Climate Culture

Umbra on soil health

Dear Umbra, I asked about fava beans about two weeks ago, and have not had a response back. I have had no luck researching it myself, and would really appreciate a response. I asked at what point in the plant’s life did it produce nitro for the soil? For fullest nitro replenishment, should I let […]

Commute by bike, get lucky

From a Hungarian PSA (No translation necessary. Mostly safe for work; use headphones):

Rarrrrrr. Turns out, Hungary has an entire government position devoted to promoting bicycling.

In Hungary, the Ministry of Economics and Transport actually has a Deputy Minister for cycling by the name of Adam Bodor. Bodor's job, put simply, is to get people on their bikes.

Now, why can't the U.S. do that?

A five-fingered review of less-toxic nail polishes

If you’ve ever gone in for a manicure and, getting a good whiff of the stuff, wondered what sort of chemicals create a smell like that, you’ve hit the nail polish issue on the head. Those tiny little glass bottles of paint that we apply so gingerly to our fingernails and toenails — and unless […]

Festival-goers hop free ride — and stay car-free, too

As we’ve reported in the past, music festivals across the country are making moves to be more sustainable — mostly involving recycling efforts, compostable utensils, and biodiesel generators. But this year’s Coachella music festival, held in Indio, Calif., April 25-27, took an interesting track, chartering an Amtrak train to transport festival folk to and from […]

Why should gardeners worry about lead?

Lead may no longer be in gasoline, but it's still a major issue.

There’s a metaphor in here somewhere

Why the seal attempted to have sex with the penguin is unclear.

Kunstler meets Colbert

Painful:

Friday music blogging: The Ruby Suns

In 2005, New Zealand indie band The Ruby Suns put out a (self-titled) dreamy, beautiful psych-pop album that’s been one of my favorites for years. Now they’ve finally released the follow-up: Sea Lion. The product description at Amazon is unusually accurate: The melodic musings of “Sea Lion” found inspiration in the natural world and Ryan […]

From D’oh to Dash

Jessica and Ashlee not included Universal Studios is launching a Simpsons-themed ride, but don’t have a cow, man! It uses LED lighting and energy-efficient electronics — so it’s as green as Ned Flanders’ sweater. Ay, caramba! Though, not, of course, as green as having no ride at all … D’oh! © 2007 Universal Orlando. All […]

Target launches eco-friendly line by Rogan Gregory

Photos: Target Big-box store Target — or Tar-zhay, as I like to call it — is launching its first eco-friendly line of apparel … at luxury retailer Barneys New York. The collection, designed by Rogan Gregory of Edun and Loomstate denim fame, uses organic cotton, hemp, linen, and bamboo to create a "beach safari vibe" […]