Ask Umbra®
How much water does a lawn really need?
A reader frets that her employer runs the sprinklers non-stop. Umbra says over-watering is a total turnoff.
Do I really need to rinse my recyclables?
A reader wonders if he should bust out the scrub brush. Umbra says he'd be nutella not to.
What kind of laundry soap is lightest on the land?
A reader wonders whether to go with liquid or powder. Umbra gives him the straight scoop.
Will I poison myself if I reuse this plastic water bottle?
A reader tries to ease his bottled-water guilt by using the bottle more than once. Umbra tells him to put a cork in it.
What’s better for zipping around town, electric carts or gas?
A reader kicks the tires on neighborhood electric vehicles. Umbra gets supercharged.
Is it really OK to pour paint down the drain?
A reader wonders if it's really safe to wash his paint brushes in the sink. Umbra gives him the three-bucket challenge.
What’s the best way to dispose of an old car battery?
A reader's battery has shuffled off this mortal coil. Umbra says Mexican recycling plants make calamity of so long a life.
Ask Umbra: Is the Ice Bucket Challenge a waste of water and money?
A reader wonders how much water has been wasted to raise money for ALS. Umbra says it's a drop in the bucket.
Ask Umbra: Is “canned air” bad for the planet?
A reader threatens to use an air duster to clean her office. "Drop the spray can and step away from the computer," says Umbra. "We don't want anyone to get hurt."
