Climate Culture

A personal appreciation of Grist contributor Donella Meadows

I was once speaking with Donella Meadows in her Dartmouth College office a few years ago, back when I taught with her in the environmental studies program. She was responsible for my appointment in environmental literature and writing and had become a mentor I could call on for advice at any time, no matter how […]

Zed, last of his species, in "Cattle Cull"

I'd Do Anything for Love (but I Won't Do That)

Zed, last of his species, in "Vast Wasteland to the Max"

A Snowblower's Chance in Hell

Are we losing touch with good, simple things?

Years ago, when I went out to my new chicken house and found the very first freshly laid egg, I stared at it in awe. “How did that hen do that?” I wondered. She takes in grain and bugs and kitchen scraps and turns them into an egg. Shell on the outside, white and yolk […]

The Refrigerator Strikes Back

Zed, last of his species, in "Reality TV Bites"

What's wrong with those pretty holiday bulbs? Plenty

Pssst … want to know why the climate conference sputtered at The Hague? Published reports cited disagreements about trees. Well, the trees in question might well have been of the Christmas variety — because, of course, the U.S. delegation needed to return home in time to string up the traditional holiday lights. You heard it […]

Zed, last of his species, in "Carbon Culture Sink"