Climate Culture

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  • Bon Jovi to offset next tour

    Photo: Stephen Lovekin/WireImage. Remember back in 2006, when Jon Bon Jovi said he got into green stuff to offset his hair spray-related indiscretions in the past? Allow me to remind you: Actual quote: “Do you really want to know why I’m doing all this goodwill? … It’s because I feel guilty about the huge hole […]

    Grist staff Culture

  • A test of eight green bathroom-cleaning products

    Forget the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker — if your rub-a-dub tub is filled with grime and grub, it’s time to scrub. But with what? Before you reach for just any cleaner, ask yourself whether those scrubby bubbles are going to make your bathroom surfaces even more toxic. To help you avoid soap-scummy […]

    Sarah van Schagen Culture

  • What behavioral economics has to offer

    Many critics of economists contend that because people aren't rational, economics has little predictive power. This is wrong for two reasons. First, people act relatively rational in many (if not most) circumstances; second, the deviations from rationality are predictable. As one of my professors at Berkeley used to say, it's not enough to say that people don't always act like perfect utility maximizers; the question is whether they do on average, and when they don't, what directions they take. It turns out that irrationality is not at all random, as claimed by some.

    What does this mean for environmentalists?

    A lot. Dealing with climate change and other major environmental issues will require major changes in behavior, and this is where behavioral economics comes in. There is an interesting piece in today's NYT on ways to get people to change their energy use; pay special attention to the "Further Reading" section near the top. And Monday on NPR, there was an hour-length program on behavioral economics entitled "Predictably Irrational," which offered a nice introduction to the field of behavioral economics.

    Educate yourself and enjoy.

    Jason D Scorse Culture

  • Rev. Billy at the auto show

    This protest/happening at Saturday’s N.Y. Auto Show was most amusing: See StreetFilms.org for background.

    David Roberts Culture

  • Clothing from Britney’s guest role to be auctioned for NRDC

    Fallen popstar Britney Spears has a guest starring role on tonight’s episode of How I Met Your Mother. And despite evidence that would predict otherwise, reviews suggest she pulls off the role fairly well. After the show, she’ll be pulling off her clothes … For charity, that is. Her wardrobe from the appearance — including […]

    Grist staff Culture

  • Voting is open for the Orion Readers’ Choice Award

    Read a good green-themed book lately? The editors of Orion have, and in advance of their award of the annual Orion Book Award next month, for an outstanding book exploring the interaction of people and the natural world, they've just posted all the nominated books here for voting in a "people's choice" contest.

    From The World Without Us to Blessed Unrest, it's an impressive list that makes me realize how many books I want to crack open. But after looking them over, I did at least take the time to vote for my own favorite of 2007. Hope you will, too.

    Erik Hoffner Culture

  • Umbra on toxic yoga mats

    Dear Umbra, I own a yoga studio and our mats are wearing out and in need of replacement. What’s the best alternative for buying new mats? And if I do get new mats, what’s the best option for disposing of the old ones: donate to one of the many organizations that provide yoga for people […]

    Ask Umbra® Culture

  • Reducing your carbon footprint from travel

    If want to reduce your carbon footprint, what should you do about your air travel until we have carbon-free jet fuel?

    The Stockholm Environment Institute and the Tufts Climate Initiative have a good handout on the subject, titled "Flying Green." They note:

    ... the average American is responsible for the emissions of about 20 tons of CO2 annually ... If you fly to Europe and back from the U.S., you'll add about 3-4 tons to your (already large) carbon footprint. With one flight you will have caused more emissions than 20 Bangladeshi will cause in a whole year. Unfortunately they are the ones who will lose their homes and livelihood once sea level rise inundates their low lying country.

    Joseph Romm Culture

  • World Water Day, Grand Canyon film highlight water crisis

    Saturday is World Water Day, a time set aside by the U.N. during which member nations are encouraged to address the worldwide water crisis. This year’s theme is the “International Year of Sanitation” (sexy!), which is aimed at “accelerat[ing] progress for 2.6 billion people worldwide who are without proper sanitation facilities.” For more on this […]

    Grist staff Culture

  • From Emo to Ego

    Thnks fr th GHGs What will be the fallout from Pete Wentz and Co.’s green-themed flight to Antarctica? Tons of carbon, a Guinness record — and, quite possibly, emo copypenguins. Photo: iStockphoto Against the grain Young McHipster has a farm, e-i-e-i-o. And on her farm, she has organic produce, e-i-e-i-o. With a CSA here, and […]

    Sarah K. Burkhalter & Sarah van Schagen Culture