Latest Articles

Biodiversity is an urban concern

Biodiversity doesn't get as much attention as it should now that climate change has become preeminent among environmental quandaries. But it's important!

French artist turns 'garbage with talent' into beautiful lighting [PHOTOS]

Parisian craftsman and artist "Garbage" refurbishes old, seemingly mismatched objects like kitchenware, scales, toasters into fantastic lamps.

The only thing 'green' about NASCAR's switch to corn ethanol is the cash

Using an energy-hogging fuel to gas up cars circling a track is absurd. NASCAR might want to ask its fans whether they'd rather watch races -- or be able to fish in clean water or hunt in abundant habitat.

Angela Glover Blackwell talks about the connection between transportation and social justice

Starting with Plessy v. Ferguson, access to transportation has been a civil rights issue in this country. The founder of PolicyLink explains why it still is.

Is Halliburton the real heavy in the Gulf oil explosion?

Dick Cheney's old outfit is back in the line of fire for mixing "unstable" cement.

The Climate Post: Pre-election maneuvering marked by fits of climate skepticism

Accepting the scientific consensus on climate change continues to be a liability for Republican candidates. One representative, Bob Inglis, blames his loss in the GOP primary to his public assertions that climate change is real. Plus, Jimmy Carter strikes back and a conservative whines about a cap without trade.

Droves of confused, well-meaning kids giving candy back this Halloween

This Halloween, thousands of little boys and ghouls are expected to be roaming the streets, handing candy back to houses they visit. Are they confused? Not really. It's just part of a choc-and-awe campaign designed to turn trick-or-treaters into trick-or-fair-traders.

Strickland finally talks up energy and transit in Ohio guv race

Gov. Strickland has come out hard against his Republican opponent for talking about repealing the state's clean energy standard. On transit, too, Strickland positions himself as the forward-looking candidate.

Playing squash: my tweak of an iconic fall soup

A massive fall harvest at Maverick Farms a few years back forced me to combine butternut squash, leafy greens, and garlic into one satisfying bowl.

Ask Umbra’s Book Club: Are you trading in Mickey D's for DIY burgers?

Ask Umbra has some food for thought about the United States of Americana, by Kurt B. Reighley. How have your food habits changed in recent years?