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Q. Dear Umbra,

As you know, university students across the country are petitioning their administrations to divest of fossil fuels. They are eager for support from the older generation of alums, but so far the alums have not done much. As an alum of two schools, I recently realized that one of the best ways that we can help in this effort is publicly to pledge to withhold further donations until our alma mater divests. But we need to spread this “meme” far more widely. How can we do this so that colleges and universities realize that their graduates who now have children and grandchildren are joining with the students and taking decisive, meaningful action for a future that affects us all?

Larry D.
Clinton, Wash.

A. Dearest Larry,

Don’t look now, but I think that meme is spreading as we speak. More on that in a moment.

How do you let colleges and universities know that you want them to stop investing in our destructive fossil-fuel companies? You tell them.

You could tell them by not donating, as you suggest. But that might or might not make much of an impact, depending on the relative sizes of your school, your donations, and their donor base. So you need to make your reason very clear. Write a letter to the fundraising office. Write a letter to the college president or trustees. Write a letter to the campus newspaper or local media.

When all that writing makes your hand cramp and your brain grow weary, get even more creative. Do you live near your alma maters? If so, perhaps you could string up a banner on the gates saying something like “Alums for Fossil Fuel Divestment” or “Old Alums Don’t Die, They Just Divest.” If that’s not a practical or desirable step, send a note to your alumni magazine that says “Larry D. is loving life in Clinton, Wash., where he’s actively involved in a national movement for alums who want their schools to divest from fossil fuels. Starting with this one.” Take a picture of your child or grandchild holding a sign that says “Guess what? I’m a legacy, but I won’t be considering your school because you invest in fossil fuels” and mail it in. Oh I’m full of good ideas.

So is Bill McKibben, whose organization 350.org has spearheaded this campus movement. (Full disclosure: He is also a Grist board member.) I asked Bill if he had advice for you, and he said this: “Anyone who has graduated from a college or university may have noticed that their alma mater retains a keen interest in them, and often sends return envelopes. Here’s the moment to put your love for your school, and your love for the planet, to joint use.”

Which rather makes it sound like he’s suggesting you mail in toads or acorns, but I’m pretty sure he’s just emphasizing your exact instinct: Your activities as a donor are very important to your school. In fact, Bill’s group offers resources for alums who want to get involved in the divest movement, including a map of active campaigns and a template of a letter you can send to the administration.

Just for fun I checked with a few other contacts who work in higher education, one of whom recommends a somewhat tougher, but possibly even more effective, route: “Arm yourself fully with facts about the schools’ fundraising and holdings and the potential impact of divestment, [then] put together a core group of influential and sensible supporters among alumni, other donors, administrators, faculty, students, trustees … and use the support, influence, and ideas to actually try to work something out through the existing mechanisms of the institutions.”

Whichever path you choose (I’m still loving my banner pun, personally), you’ll be joining a growing network of alums who are active in divestment efforts across the country, from the University of Michigan to Harvard, from Colorado College to the Claremont Consortium. They are signing petitions! They are making Facebook pages! And they are making impressive progress.

So far, the institutions that have committed to divest are small places with modest endowments: College of the Atlantic, Unity College, Sterling College, and Hampshire College. But the notion has spread to 300 campuses across the country, and even been embraced by several cities, including San Francisco and Seattle. So speak up, Larry! You could be part of an effort that’s shaping up to be one of the most important movements of the early 21st century.

Mortarboardly,
Umbra

Filed under: Article, Climate & Energy, Living

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Q. Dear Umbra,

My darling husband does our family’s dishes so I try to just stay out of his way. But he is convinced that the environmentally safe dishwasher detergents are not effective. Then again, opening the door after a completed cycle with his super-duper soap is so noxious that I am convinced these detergents leave behind residue subsequently to be consumed by me and his lovely daughter. What’s the rub?

Michele C.
Keene, N.H.

A. Dearest Michele,

It is awfully hard to argue with people who take on odious chores, isn’t it? Ordinarily I would agree with your urge to give your husband a wide berth, but dish detergent happens to be a subject about which I am passionate. Hey, we all have our passions.

First, let us celebrate the fact that your husband is using the dishwasher. As we have discussed before, a fully loaded dishwasher is more efficient than hand-washing dishes. Our friends at the Energy Star program swear it saves us time and money, too, to the tune of 10 days a year and $431 over the life of the machine. (Those of us not blessed with dishwashers can save water by filling a basin or two in the sink instead of leaving the water running while we wash up. But you knew that.)

