It’s that time of year again: No, not election season — it’s party time! A reader writes to say her sorority is about to go on a major Jell-O shot bender. Being a responsible drinker, she continues, “We want to get drunk, but we also want to protect the environment.”

As you should. And Umbra is here to end the paper-vs.-plastic Jell-O cup debate (hint: neither) and tell you what’s really in that gelatinous goo (it’s not horse hooves, but it’s equally disgusting).

Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. All donations DOUBLED for a limited time. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

Stories like this don’t tell themselves.

Make others like it possible. Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.

Send your green-living questions to Umbra.

To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How

For even more green goodness, you can follow Umbra on Twitter (@AskUmbra) or become a fan on Facebook.