Articles by Grist staff

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?

Filet of the Land

New studies give conflicting advice about the benefits and risks of eating fish Two studies released yesterday are likely to confuse you even further about the benefits and risks of eating fish. A report from the Harvard School of Public Health claims that fish consumption can reduce the risk of coronary death by 36 percent, […]

A Refine Mess

Bush admin plans to relax air-pollution regulations on ethanol refineries President Bush has been hyping the environmental benefits of ethanol in recent months, even as his administration has been preparing to relax air-pollution regulations for new ethanol refineries. The U.S. EPA plans to increase the amount of toxic pollution refineries can emit — from 100 […]