So are your husband’s habits putting your family at risk? For many years, mainstream detergents contained phosphates, which were magic on dishes but fatal for fishes. In 2010, a controversial ban on phosphates took effect, relieving us of that worry, but conventional detergents still contain an alphabet soup of unsettling ingredients, which can include chlorine, sulfuric acid, and the nefarious “fragrance.” Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning for an eye-opening look at the truly toxic nature of many of our household products. Of 100 dishwasher detergents analyzed by the group, half got a rating of D or F. I’ll bet your noxious brand is in there! Go look it up. Then take a look at the items that get an A rating. They are better for your family’s health, and better for our waterways and the critters therein.

If eco-detergents haven’t met your mate’s expectations thus far, it may not be their fault. As former Grist food writer extraordinaire Tom Philpott explained in a review of eco-detergents awhile back, the performance of detergent actually has a lot to do with whether your water is hard or soft. I don’t know how the water is there in Keene, but hubs might have to do a quick pre-rinse so the eco-detergents can perform at their peak. Yes, this uses a bit more water, but choosing a greener detergent can keep potential carcinogens off your dessert plates. Kind of a good trade-off, if you ask me. The fine folks at Consumer Reports have a few more thoughts about how to deal with hard water and how to get the best out of your dishwasher.

Of course, you could always try making your own dish detergent with a few basic ingredients — this recipe offers tips on what to use and where to find the materials. Surely if you whip up a batch and present it to your darling dishwasher with a smile, he’ll be willing to give it a try. It’s the least a renaissance man can do.

Domestically,
Umbra

Filed under: Article, Living

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Q. Dearest Umbra,

I know you’ve written about lightbulbs before, but it seems like there are lots of new options on store shelves. Are incandescents even being sold anymore? And what about LED lights? I tried some a few years ago and, in addition to being hella expensive, the light they gave off was cold and blue and institutional — I couldn’t stand it. Are there other low-energy varieties? Which kinds of bulbs work with dimmers? Can you — ahem — shed some light on this confusing subject?

Liza E.
Battle Creek, Mich.

A. Dearest Liza,

Thanks for reminding me that it’s time for our semi-demi-hexi-annual revisitation of the lightbulb topic. And what better day than Earth Day to undertake this quest? For years, “change a lightbulb” has been cited as a simple step people can take to help the planet. Now even that command is starting to feel complicated, a state of affairs that does not help our cause.

But I promise it’s not really as complicated as all that. For those with short attention spans, the answer is: Go buy LEDs.

Here’s the rest of the story: Back in 2007, George W. Bush (you remember him) signed an Energy Bill that, among other things, intended to make America more energy efficient. It included regulations that would end the manufacture of wildly inefficient lightbulbs. Some political shenanigans ensued, but the short version is that in 2012, the phaseout of conventional incandescent bulbs began, starting with the 100-watt varieties. This year, 75-watt bulbs are to get the heave-ho, followed by 60-watt and 40-watt models. Should you wish to know more, the EPA has a handy explainer on the topic. This shift could save U.S. households $6 billion in 2015 alone, says the agency — check out this calculator to see figures specific to your house.

In general, new lightbulbs = good news. But new lightbulbs can also feel confusing and expensive when we’ve spent our lives grabbing a familiar 75-watt bulb and paying $1 for it. So here’s a little refresher on our options:

Halogen incandescents are as close as you can get to the familiar incandescent bulbs now being phased out. These high-tech versions of the old standby last two to three times longer and use about 25 percent less energy. They look the same as the old versions, so they may be comforting to people who think newfangled bulbs are weird. They can also be used in your dimmers! This is an area of product development that might be worth keeping an eye on: One consultant told The New York Times that the bulb regulations, when they were brand new, had spurred “more incandescent innovations in the last three years than in the last two decades.” But you’ll still save more money and energy with a CFL or LED.

Compact fluorescents (CFLs) last 10 times as long as traditional incandescents and use 75 percent less energy. They are a very good energy-saving option, and some can be used in dimmers (check individual packaging), but they have drawbacks. They contain a tiny amount of mercury, which means you can’t just toss them in the trash — though disposal has gotten easier thanks to recycling programs at major retailers including Home Depot and IKEA. CFLs also require some relearning: We should not turn them off as religiously as we’ve been trained to do with incandescents, because they actually have a finite number of on-off cycles. Frequent switching can be one reason they burn out early. Here are a few other things that can do in a CFL.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) last 25 times as long as the old incandescents and use 75 percent less energy as well. Honestly, Liza, they are the way of the future. Scratch that: They are the way of the now. Forget your cold blue experience of yesteryear and look into the array of options available today, many of which are covered in this helpful New York Times review. LEDs get bright immediately (as opposed to having an annoying “warm-up” period like CFLs), aren’t weakened by on-off cycling, and can be used in your dimmer. Yes, they are expensive up front, but their price has dropped dramatically in the last couple of years, and should continue to do so. If you can manage $5 to $10 for a bulb, I promise it will pay off handsomely over time in lower energy bills, less bulb-changing, less pollution from the power plants that electrify our homes, less shopping, and less angst.

