America the Wild and Beautiful

America the Wild and Beautiful

In late August, I was lucky enough to celebrate in person the fifth anniversary of the Wild Sky Wilderness area in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. This 106,577-acre region is home to rugged mountains, beautiful stretches of pine forests, miles and miles of...
The Army Goes Off the Grid

The Army Goes Off the Grid

Do you know about “net zero”? That’s the wonky phrase attached to an elegant idea: converting communities to total renewable energy, complete recycling, and a culture of conservation to bring humankind’s carbon footprint into a sustainable...
Pumping Gas Prices for All They’re Worth

Pumping Gas Prices for All They’re Worth

Oh my God. Gasoline is headed for five bucks a gallon. I read it in the newspaper, so I know it’s true. The national average is already creeping up on $4, and it’s bound to climb higher as the summer surge in travel approaches. FIVE DOLLARS A GALLON! Oh...
Thrifty, Green Homeowners May Get a Boost

Thrifty, Green Homeowners May Get a Boost

While it might seem rare these days for Republicans and Democrats to work together on anything, two Republican members of the House of Representatives recently joined with one of their colleagues in the Democratic Party to introduce an important new piece of renewable...
Dim Bulbs in Congress

Dim Bulbs in Congress

Our problem in Washington is this: we have too many 5-watt bulbs sitting in 100-watt sockets. Any doubt about this was erased in July when House tea partiers joined old-school right-wing ranters to pass a light bulb bill. This was the culmination of a loopy crusade by...