Articles by Ask Umbra®

The New York Times calls Umbra Fisk "a trailblazer in the field of eco-advice columnists" and "the arch online sage of the new green age." Her latest passion: kale smoothies ... no, sorry, civic engagement, because getting political is the only way we'll get a planet that doesn't burn and a future that doesn't suck. Ask Umbra a question here.

All Articles

Is it OK to ship recyclables cross-country — if landfill is the alternative?

Sure, sending trash far away burns more carbon than recycling it locally. But recycling it far away still beats trashing it. Umbra sorts the tradeoffs.

Ask Umbra® Technology
Rechargeable batteries: Which are the most eco-friendly?

There are many ways to juice your gadgets without throwing away mountains of dead batteries. Umbra charges through the options.

Ask Umbra® Technology
When the Big One hits, here’s some of the gear you’re going to need

Disaster prep isn't a realm in which to get too obsessive about sustainability, but it makes all sorts of sense to stock your own kit, Umbra advises.

Ask Umbra® Culture
Balloon releases at college football games? Sack that custom

A reader wants to know how his college's customary balloon swarm affects the environment. Umbra offers a crash course.

Ask Umbra® Culture