Climate Culture
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With eco-friendly earthen floors
I’m all for green building — especially when it involves eco-renovations that take into account more than just some CFL bulbs and a solar panel. But dirt floors? It’s a growing trend, according to a piece in the NYT yesterday. The “earthen floors” are primarily made of mud, but may also include other materials like […]
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Is it greener after all?
Tyler Cowen disputes the frequent assertion that Manhattanites have the smallest environmental footprints around. He says: Praising Manhattan is a bit like looking only at the roof of a car and concluding it doesn’t burn much gas. Manhattan supports its density only by being surrounded by a broader load of crud. … If you think […]
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Umbra on fireplace inserts
Dear Umbra, Our fireplace is terribly drafty when we’re not using it, and not very functional when we do. Despite the cheery blaze, most of the heat seems to go up the chimney. I tend to burn those “green” coffee logs since setting a real fire isn’t worth the trouble. My question is: should I […]
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Umbra on pellet stoves
Dear Umbra, I am a policy analyst with Californians Against Waste, a recycling advocacy group. Just wondering why pellet stoves were not considered in your wood stove analysis. I have one and feel that overall they rate well compared to other heating options. Thanks, Scott Smithline Sacramento, Calif. Dearest Scott, Omitting pellet stoves from my […]
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From Condoms to Crow
If only they were 100 percent effective A new ad campaign popping up on U.K. campuses asks: What better way to protect against climate change than with a jimmy hat salami sling love glove condom? Better latex than never! And, uh, where can we get one that size? Image: Friends of the Earth Hoofin’ it […]
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You, yes you, can act to fight climate change
If the wacky weather we’ve been having, the suffering of endearing creatures, the possible cancellation of this year’s Polar Bear Club swims, or the catastrophic melting of Arctic ice has you hot and bothered, you’re not alone. Though it’s easy to cower in your basement wearing your duct tape bodysuit and motorcycle helmet feel defeated, […]
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Paris Exposed
As world awaits climate report, French capital sends a message All eyes are on Paris this week as the world waits en retenant son souffle for tomorrow’s release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. (That means “with bated breath.” We love the Google!) So Paris, ever obliging, is doing a banana dance to […]
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Umbra on insulation
Dear Umbra, I recently discovered that our attic is not insulated. While I live in the fairly warm climate of San Diego, we’ve been hit by a cold spell the last few weeks and I’ve cranked on the heater. I’d really like to insulate my home and was wondering what is the most planet-friendly method […]
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Why the vegetarian critique of meat-eating should make meat-eaters squirm
Edible Media takes an occasional look at interesting or deplorable food journalism on the web. It’s been a rough couple of months for meat eaters. In late November, the FAO issued a startling report claiming that livestock production emits fully 18 percent of global greenhouse gases — more than all the automobiles in the world. […]
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PBS’s NOW chats with Laurie David, Majora Carter
“The Heat Over Global Warming” is the topic of discussion on tonight’s episode of the PBS show NOW. They’ll be chatting with high-profile activist Laurie David as well as Majora Carter of Sustainable South Bronx. From the show’s website: Ahead of a major scientific report on global warming to be released next week, David Brancaccio […]
