Climate Culture

One mother’s tips for managing summer eco-dilemmas

It’s painful for you both, but still better than a day inside with SpongeBob. Photo: Tom Twigg When the last school bell rings and summer gets into full swing, we modern parents simply can’t do as the previous generation did: turn our kids loose onto the chemically manicured neighborhood lawns for unsupervised games of kick-the-can, […]

Umbra on kiddie pools

Dear Umbra, Regarding your obsession with vinyl, as pertains to summer parenting: Greenpeace’s thorough Vinyl Alternatives list indicates that no good alternatives to vinyl kiddie pools exist. Do you think it is worth it to put a huge effort into manufacturing or finding a vinyl-free backyard wading experience? I can’t stop thinking about this, and […]

A techno blog for the doubters

Stumbled on a great site -- Low Tech Magazine. Here's a short bit from just one of many beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking posts:

Buying a high-mileage car easier said than done

My brother-in-law recently sent me a spreadsheet he'd built that compares a Prius and two similar-sized cars. He just wanted to know if "doing the right thing was going to cost me." The numbers said to buy a Prius. Ideally, going green should always be a win-win situation. Then, however, he found that the waiting list is "baaaack!" So he'll have to put down a deposit just to get in line. He was quite disappointed and may now buy a different car.

My car is also on the ropes. A few months ago, I asked for car advice and got some valuable feedback. I've been procrastinating, but a week ago, my door handle broke off, so in addition to having a jury-rigged ignition switch, I now have to roll the window down and open the door using the outside handle. It's getting embarrassing. At least I don't have to crawl out the window ... yet. I'll eventually get a part from a junkyard, but that was the final straw. Our 17-year relationship is over.

A new video about creation care

Another sharp new piece from the American News Project:

Public transit ridership is up, but no one’s talking about a better system

But how long will they wait for infrastructure improvements? Photo: Sharat Ganapati One year ago, as America prepared for the traditional summer-driving crush, op-ed pages nationwide fretted over a disturbing trend. Only a decade earlier, oil had plumbed depths near $10 per barrel, and dirt-cheap gas had allowed us to roll over the nation’s blacktop […]

From Turnoff to Turn-on

Just don’t hit eject Overpopulation give you pause? Then give it pause, boys, with a remote control that halts sperm in its tracks. Perfect for dates on fast-forward — though it does involve microchipping your manhood. But did we mention the remote control? Booty call to action If you’re bummed about climate change, panty up […]

An eco-friendly gift guide for Father’s Day

I will be your father figure, I have had enough of clime. You’re already planning to whip up a delectable dinner for Dad; the lawn is freshly mown; and you’re saving that request for plumbing advice ’til June 16. What else could a father ask for? If you still feel the need to shop, make […]

Neve Campbell’s eco-flick won’t air in the U.S.

Neve Campbell. Burn Up is the (totally and completely fictional) story about a clash between Big Oil and Big Green. The Canadian/British miniseries features Party of Five star Neve Campbell as an environmentalist hired to work for an oil company (as a greenwash decoy, of course, though she doesn’t realize it until too late … […]

Oceans of love for the Tesla-driving Matt Damon

Photo: PBS Not that I’m f*cking (in love with) Matt Damon and would use even vaguely green news as an excuse to write about him — what would give you that idea? — but the Bourne star was spotted earlier this week taking a Tesla prototype for a spin. Autofiends.com chatted him up about how […]