By the way, if you really want to geek out on the topic of lighting, here’s a fun quiz from the folks at National Geographic. You might even learn enough to concoct a strange new sign-off.

Ediswanly,
Umbra

Filed under: Business & Technology, Living

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Dearest Readers,

Spring cleaning time! Here are a few quick and dirty questions that have been lingering in my inbox. Hope this helps — keep ’em coming!

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do you have any suggestions for the best way to get my eyeglass lenses clean?

Monique M.
Plymouth, N.H.

A. Dearest Monique,

I have the perfect eco-solution for you. It is called: Your Breath and a Swipe of Your Shirt. Yes, you will look a bit like your high-school algebra teacher, but it gets the job done. If that doesn’t appeal, might I suggest our old friend white vinegar. Seriously, people, there is nothing white vinegar cannot do. Dab a little on your lenses, wipe with a soft cloth, and enjoy the streak-free shine.

Bifocally,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do Barbie dolls and accessories contain BPA?

Janie
Wayzata, Minn.

A. Dearest Janie,

When I was growing up, a Fisk hound chewed the legs off my favorite Barbie. Did he ingest Bisphenol A along with those deliciously petite feet? I asked the good folks at Mattel, who would say only that the materials they use are “considered safe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.” It does appear that Barbies are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is worrisome. Longtime readers will recall my firm rule — “No on vinyl, and that’s final” — and this overview gives a sense of the global uprising against PVC. A better choice would be to buy or make toys that don’t contain any plastic at all. Healthier for the children in your life, healthier for the planet — and healthier for the occasional overzealous canine.

Skipperly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Is it OK to put broken glass (drinking, window pane, etc) in my recycling container?

Aisha E.
Philadelphia, Penn.

A. Dearest Aisha,

While it goes against my deep urge to recycle absolutely everything, the conventional wisdom is to wrap up broken glass and put it in your trash. This is for two primary reasons: First, glass objects like drinking vessels and window panes are not typically recycled by many municipalities, whether broken or not. (Check with yours to be sure.) Second, even if these objects are recycled in your area, you don’t want to risk slashing the hands of your friendly local hauler.

I will, however, go out on a limb and say if you break a beer bottle and your recycling is picked up by a mechanized truck, you can probably sneak the shards into your bin. Of course, you could always look into reuse too. Need any mosaics?

Craftily,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Congratulations on your witty, informative column! I would like to know how to recycle used spiral-bound notebooks. I have about 10 of them waiting for disposal. Please don’t tell me I have to tear out all the paper!

Catherine H.
Mamaroneck, N.Y.

A. Dearest Catherine,

Thank you! And are these notebooks your journals from fourth grade onward? If so, I urge you to keep them. I destroyed mine a decade or so ago, and I sometimes wish I could revisit the woes of young Umbra. The teacher who refused to debate the finer points of roadless rules, the junior-high locker that wasn’t big enough for my unicycle — that sort of thing. But if you’re ready to part with yours, check with your local waste authority to see whether you need to disassemble them. Some recycling plants can handle an intact notebook, others can’t. If separation is required, think of this little project not as “tearing out all the paper” but as simply removing the binding. Once you get started you might find it rather satisfying – and you can even look into creative ways to reuse the metal when you’re done.

Confidentially,
Umbra

Q. Dearest Umbra,

For those of us who get headaches from fragrances, staying in motels and hotels is a real stinky problem. But I recently stayed at a resort where they do not use heavily scented cleaners. My question for you: Is there a website that lists the non-smelly hotels and motels?

Rob C.
Ridgway, Colo.

A. Dearest Rob,

How hotels love their scents. Roses, vanilla, tobacco, old books — these things apparently create “transitional portals” and emotional attachments.  Or, in the case of many guests including you, headaches. Happily, I have resources to suggest: Green Vacation Hub offers a clickable map of green hotels that includes a special filter for fragrance and air quality. And the Safer Travel Directory is an old-school list of hundreds of establishments that are sensitive to the needs of the chemically sensitive ($17 PDF, $19-$25 hard copy). At larger hotel chains you can also inquire about allergy-free rooms — some use air purifiers and fragrance-free products that can minimize, if not entirely do away with, your discomfort. Of course, you’ll still have to make it through that old-book-scented lobby.

