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  • Sweet bites for the holidays [RECIPES]

    As Christmas approaches, some like to shop and some decorate. Me, I crank up the cookie factory. Here are some of my personal favorites.

  • Top 10 worst Christmas gifts

    The Jamaica Plain Green House today released its second annual list of “Top 10 Worst Christmas Gifts.” The list ranges from $2 stocking stuffers to baubles of the super-rich. JP Green House co-founder Ken Ward said, “These ten items achieved high scores on each of three criteria — profligate, unnecessary, and tasteless energy use — […]

  • Ask Umbra on Christmas trees, broken lights, and naughty birds

    Dearest Readers, Now that I’m back from convoluted Copenhagen, I find I need a bit of a break. So I’ll be taking some time off to make gingerbread, sip cocoa, and knit myself a new compost bin, which means you won’t see my column next week. But I’ll be here on January 4 — look […]

  • Ask Umbra on holiday donations, green magazines, and more

    Dearest Readers, I write to you from Copenhagen, where I have come to witness the big climate conference. O the life of a Grist columnist gets more glamorous by the day! Be sure to check out our coverage, and follow my adventures on Twitter. Yes, dear readers, I’ve finally succumbed to the tweet hereafter — […]

  • This year, have a Slow Christmas

    This post originally appeared on SlowChristmas.org. Recently I have begun to wonder. Just when did Christmas go from this:         to this? USB Warmer Seat Cushion           The world is a fast place, filled with stuff, so I guess it makes sense that Christmas would reflect that. The […]

  • Toxic toys and BPA-exposed babies, just in time for the holidays

    Dearests, in this season of love and laughter, when we all become young at heart and so forth, I’m going to point out two new child-related studies that might just make you — well, choke on your egg nog. Luckily, I’ve also found some handy resources that will keep your holidays happy. Cute — but […]

  • Ask Umbra on her hotness, corporate gift baskets, and more

    Send your question to Umbra! Q. Dear Umbra, I am worried that your hotness may be contributing to global warming. I’m not sure what can be done to fix this. O Zone A. Dearest O, You are making me blush. But I am using your letter as a springboard to report some exciting news: In […]

  • Umbra on gift cards

    Dear Umbra, I received a gift card this holiday season from a friend to a company which I generally avoid due to its subpar eco-practices. Since my friend has already given the money to this company, do I forgo my moral objections and use the card, or is there another way I can make the […]

  • Power from stationary bikes to light up Times Square New Year’s sign

    As part of the effort to green New Year’s festivities in Times Square, battery maker Duracell has set up a “power lodge” nearby where volunteers can take a turn on stationary bikes that will power the “2009” sign marking arrival of the new year after the infamous illuminated ball drops. So far, only about 95 […]