Latest Articles

Scientists say carbs — not fat — are the biggest problem with America's diet

The L.A. Times reports on the growing scientific evidence that carbohydrates -- not fat -- are more likely to be responsible for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and the other ills of modern civilization. I've certainly gotten healthier on a low-carb diet.

Cooking for a crowd in the dead of winter [VIDEO]

A harvest dinner I hosted at Two Pony Gardens was made with 100% Minnesota ingredients, except salt -- hey, I did the best I could!

The top five stories of the year for climate hawks

Here are the top stories that mattered for climate hawks this year. Some of them aren't even depressing!

Solving the problem of the city, scientifically

Anyone who thinks that cities are key to the future of a sustainable human presence on the planet -- and anyone who thinks the contrary -- should read Jonah Lehrer's fascinating piece in yesterday's New York Times Magazine, "A Physicist Solves the City."

Reducing (massive) fossil-fuel subsidies as key as carbon price in the climate fight

In a low-key way, the last few days at the Cancun climate talks accomplished more than I have seen at a climate meeting for some time.

Rebounds gone wild

David Owen's New Yorker article about energy efficiency misses the point.

Helmet Wars: A gripping account of the great bicycle helmet campaigns

So, is it safer to wear a bike helmet or not? Parties on both sides of the question claim rationality and cultural superiority for their own. The opponents are engaged in a bloody, winner-take-all contest, with perfect willingness to let ideology wash away all science and common sense. But is this even the right question to ask?

Update: Bayer responds to criticism of its potentially bee-killing pesticide

What does Bayer have to say about the whole leaked-EPA-memo, flawed-pesticide-study thing? "Buzz off -- nothing to see here, move along please."

Helpful raw-milk-drinking mom threatened with prosecution

For the last seven years, Rae Lynn Sandvig, a mother of four, has been helping a local dairy farmer distribute unpasteurized milk to 35 or 40 friends and neighbors in the Minneapolis suburbs. Then she got busted by the food police.

Ask Umbra gives relationship advice to a couple battling it out over 'eco-stress'

Ask Umbra gets personal and gives advice to a reader who has a “different level of commitment to sustainability” than her husband. What to do if you’re more eco-aware than the one you love? If you’re a lover and/or a fighter, read this!