Vagabondly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

How do I get rid of a big-ass tube TV?

Hanna W.
Seattle, Wash.

A. Dearest Hanna,

Do you know how many old TVs are sitting in storage in American homes? A whopping 99 million, according to an EPA estimate [PDF]. That was a few years back, and I bet it’s grown since then. This means — and here I am extrapolating just a tad — that you are not alone in your dilemma. What the heck do we do with old TVs, indeed? We are rightfully hesitant to toss them, because they are full of lead and mercury and other nasties that can contaminate our soil and water (eventually contaminating us). In fact, many places, including your very own King County, will not allow TVs in the trash. Luckily, TV recycling is getting easier and more common, thanks to local recycling centers, programs set up by major retailers such as Best Buy, and electronics manufacturers. Start with EPA’s Electronics Donation and Recycling page and King County’s handy directory, and promise me you won’t stop until you’ve found the beast a proper resting place.

Downtonly,
Umbra

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist

Send your question to Umbra!

Dearest Readers,

Spring cleaning time! Here are a few quick and dirty questions that have been lingering in my inbox. Hope this helps — keep ’em coming!

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do you have any suggestions for the best way to get my eyeglass lenses clean?

Monique M.
Plymouth, N.H.

A. Dearest Monique,

I have the perfect eco-solution for you. It is called: Your Breath and a Swipe of Your Shirt. Yes, you will look a bit like your high-school algebra teacher, but it gets the job done. If that doesn’t appeal, might I suggest our old friend white vinegar. Seriously, people, there is nothing white vinegar cannot do. Dab a little on your lenses, wipe with a soft cloth, and enjoy the streak-free shine.

Bifocally,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do Barbie dolls and accessories contain BPA?

Janie
Wayzata, Minn.

A. Dearest Janie,

When I was growing up, a Fisk hound chewed the legs off my favorite Barbie. Did he ingest Bisphenol A along with those deliciously petite feet? I asked the good folks at Mattel, who would say only that the materials they use are “considered safe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.” It does appear that Barbies are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is worrisome. Longtime readers will recall my firm rule — “No on vinyl, and that’s final” — and this overview gives a sense of the global uprising against PVC. A better choice would be to buy or make toys that don’t contain any plastic at all. Healthier for the children in your life, healthier for the planet — and healthier for the occasional overzealous canine.

Skipperly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Is it OK to put broken glass (drinking, window pane, etc) in my recycling container?

Aisha E.
Philadelphia, Penn.

A. Dearest Aisha,

While it goes against my deep urge to recycle absolutely everything, the conventional wisdom is to wrap up broken glass and put it in your trash. This is for two primary reasons: First, glass objects like drinking vessels and window panes are not typically recycled by many municipalities, whether broken or not. (Check with yours to be sure.) Second, even if these objects are recycled in your area, you don’t want to risk slashing the hands of your friendly local hauler.

I will, however, go out on a limb and say if you break a beer bottle and your recycling is picked up by a mechanized truck, you can probably sneak the shards into your bin. Of course, you could always look into reuse too. Need any mosaics?

Craftily,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Congratulations on your witty, informative column! I would like to know how to recycle used spiral-bound notebooks. I have about 10 of them waiting for disposal. Please don’t tell me I have to tear out all the paper!

Catherine H.
Mamaroneck, N.Y.

A. Dearest Catherine,

Thank you! And are these notebooks your journals from fourth grade onward? If so, I urge you to keep them. I destroyed mine a decade or so ago, and I sometimes wish I could revisit the woes of young Umbra. The teacher who refused to debate the finer points of roadless rules, the junior-high locker that wasn’t big enough for my unicycle — that sort of thing. But if you’re ready to part with yours, check with your local waste authority to see whether you need to disassemble them. Some recycling plants can handle an intact notebook, others can’t. If separation is required, think of this little project not as “tearing out all the paper” but as simply removing the binding. Once you get started you might find it rather satisfying – and you can even look into creative ways to reuse the metal when you’re done.

Confidentially,
Umbra

Q. Dearest Umbra,

For those of us who get headaches from fragrances, staying in motels and hotels is a real stinky problem. But I recently stayed at a resort where they do not use heavily scented cleaners. My question for you: Is there a website that lists the non-smelly hotels and motels?

