Latest Articles

Freecycle founder, fans, and defectors talk back

  Our article on Freecycle’s growing pains, by Matt Weiser, elicited a torrent of passionate response, including a lengthy letter from Freecycle founder Deron Beal. Here’s a sample of the commentary, and there’s a whole lot more posted in Gristmill, our blog. Dear Editor: After having read your article about Freecycle, I felt compelled to […]

Grist’s green moms setup new Yahoo! group

For all you moms out there who were thinking about joining the green moms, but didn't ... they've setup shop at a new location: queensofgreen.

For the uninitiated, here is what they're about:

We in this yet-to-be-named group are dedicated to bringing together moms - the smartest, savviest, most flexible people we know - to take on the challenge of environmental issues. We believe every mom has something to contribute. For many, it is taking the first steps to limit toxins in the home. For others, it is the chance to take their passion out in the world to organize and lead. For all, it is about cleaning up the environmental legacy we leave to our children.

This is not a political forum, a religious platform, or a depressing review of global warming. Plenty of other well-organized groups are offering those opportunities (some of which are listed under Links). Instead, we bring community, idea-exchange, and support right to your (Energy Star?) computer. It's a place to meet other like-minded moms, and to share your experiences or expertise. Most important, it's a place to learn that we as mothers have the power to change the world for the better, starting in our own homes. Today the kitchen, tomorrow the world.

Go join them!

Putting on the Breaks

Grist kicking back for Memorial Day Attention Daily Grist junkies: You’ll have to do without your fix on Monday, as we Gristers will be involved in a high-level meeting with Tony Blair. OK, we’ll actually be lazing about by the Grist pool, eating peeled grapes and sipping organic lemonade to celebrate Memorial Day. Woo-hoo! We’ll […]

Recent move actually protects public

Back in March, we reported on a pending EPA decision that would have allowed untreated sewage to be released on a regular basis. Yuck.

We're happy to report that someone -- namely 98,000 people who took the time to make comments, and hardy Congressman Bart Stupak (D.-Mich.) and cohorts -- convinced the EPA that was gross. Last week, the agency announced that it would not approve the proposal, which had been lingering in the air since 2003.

"Blending is not a long-term solution," said EPA administrator Benjamin Grumbles. "Our goal is to reduce overflows and increase treatment of wastewater to protect human health and the environment."

What a concept!

Now if only Stupak could work his bulldog magic on mercury. Or carbon. Or ... oh, fine, I'll just be happy about semi-clean sewage for now.

Well, That’s One Way to Shrink the Population

Studies link common chemicals to reproductive harm Stronger evidence that a class of ubiquitous chemicals called phthalates — found in a wide variety of plastics, nail polishes, fragrances, and other products — are linked to adverse effects on the human reproductive system was made public Thursday. A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives […]

The Blair Pitch Project

Biz leaders urge Blair to act on climate A dozen of Britain’s top business chieftains have sent a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair urging him to get on the ball in the fight against climate change. The heads of BP, Shell, HSBC Bank, and other major companies say global warming is a massive problem […]

Salmon and Denial-Ah

Federal judge calls Bush admin’s salmon plan fishy In a strongly worded opinion, U.S. District Judge James Redden yesterday ruled that the Bush administration’s salmon-protection plan for the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Northwest is “contrary to law” because it doesn’t take into account how dams affect the fish’s chances of recovery. This is […]

An Offer: They Can’t Dump E-Refuse

NYC considers tough e-waste bill One of the toughest electronic-waste bills in the U.S. was introduced in the New York City Council yesterday. It would require producers of electronic equipment like computers and televisions to collect and recycle those devices — that is, if they want to maintain selling rights within the city. City officials […]

The Left Knows What the Right’s Brands Are Doing

Green campaigners target corporations as way to effect change Environmental activists in the U.S., weary of battling with the largely unsympathetic Bush administration, have increasingly been targeting their efforts at other world power brokers — transnational corporations. Their success to date has been fueled by a sort of guerilla advertising — innocuously dubbed “market campaigns” […]

At Loggerheads

Mexico pressured to protect eco-activists after two murders last week International human-rights groups yesterday urged the Mexican government to take action to protect the lives of environmental activists who are carrying out anti-logging campaigns. The plea comes on the heels of an attack last week on longtime activist Albertano Penalosa, which resulted in the murders […]