Latest Articles

Harder than it looks

In the latest issue of Sierra Magazine, Seattleite Seth Zuckerman recounts the results of his personal experiment:

Not how it works

I missed this when it first came out, but check out the Zogby poll on global warming:

And their environment commissioner is pissed

Canada's federal environment commissioner Johanne Gelinas recently completed an audit of the country's efforts to address climate change.

She's not happy:

Japanese dolphin hunt underway

Last week, I told you about the annual dolphin hunt in Japan. It's now underway, which may explain why videos like this one are getting hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube:

Brit’s Eye View: Britain’s Conservatives challenge Labour for mantle of greenest party

This is the first installment of a new monthly column on sustainability in the U.K. and Europe, from Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future, Britain's leading sustainable development charity.

Something strange and wonderful is happening in British politics. American readers, prepare to be envious: both of our main political parties are actively competing to be seen as the greenest. What is perhaps even more interesting is that it's the Conservatives (a traditionally right-wing, pro-business, and tax-cutting party more or less equivalent to your Republicans) who are currently winning.

In a recent opinion poll, people were asked, "From what you have seen or heard, which of these three politicians as prime minister would do most to protect the environment?" Only a quarter opted for Tony Blair, and 18 percent for his likely successor as head of the Labour Party, Gordon Brown, while 33 percent chose David Cameron , the Conservative leader. It is difficult to imagine a comparable result in the United States.

The change is mainly down to the 39-year-old Cameron himself (pictured at right). Dave, as he prefers to be called, is a slick, approachable, and media-friendly politician. Indeed, he has many of the qualities -- of freshness, of being in touch with ordinary people's aspirations -- that made Tony Blair so popular a decade ago.

Cameron has already shown a strong personal commitment to environmental issues. He rides a bicycle to the House of Commons, he grows organic carrots, and he is fitting a wind turbine to his house.

From Centerfolds to 50 Cent

June is bustin’ out all over A 2007 calendar benefiting the Climate Protection Campaign will feature green models ranging from energy pushers and business owners to city councilchicks and hard-core … cyclists. Their theme? “Ecobabes … because beauty inspires life” — and because sex (no matter how green) sells. Photo: Ecobabes.org Chinese chop tix Censorship, […]

Watch

Despite my best efforts, I can never get the videos on Big Picture TV to work. (I wish everyone would just switch to Flash, a la YouTube.) But perhaps you can. If so, go check out the three clips of Bill McKibben they just put up.

And let me know if they're any good.

Here’s your coupon code for a discount on the ecopod

Ever felt what your home really needs is "the sweet sound of compaction"? Have I got a deal for you.

As mentioned in The Grist List today, ecopod is so much more than just a compacter for your recycled goods. The company's raison d'etre is to make recycling simple and rewarding. And now they're offering to make it just a little bit cheaper, too. Grist readers interested in purchasing an ecopod -- that's you! -- will receive a 10 percent discount by entering the coupon code GOGRIST in the "Promotion Code" box during checkout.

For now, the ecopods are still on the assembly lines, but orders will start shipping this November on a first-come, first-served basis -- so get your order in soon! This is a great way to support a fledgling company and take some positive action at the same time. And I know how y'all love to recycle.

Really

Good for Angela Merkel:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel named confronting climate change as her country's top priority as leader of the Group of Eight (G8) nations next year and will also use Germany's weight as president of the EU to push for the reduction of energy use at the same time.

Somebody give that lady a backrub!

Sure It’s Not the Politics?

Wildlife waste blamed for pollution in D.C.-area waterways Tired of being left out, nature has decided to join in the fun and pollute itself. A significant amount of harmful bacteria in Virginia and Maryland waterways has been pinned on, well, wildlife poop. The Potomac and Anacostia rivers and an additional two dozen or so streams […]