Rob C.
Ridgway, Colo.

A. Dearest Rob,

How hotels love their scents. Roses, vanilla, tobacco, old books — these things apparently create “transitional portals” and emotional attachments.  Or, in the case of many guests including you, headaches. Happily, I have resources to suggest: Green Vacation Hub offers a clickable map of green hotels that includes a special filter for fragrance and air quality. And the Safer Travel Directory is an old-school list of hundreds of establishments that are sensitive to the needs of the chemically sensitive ($17 PDF, $19-$25 hard copy). At larger hotel chains you can also inquire about allergy-free rooms — some use air purifiers and fragrance-free products that can minimize, if not entirely do away with, your discomfort. Of course, you’ll still have to make it through that old-book-scented lobby.

Vagabondly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

How do I get rid of a big-ass tube TV?

Hanna W.
Seattle, Wash.

A. Dearest Hanna,

Do you know how many old TVs are sitting in storage in American homes? A whopping 99 million, according to an EPA estimate [PDF]. That was a few years back, and I bet it’s grown since then. This means — and here I am extrapolating just a tad — that you are not alone in your dilemma. What the heck do we do with old TVs, indeed? We are rightfully hesitant to toss them, because they are full of lead and mercury and other nasties that can contaminate our soil and water (eventually contaminating us). In fact, many places, including your very own King County, will not allow TVs in the trash. Luckily, TV recycling is getting easier and more common, thanks to local recycling centers, programs set up by major retailers such as Best Buy, and electronics manufacturers. Start with EPA’s Electronics Donation and Recycling page and King County’s handy directory, and promise me you won’t stop until you’ve found the beast a proper resting place.

Downtonly,
Umbra

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist

Send your question to Umbra!

Dearest Readers,

Spring cleaning time! Here are a few quick and dirty questions that have been lingering in my inbox. Hope this helps — keep ’em coming!

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do you have any suggestions for the best way to get my eyeglass lenses clean?

Monique M.
Plymouth, N.H.

A. Dearest Monique,

I have the perfect eco-solution for you. It is called: Your Breath and a Swipe of Your Shirt. Yes, you will look a bit like your high-school algebra teacher, but it gets the job done. If that doesn’t appeal, might I suggest our old friend white vinegar. Seriously, people, there is nothing white vinegar cannot do. Dab a little on your lenses, wipe with a soft cloth, and enjoy the streak-free shine.

Bifocally,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do Barbie dolls and accessories contain BPA?

Janie
Wayzata, Minn.

A. Dearest Janie,

When I was growing up, a Fisk hound chewed the legs off my favorite Barbie. Did he ingest Bisphenol A along with those deliciously petite feet? I asked the good folks at Mattel, who would say only that the materials they use are “considered safe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.” It does appear that Barbies are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is worrisome. Longtime readers will recall my firm rule — “No on vinyl, and that’s final” — and this overview gives a sense of the global uprising against PVC. A better choice would be to buy or make toys that don’t contain any plastic at all. Healthier for the children in your life, healthier for the planet — and healthier for the occasional overzealous canine.

Skipperly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Is it OK to put broken glass (drinking, window pane, etc) in my recycling container?

Aisha E.
Philadelphia, Penn.

A. Dearest Aisha,

While it goes against my deep urge to recycle absolutely everything, the conventional wisdom is to wrap up broken glass and put it in your trash. This is for two primary reasons: First, glass objects like drinking vessels and window panes are not typically recycled by many municipalities, whether broken or not. (Check with yours to be sure.) Second, even if these objects are recycled in your area, you don’t want to risk slashing the hands of your friendly local hauler.

I will, however, go out on a limb and say if you break a beer bottle and your recycling is picked up by a mechanized truck, you can probably sneak the shards into your bin. Of course, you could always look into reuse too. Need any mosaics?

Craftily,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

Congratulations on your witty, informative column! I would like to know how to recycle used spiral-bound notebooks. I have about 10 of them waiting for disposal. Please don’t tell me I have to tear out all the paper!

Catherine H.
Mamaroneck, N.Y.

A. Dearest Catherine,

Thank you! And are these notebooks your journals from fourth grade onward? If so, I urge you to keep them. I destroyed mine a decade or so ago, and I sometimes wish I could revisit the woes of young Umbra. The teacher who refused to debate the finer points of roadless rules, the junior-high locker that wasn’t big enough for my unicycle — that sort of thing. But if you’re ready to part with yours, check with your local waste authority to see whether you need to disassemble them. Some recycling plants can handle an intact notebook, others can’t. If separation is required, think of this little project not as “tearing out all the paper” but as simply removing the binding. Once you get started you might find it rather satisfying – and you can even look into creative ways to reuse the metal when you’re done.

