Articles by Grist staff

Power Shift

E.U. launches action plan for reducing energy use The European Union has adopted an action plan for reducing energy use 20 percent by 2020, saying increased efficiency could save it $125 billion by that year. Under the plan, the 25-nation bloc will expand building energy-efficiency rules to apply to smaller structures, and develop binding minimum […]

Ice Vice, Baby

Iceland to resume commercial whaling despite international ban Iceland plans to resume commercial whaling for the first time in nearly 20 years, despite an international moratorium. Through August 2007, the government will permit whalers to harpoon 30 minke whales and nine endangered fin whales. Iceland’s Fisheries Ministry says there are 43,600 minkes and 25,800 fin […]

U.K. opens eco-friendly chalk building

A new conference and events center in the U.K. is said to be one of Europe's "most sustainable and healthy" structures. And it was built with almost $1.5 million worth of chalk. No kidding.

Extracted from the White Cliffs of Dover, the chalk was literally pounded into place to create the walls of the structure. Other sustainable materials -- like locally sourced clay tiles and an insulated soil roof -- were used as well, and the building as a whole needs just 15 percent of a conventional building's energy requirements.

Revenue from events held at the Pines Calyx will go toward maintaining the grounds. Which, I can only imagine, will involve a lot of dusting. Perhaps they could put those furry hats to use?

Seeking veggie-friendly flu remedies

So I'm feeling a bit under the weather ... and no, I'm not talking about Seattle's forecast. I've been fighting something flu-ish this week -- something involving fever, aches, and an unhappy tummy. It's the third day now, and all I'm munching on is some crackers and tea. Mom says the remedy is some old-fashioned chicken soup. But where does a vegetarian turn in times like these? Many of the vegetable soups out there have an acidic tomato base that isn't appealing. Any of y'all have time-tested soup (or other) recipes to soothe a sickly (but anti-chicken) stomach?