Articles by Ask Umbra®
The New York Times calls Umbra Fisk "a trailblazer in the field of eco-advice columnists" and "the arch online sage of the new green age." Her latest passion: kale smoothies ... no, sorry, civic engagement, because getting political is the only way we'll get a planet that doesn't burn and a future that doesn't suck. Ask Umbra a question here.
All Articles
-
![]()
![]()
Is it OK to ship recyclables cross-country — if landfill is the alternative?
Sure, sending trash far away burns more carbon than recycling it locally. But recycling it far away still beats trashing it. Umbra sorts the tradeoffs.
-
![]()
![]()
Rechargeable batteries: Which are the most eco-friendly?
There are many ways to juice your gadgets without throwing away mountains of dead batteries. Umbra charges through the options.
-
![]()
![]()
When the Big One hits, here’s some of the gear you’re going to need
Disaster prep isn't a realm in which to get too obsessive about sustainability, but it makes all sorts of sense to stock your own kit, Umbra advises.
-
![]()
![]()
Balloon releases at college football games? Sack that custom
A reader wants to know how his college's customary balloon swarm affects the environment. Umbra offers a crash course.