Confidentially,
Umbra

Q. Dearest Umbra,

For those of us who get headaches from fragrances, staying in motels and hotels is a real stinky problem. But I recently stayed at a resort where they do not use heavily scented cleaners. My question for you: Is there a website that lists the non-smelly hotels and motels?

Rob C.
Ridgway, Colo.

A. Dearest Rob,

How hotels love their scents. Roses, vanilla, tobacco, old books — these things apparently create “transitional portals” and emotional attachments.  Or, in the case of many guests including you, headaches. Happily, I have resources to suggest: Green Vacation Hub offers a clickable map of green hotels that includes a special filter for fragrance and air quality. And the Safer Travel Directory is an old-school list of hundreds of establishments that are sensitive to the needs of the chemically sensitive ($17 PDF, $19-$25 hard copy). At larger hotel chains you can also inquire about allergy-free rooms — some use air purifiers and fragrance-free products that can minimize, if not entirely do away with, your discomfort. Of course, you’ll still have to make it through that old-book-scented lobby.

Vagabondly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

How do I get rid of a big-ass tube TV?

Hanna W.
Seattle, Wash.

A. Dearest Hanna,

Do you know how many old TVs are sitting in storage in American homes? A whopping 99 million, according to an EPA estimate [PDF]. That was a few years back, and I bet it’s grown since then. This means — and here I am extrapolating just a tad — that you are not alone in your dilemma. What the heck do we do with old TVs, indeed? We are rightfully hesitant to toss them, because they are full of lead and mercury and other nasties that can contaminate our soil and water (eventually contaminating us). In fact, many places, including your very own King County, will not allow TVs in the trash. Luckily, TV recycling is getting easier and more common, thanks to local recycling centers, programs set up by major retailers such as Best Buy, and electronics manufacturers. Start with EPA’s Electronics Donation and Recycling page and King County’s handy directory, and promise me you won’t stop until you’ve found the beast a proper resting place.

Downtonly,
Umbra

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist

Send your question to Umbra!

Q. Dear Umbra,

This might sound a little out there, but whenever I think about climate change, I picture us all ending up on a planet like Tatooine. Hot as hell, two suns, broken dreams and unhappy people all around. Am I just getting carried away here, or does Star Wars have some lessons to offer us?

Jim R.
Rutland, Vt.

A. Dearest Jim,

Sometimes I think I’ve seen it all, and then someone like you comes along to ask if we can learn anything from a galaxy far, far away. I suspect my knowledge of the planetary system of Star Wars does not hold a candle to yours, but I don’t mind taking a break from the problems of this galaxy to explore another one. Luckily I also have a couple of experts in the family Fisk to whom I can turn for guidance.

Isn’t it remarkable how science fiction offers such fascinating ideas for surviving brutal, apocalyptic situations? For decades, imaginative writers have put forth super-creative notions that really might be worth a closer look, especially as we creep closer to our own climate apocalypse. In fact, some of the boldest geoengineering concepts out there seem like they are straight out of a sci-fi novel. It’s a fine line, I suppose, which may be why many people cast aspersions on that field. (Then again, I know others who are fully convinced that cloud-seeding will save us.)

But back to Star Wars. The more I poke around, the more I think the planetary lessons on offer are a bit grim. On Bespin, home of Cloud City, life revolves around gas mining and artificial urban constructs. The swamps of Dagobah, where Yoda trains Luke, apparently cause frustration and hallucinations. Coruscant, political hub of the galaxy, has to propel its garbage into space and scrub its atmosphere of toxic gases. And then there’s poor old Alderaan, where Leia grew up, which boasted a lovely variety of habitats, built an advanced civilization, was deeply committed to peace — and got blown to smithereens for not kowtowing to Evil Corporate Forces. What sort of take-home message is that?

I actually think Tatooine might offer some of the most useful lessons for withstanding a scorched future. Two suns and a desert don’t sound all that pleasant, but build yourself a sunken hut and wear light colors, and you’ll keep cool. If memory serves, I believe Luke’s family also practiced “moisture farming,” the practice of drawing usable water from the air. This is a skill that real-world engineers are working on all around us, and they are coming up with some fascinating solutions: In Lima, Peru, a billboard produces drinking water for local residents; a French company has created a wind turbine that does the same; and researchers have even dreamed up a self-filling water bottle (unless this is one of MIT’s notorious pranks — those are some seriously silly brainiacs). With water scarcity one of our greatest global concerns, such investigations and ideas are going to be vital.

