Archive: Jun 2012

Congress’ flood insurance plans could actually pass despite being sensible and realistic

Not that we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Bogota’s miniature public libraries will make you want to move to Colombia

Reading fans in Colombia, especially the capital city of Bogota, never need to worry about being without a book on a beautiful day. There are nearly 50 of these perfect little library kiosks scattered around the city’s parks, and 100 across the country. 

Enough cheap coal: Using public lands for the public interest

Instead of auctioning federal land to coal companies, what if we used these taxpayer-owned spaces for something in the public interest -- like renewable power generation?

Bridging the emissions gap: How to get there from here, in 21 steps

There's a long way to go to cut carbon emissions and bring down long-term temperature projections. Here's a practical plan for getting started, even before the next global treaty kicks in.

Everything you need to know about Tropical Storm Debby, and more

What you need to know about the storm currently bearing down on the state of Florida, including whether or not it's safe to go to Disney World. (It is.)

Bookshelf that hides extra furniture is small-apartment genius

Orla Reynolds' furniture emerges "as if from nowhere" -- her bookshelves hide a table and four extra chairs.

Wool balls keep your laundry soft, and maaaaybe save energy

When I was taught to do laundry, I was told that a Bounce dryer sheet went into the dryer with every load of wet clothes. But the green-minded among us have come up with a better solution to keeping your clothes static-free and soft (without involving PVC in the process): wool dryer balls. Get a […]

New perfume lets you smell like New York City, because THAT sounds great

I don’t know about you folks, but when I think of the “essence and spirit” of New York City “in an olfactory memento” … well, if it’s summer, I mostly think of quickly rotting trash. If we’re talking Queens, I’ll give you the smell of Indian spices in Jackson Heights. Brooklyn smells like the sea […]

Hope for the unemployed: Fukushima exec lands new gig

One, we might add, that may bode poorly for Japan's currently oil-free coastlines.