Dear “Earth Talk”: Is it true that converting crops such as corn into ethanol actually uses more energy than is produced? — Leslie Foster, Eau Claire, Wis. Recent revelations by University of California, Berkeley, researcher Tad Patzek have fueled vigorous debate about the wisdom of using fuels such as ethanol to reduce our reliance on […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
On visiting the cooler
Today I’m going to take you somewhere you never want to go. Don’t fret; just reading about it won’t hurt you. Besides, it’s the only painless way to peep inside. A brief visit to this place can be humiliating. Spending your life there has to be pure hell. Last month, I went inside three maximum-security […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Trees for the landscape
Two things will determine your happiness with a tree selection: matching the tree to your site conditions and picking a tree with characteristics that you like. Remember: Right tree, right place. Here’s a short list of trees that are sure to add beauty and character to your landscape. These selections, which may all be successfully […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Earth Talk
Dear “Earth Talk”: What are the ramifications for wildlife of cross-breeding species and creating animals such as the “zorse” (horse/zebra mix) and the “beefalo” (cow/buffalo)? — Kiernan Warble, San Francisco, Calif. In 1986, a 14-foot-long male false killer whale and a 6-foot-long female Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Honolulu’s Sea Life Park Hawaii became the proud […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A moving experience
When I told my editor I wanted to write a column about Crash, he yawned. “You’re going to do a movie review?” As usual, he had a valid point. I’m no film critic; I’m a chronically sleep-deprived overworked mom. Put me in a dark room with a comfy chair and a tummy full of popcorn […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Right tree, right place
Planting the right tree in the right place is an investment not only for you and your property but also for your community and future generations. You really don’t need a reason to plant a tree, but it’s a good a way to celebrate a special event, such as the birth of a child, a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The sting’s the thing
Many of us are enjoying cooler temperatures by getting outside and having a picnic, attending a family reunion, or spending the day at an arts-and-crafts festival. These activities, which usually involve food and beverages, may attract some uninvited guests. You know who I’m talking about: those stinging bugs sporting yellow-and-black jackets. Believe it or not, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Springfield Syndrome
I once lived in a place so fresh that people could express their pride in residency simply by the way they put their renewal stickers on their license plates. Most motorists placed them properly, inside that rectangular dimple on the license’s upper right-hand corner, smack on top of last year’s tag. But others refused to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A second chance
If you’ve been waiting for cooler weather to finish your garden-chore to-do list, now is the time to get going. September gives gardeners a second chance to get around to unfinished garden tasks. Here’s a checklist to get you started: Trees and shrubs • Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Be […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Earth Talk
Dear “Earth Talk”: What are some of the trends in the construction industry that seek to improve the environmental impact of buildings? — Bianca Hoffman, Bridgeport, Conn. Builders, architects, environmental organizations, and forward-thinking governments around the world are working on a host of innovative ideas aimed at greening the built environment — from giant factories […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Get out of your gardening funk
By now, most of our gardens have started to look a little worn, flowers have started to fade away, and plants are looking tired from lack of rain. In some gardens, weeds have taken over. It’s time for a burst of energy — and what better way to get fired up about your garden than […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Earth Talk
Dear “Earth Talk”: Where can I find green-friendly office products and back-to-school supplies? — Taylor Howe, San Francisco, Calif. Environmentally friendly school and office products have been available for decades from specialty suppliers, but in recent years many recycled kinds of papers, pens, pencils, toner cartridges, binders, folders, and desk accessories have become ubiquitous in […]