Tatooine also offers another lesson, of course, which is that the right theme music makes all the difference. Sometimes I just hum that Cantina ditty to myself when I’m in the library stacks researching my dearest readers’ questions. It makes a dusty hour go by quickly, I’ll tell you that.

Mos Eisley,
Umbra

P.S. Happy first of April.

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist

Send your question to Umbra!

Q. Dear Umbra,

This might sound a little out there, but whenever I think about climate change, I picture us all ending up on a planet like Tatooine. Hot as hell, two suns, broken dreams and unhappy people all around. Am I just getting carried away here, or does Star Wars have some lessons to offer us?

Jim R.
Rutland, Vt.

A. Dearest Jim,

Sometimes I think I’ve seen it all, and then someone like you comes along to ask if we can learn anything from a galaxy far, far away. I suspect my knowledge of the planetary system of Star Wars does not hold a candle to yours, but I don’t mind taking a break from the problems of this galaxy to explore another one. Luckily I also have a couple of experts in the family Fisk to whom I can turn for guidance.

Isn’t it remarkable how science fiction offers such fascinating ideas for surviving brutal, apocalyptic situations? For decades, imaginative writers have put forth super-creative notions that really might be worth a closer look, especially as we creep closer to our own climate apocalypse. In fact, some of the boldest geoengineering concepts out there seem like they are straight out of a sci-fi novel. It’s a fine line, I suppose, which may be why many people cast aspersions on that field. (Then again, I know others who are fully convinced that cloud-seeding will save us.)

But back to Star Wars. The more I poke around, the more I think the planetary lessons on offer are a bit grim. On Bespin, home of Cloud City, life revolves around gas mining and artificial urban constructs. The swamps of Dagobah, where Yoda trains Luke, apparently cause frustration and hallucinations. Coruscant, political hub of the galaxy, has to propel its garbage into space and scrub its atmosphere of toxic gases. And then there’s poor old Alderaan, where Leia grew up, which boasted a lovely variety of habitats, built an advanced civilization, was deeply committed to peace — and got blown to smithereens for not kowtowing to Evil Corporate Forces. What sort of take-home message is that?

I actually think Tatooine might offer some of the most useful lessons for withstanding a scorched future. Two suns and a desert don’t sound all that pleasant, but build yourself a sunken hut and wear light colors, and you’ll keep cool. If memory serves, I believe Luke’s family also practiced “moisture farming,” the practice of drawing usable water from the air. This is a skill that real-world engineers are working on all around us, and they are coming up with some fascinating solutions: In Lima, Peru, a billboard produces drinking water for local residents; a French company has created a wind turbine that does the same; and researchers have even dreamed up a self-filling water bottle (unless this is one of MIT’s notorious pranks — those are some seriously silly brainiacs). With water scarcity one of our greatest global concerns, such investigations and ideas are going to be vital.

Tatooine also offers another lesson, of course, which is that the right theme music makes all the difference. Sometimes I just hum that Cantina ditty to myself when I’m in the library stacks researching my dearest readers’ questions. It makes a dusty hour go by quickly, I’ll tell you that.

Mos Eisley,
Umbra

P.S. Happy first of April.

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist

Send your question to Umbra!

Q. Dear Umbra,

This might sound a little out there, but whenever I think about climate change, I picture us all ending up on a planet like Tatooine. Hot as hell, two suns, broken dreams and unhappy people all around. Am I just getting carried away here, or does Star Wars have some lessons to offer us?

Jim R.
Rutland, Vt.

A. Dearest Jim,

Sometimes I think I’ve seen it all, and then someone like you comes along to ask if we can learn anything from a galaxy far, far away. I suspect my knowledge of the planetary system of Star Wars does not hold a candle to yours, but I don’t mind taking a break from the problems of this galaxy to explore another one. Luckily I also have a couple of experts in the family Fisk to whom I can turn for guidance.

Isn’t it remarkable how science fiction offers such fascinating ideas for surviving brutal, apocalyptic situations? For decades, imaginative writers have put forth super-creative notions that really might be worth a closer look, especially as we creep closer to our own climate apocalypse. In fact, some of the boldest geoengineering concepts out there seem like they are straight out of a sci-fi novel. It’s a fine line, I suppose, which may be why many people cast aspersions on that field. (Then again, I know others who are fully convinced that cloud-seeding will save us.)

