Climate Culture

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  • Why environmentalists should get involved in immigration reform

    How many enviros can you spot in this picture?Photo: Salina CanizalesI grew up in a family that sorted recyclables, reused containers until they were no longer reusable, and walked whenever and wherever we could. We turned off our lights and carefully monitored our energy consumption. We made sure that we didn’t leave the water running, […]

    Sudha Nandagopal Culture

  • A Happy Meal still looks ‘fresh’ on its first birthday

    A newborn Happy Meal.Joann BrusoHappy birthday to you, you look just like new. A year later you can’t tell, and the fries still don’t smell. Happy birthday, dear Happy Meal, happy birthday to you! This is what a Happy Meal looks like before — and after — Joann Bruso put it on her shelf for […]

    Ashley Braun Culture

  • Performance issues in Chicago men’s room reek havoc on water conservation

    Sustainable Sanitation via FlickrThe backup in the bathrooms of Chicago’s City Hall is so foul that no amount of Pepto Bismol is going to help. Well-meaning politicians installed waterless urinals in the public men’s room to save a little water, but they were pissed to learn about the stinky flood of urine building up behind […]

    Ashley Braun Culture

  • New York City gets big reaction to new sex symbol

    When the Big Apple’s health department tried putting out free condoms, it found the recipients were less than stimulated by the wrapper’s appearance. To sex it up, the city held an online contest to design a new package, 15,000 voters got in on the action, and of course, one hot symbol nailed it. The condom […]

    Ashley Braun Culture

  • Bike Curious in Rhode Island (video)

    Bike Curious? You’re not alone. Between 2000 and 2009 there was a 43% increase in bicycle commuting in the US. But in Amsterdam they’re doing it more. More than 85% of Amsterdam residents ride their bikes at least once a week.* Are we missing out? Watch Professor Chris Menton as he travels his morning commute […]

    Frank Sesno Culture

  • You may be bike-curious if …

    earlblumenauer.comInterested in experimenting with the more than 45 million other Americans out there trying it? Exhausted by this nation’s tedious affair with one type of transport? Wondering if you might like spinning your wheels the other way? Then, you may be bike-curious, says Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer. This Portland politician is pedaling bi-opportunities left and right: […]

    Ashley Braun Culture

  • Ask Umbra on keyboard cleaners, automatic composters, and book club

    Send your question to Umbra! Q. Dear Umbra, I work in an office that is fairly environmentally conscious. However, we have a coworker who religiously sprays keyboard cleaner. How do I confront my coworker without sounding like an eco-turd? I’m just not thrilled about becoming infertile or dying. Suffocating in Seattle A. Dearest Suffocating, Is […]

    Ask Umbra® Culture

  • The ‘femivore’: New breed of feminist, or frontier throwback?

    Playing chicken: Mad Men über-hausfrau Betty Draper and Bay Area poultry farmer Alexis Koefoed. Koefoed photo: Bart NagelHave locavores and feminists — factions that a few years ago, some bloggers believed to be fundamentally at odds — become allies? That’s what Peggy Orenstein suggests in her essay, “The Femivore’s Dilemma,” for today’s New York Times […]

    Bonnie Azab Powell Culture

  • Home Star gets a hearing

    Home Star: Creates jobs! Slashes energy use! Saves money! All of that was said yesterday and more, during a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Congressional Research Service, the Department of Energy, and a collection of business, utility, and state advocates all testified yesterday along those lines.  Home Star is a […]

    Lane Burt Culture

  • 12 things you should never put in your mouth [SLIDESHOW]

    You cannot imagine the stuff that passes for food.  Lucky for you, we have found ample photographic evidence.  You may not want to view this on a full stomach.

    Grist staff Culture