dock would make for an awesome summer swimming launch. Neighbors told stories of ice skating in the winter. They bought a home next to the creek and settled in. Then everything went to hell. Since 2005, the creek has risen over its banks numerous times, most recently during Hurricane Irene.

"Everybody seemed to agree, like, this is the future. This is what we're all afraid of," Catherine says. "I just wanted to close the door and walk away from the house. I can't believe that it's not going to happen again."

In this episode of Slow Ride Stories, Erik and Albert get the whole dramatic tale, help the Rosenbaums replace their lost dock, and then get to know Rondout Creek in true summer fashion -- by jumping in.

I'm swimming in what?

Ah, the life aquatic. Is there anything better than soaking your toes as the kiddos splash the water into an alarming shade of grey? While most of us have sunny memories of our own personal mini-pools, there has got to be a better option than that flimsy $29.99 monstrosity at the local drug store.

"Regarding your obsession with vinyl, as pertains to summer parenting: Greenpeace’s thorough Vinyl Alternatives list indicates that no good alternatives to vinyl kiddie pools exist. Do you think it is worth it to put a huge effort into manufacturing or finding a vinyl-free backyard wading experience?"

Read on for Umbra's answer. She recommends public swimming pools over kiddie pools and suggests a few DIY alternatives.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.

In this episode of Slow Ride Stories, Erik and Albert head to Hunter Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskill Mountains. They talk to CEO Russ Colton about the impact of shorter ski seasons on his business, and former lift engineer Scott Berwick about the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irene in his nearby town of Hensonville. Along the way, Erik does some serious stunt narrating and answers the burning question: Why are we talking about the weather?

If every car in America had properly inflated tires, we'd cut back on 3-4 percent of our oil consumption. Unsure of how to check your air levels? Umbra never tires of helping out.

Note: Grist's Screw Earth Day campaign may be long over, but we stand behind the sentiment.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.