Latest Articles

Is a ‘utility-only’ cap-and-trade bill worth passing?

Energy deliberations in the Senate are in the home stretch. There’s a crucial White House meeting on Wednesday between Obama and key senators where some final decisions are likely to be made. There are, believe it or not, a few liberal senators fighting to keep carbon limits in the bill, but the bulk of “centrist” […]

Ask Umbra comes up empty on enviro-friendly gas stations

Send your question to Umbra! Q. Dear Umbra, In light of the recent BP oil gush, I have begun to think more critically about where I purchase gasoline. And while I don’t drive all that often, when I do fill up every three or four weeks I would like to support companies that are taking […]

World Cup open thread

I'm enjoying the World Cup, blind refs, vuvuzelas, flops and all. But my friend Matthew -- who actually plays the game -- not so much. He argues that the game needs updating. He's got a point. Sports constantly change and innovate to increase dynamism and broaden appeal. Basketball, for example, adopted the 3-point line; football, the forward pass; baseball, steroids. Why not soccer, indeed?

Featured Friend: Marcia Rutan

Each month, we showcase one of our beloved Friends with Benefits — folks who have donated to support our work. Want to take your relationship with Grist to the next level? Just donate any amount to join the fun.  Marcia Rutan “Garbage has been my game for 20 years this June: recycling, waste prevention, and compost. Plus […]

Senate Democrats doubt Obama can find votes for climate

Senate Democrats have cast doubt that President Barack Obama can achieve his intention of finding the votes to pass comprehensive climate legislation this year. To overcome a Republican filibuster, Obama needs to mobilize the entire Democratic caucus and find at least one Republican senator willing to cross the aisle on behalf of the nation. On […]

You should totally apologize to BP

There have been a lot of apologies flying around this week. BP CEO Tony Hayward to the U.S. people. Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) to Hayward and BP. Now it’s Twitter’s (and your) turn to tell BP just how totally sorry it is for everything. It’s been a rough week. DrogoBoffin via Twitter@DrogoBoffin: #Imsorrybp That Kanye […]

Friday music blogging: Freelance Whales

The music of Freelance Whales has an immediate warmth and familiarity that’s either comforting or derivative, depending on your perspective. You could mistake them for Postal Service from across the room, what with the sweet, earnest alto vocals of front man Judah Dadone, but the instrumentation isn’t electronic. Rather, there’s a huge array of guitars, […]

Anti-BP antics are angry but artistic [SLIDESHOW]

Photo courtesy Infrogmation via FlickrThe Gulf of Mexico oil spill has triggered the usual stages of grief: Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Elaborate costumes. Nudity. Protesters in New Orleans, New York, Washington, D.C., and other cities have been getting creative — and naked — with their responses to the Gulf spill. Let’s just say a whole lot […]

Urbivore’s Dilemma, Week 2: Sticks and leaves, burdock root, and two stalks of asparagus?

The rather mysterious contents of Box No. 2.(Jennnifer Prediger photos) It’s week two of my journey as a CSA shareholder, which I’ll be chronicling in this Urbivore’s Dilemma series. (Read the first installment.) It’s been quite a learning curve so far. Not just from the vegetables and how to cook them, but also learning what […]

Tom’s Kitchen: An early summer’s fried rice with sautéed greens

Many people claim they don’t have time to cook fresh meals “from scratch.” In Tom’s Kitchen, Grist’s food editor discusses some of the quick and easy things he gets up to in … well, his kitchen. Forgive the lame iPhone photography. My three food groups, representin’ on one plate.(Tom Philpott)When I think about nutrition and […]