But back to Star Wars. The more I poke around, the more I think the planetary lessons on offer are a bit grim. On Bespin, home of Cloud City, life revolves around gas mining and artificial urban constructs. The swamps of Dagobah, where Yoda trains Luke, apparently cause frustration and hallucinations. Coruscant, political hub of the galaxy, has to propel its garbage into space and scrub its atmosphere of toxic gases. And then there’s poor old Alderaan, where Leia grew up, which boasted a lovely variety of habitats, built an advanced civilization, was deeply committed to peace — and got blown to smithereens for not kowtowing to Evil Corporate Forces. What sort of take-home message is that?

I actually think Tatooine might offer some of the most useful lessons for withstanding a scorched future. Two suns and a desert don’t sound all that pleasant, but build yourself a sunken hut and wear light colors, and you’ll keep cool. If memory serves, I believe Luke’s family also practiced “moisture farming,” the practice of drawing usable water from the air. This is a skill that real-world engineers are working on all around us, and they are coming up with some fascinating solutions: In Lima, Peru, a billboard produces drinking water for local residents; a French company has created a wind turbine that does the same; and researchers have even dreamed up a self-filling water bottle (unless this is one of MIT’s notorious pranks — those are some seriously silly brainiacs). With water scarcity one of our greatest global concerns, such investigations and ideas are going to be vital.

Tatooine also offers another lesson, of course, which is that the right theme music makes all the difference. Sometimes I just hum that Cantina ditty to myself when I’m in the library stacks researching my dearest readers’ questions. It makes a dusty hour go by quickly, I’ll tell you that.

Mos Eisley,
Umbra

P.S. Happy first of April.

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist

Send your question to Umbra!

Q. Dear Umbra,

This might sound a little out there, but whenever I think about climate change, I picture us all ending up on a planet like Tatooine. Hot as hell, two suns, broken dreams and unhappy people all around. Am I just getting carried away here, or does Star Wars have some lessons to offer us?

Jim R.
Rutland, Vt.

A. Dearest Jim,

Sometimes I think I’ve seen it all, and then someone like you comes along to ask if we can learn anything from a galaxy far, far away. I suspect my knowledge of the planetary system of Star Wars does not hold a candle to yours, but I don’t mind taking a break from the problems of this galaxy to explore another one. Luckily I also have a couple of experts in the family Fisk to whom I can turn for guidance.

Isn’t it remarkable how science fiction offers such fascinating ideas for surviving brutal, apocalyptic situations? For decades, imaginative writers have put forth super-creative notions that really might be worth a closer look, especially as we creep closer to our own climate apocalypse. In fact, some of the boldest geoengineering concepts out there seem like they are straight out of a sci-fi novel. It’s a fine line, I suppose, which may be why many people cast aspersions on that field. (Then again, I know others who are fully convinced that cloud-seeding will save us.)

But back to Star Wars. The more I poke around, the more I think the planetary lessons on offer are a bit grim. On Bespin, home of Cloud City, life revolves around gas mining and artificial urban constructs. The swamps of Dagobah, where Yoda trains Luke, apparently cause frustration and hallucinations. Coruscant, political hub of the galaxy, has to propel its garbage into space and scrub its atmosphere of toxic gases. And then there’s poor old Alderaan, where Leia grew up, which boasted a lovely variety of habitats, built an advanced civilization, was deeply committed to peace — and got blown to smithereens for not kowtowing to Evil Corporate Forces. What sort of take-home message is that?

I actually think Tatooine might offer some of the most useful lessons for withstanding a scorched future. Two suns and a desert don’t sound all that pleasant, but build yourself a sunken hut and wear light colors, and you’ll keep cool. If memory serves, I believe Luke’s family also practiced “moisture farming,” the practice of drawing usable water from the air. This is a skill that real-world engineers are working on all around us, and they are coming up with some fascinating solutions: In Lima, Peru, a billboard produces drinking water for local residents; a French company has created a wind turbine that does the same; and researchers have even dreamed up a self-filling water bottle (unless this is one of MIT’s notorious pranks — those are some seriously silly brainiacs). With water scarcity one of our greatest global concerns, such investigations and ideas are going to be vital.

Tatooine also offers another lesson, of course, which is that the right theme music makes all the difference. Sometimes I just hum that Cantina ditty to myself when I’m in the library stacks researching my dearest readers’ questions. It makes a dusty hour go by quickly, I’ll tell you that.

Mos Eisley,
Umbra

P.S. Happy first of April.

Filed under: Living

View full post on Grist