Enough about The Reapers. How's the rest of the American Prospect environment package? Much of it, sadly, is deathly, wonkily boring. In particular, Carl Pope ... dude. What is this pap? It's so bland, so politician-y, it takes genuine concentration even to get through it. You've written better stuff on your blog, for chrissake. This from Ross Gelbspan and this from John M. Meyer are similarly forgettable. But there are many bright moments. Bill McKibben could write about what he ate for dinner and make it engaging, but I found the conclusion of this piece on global warming particularly on-point: …

Dear Umbra, My question regards my daily half-hour (each way) bicycle commute through fairly heavy city traffic. I've been wondering if the benefits (exercise, sunshine, free and fast transport) are outweighed by the negatives (primarily breathing in diesel and other exhaust, but I'd also throw in the risk of almost getting run over, despite the cheap thrills). I am fortunate enough that my alternative would be to take the subway, not drive. Perhaps you could comment on the personal and environmental health effects of different types of commutes. IndieWashington, D.C. Dearest Indie, Spoke truth to power. Biking, biking, we love …

It was a decidedly sober Whitney Houston who told us that the children are our future. And in the case of this year's Brower Youth Award winners, she couldn't be closer to the truth. They are seven activists, aged 15 to 21, who represent varied backgrounds, communities, and missions. One young woman has battled environmental and social injustice in her town along the U.S.-Mexico border. Another has focused on restoring the wetlands in her community. A 15-year-old spreads awareness about the threatened sea turtles living off the Florida coast. On Friday, Sept. 30, they will all be recognized for their …

Martin Melaver. What work do you do? I'm CEO of Melaver, Inc., which is a third-generation, family-owned real-estate company based in Savannah, Ga. What does your organization do? We really do a bit of everything in real estate, which I guess is typical for a business with roots in a smallish town. We develop, acquire, renovate, manage, broker, and own commercial and residential properties. And we're trying to do it all sustainably, which is a mouthful. What, in a perfect world, would constitute "mission accomplished"? It's easy enough to develop, manage, acquire, and rehab sustainably (if you're committed to the …

Customizations and hacks jazz up a hybrid Sure, your Prius saves gas and helps you reduce your personal carbon dioxide emissions ... but does it have mad bling? We didn't think so. Luckily, The New York Times commissioned George Barris, car customizer extraordinaire, to modify a Prius without altering the car's mechanics or electronics for a price the Gray Lady termed "within reach of real drivers" -- about $10,000. Barris lengthened and raised the car's nose; added flared fenders, 18-inch wheels, and an aerodynamic rear spoiler; and topped 'er off with a duo-toned Tangerine Gold-Astra Green metal flake hot-rod paint …

Dear Umbra, I recently adopted a cat, and I am having a hard time deciding what to do with the kitty litter. Is there some kind of green litter that is best to use? Anything flushable and sewage-tank friendly? Or, can I compost the litter -- and what should I use to cover it up with? Kate GravesNashville, Tenn. Dearest Kate, Just as our eco-children can be diaper-free, it appears our cats can be litter-free. Teach your kitty to use the toilet! Tutorials and tips await you on the internet, and Grist staffers have confirmed that this seemingly bonkers notion …

Um, forgiven In coastal Cali, Clint Eastwood has a rep as a Dirty-Harry developer. But that may change with his latest project, Tehama, which boasts solar and wind power, open space, an organic farm, and native plants. Of course, there's also a golf course ... you got a problem with that? Bar none A London-based shoe company has paired with a nonprofit to create Worn Again, a line of "trainers" (those Brits!) made from prison blankets, military parachutes, towels, thrift-store suits, and car-seat leather. So your feet will have that old-car smell. Photo: Worn Again. Methanol together now Remember when …

Send your question to Umbra! Editor's Note: Our dear Umbra Fisk is wrapping up her well deserved vacation. In her absence, we're springing some archival columns from the vault. Since summer's fading and fall is coming on fast, we thought we'd peep in on the topic of autumn leaves. Yeah, we're fun-stoppers like that. Q. Dear Umbra, With fall here, the leaves are changing and falling from the trees. What is the best way to handle them? Burning them makes so much smoke, but putting them in trash bags and sending them to the landfill doesn't seem like a good …

Demand growing for naturally raised meats Americans are increasingly willing to fork over a little extra for free range, organic, and natural meats. And although these still comprise a tiny percentage of the total U.S. market, the food industry is starting to notice. In just one sign of a shift, about 450 growers operating under the aegis of San Francisco-based natural meats supplier Niman Ranch are finding a market for their products from the Chipotle Mexican Grill chain, a subsidiary of McDonald's. Chipotle often buys all the pork Niman can supply; it's added naturally raised chicken to the menu, with …

Katrina's ka-ching No national environmental crisis would be complete without celebs cashing in. We bring you Teri Hatcher, who's unveiled a line of ugly (oops! did we type that out loud?) T-shirts to support hurricane relief. Meanwhile, Michael Moore may be considering a Katrina disast-umentary. That'll show the penguins who's boss. My cup runneth over "Football" fans are already salivating for next year's World Cup in Germany. Now the eco-minded among them have reason to riot (uh, celebrate): climate-neutral finals. Investments in biogas facilities in India ought to offset at least half the fans' beer farts. Curb appeal Inimitable crankster …