Stories by Dara Colwell
Dara Colwell is a freelance writer based in Amsterdam.
Across the U.S. and the world, the timber industry is driving research behind genetically engineered forests. But environmentalists worry that it will open an ecological Pandora's Box.
Posted on Aug 2, 2007
Americans are working harder than ever before and at a greater cost to the environment. Research suggests that practicing a more simple lifestyle made people happier while using fewer resources.
Posted on May 21, 2007
In the Netherlands people can be naked in their gardens, the beach and recently the gym. But in America, even chocolate sculptures can't be without clothes. What gives?
Posted on Apr 19, 2007
More and more people are using carbon offsets to rationalize consumption. But will paying extra money to have trees planted in India really negate the pollution from your flight to Europe?
Posted on Apr 11, 2007
Green roofs have been around for millennia. But as the planet heats up and green space dwindles, they are gaining in popularity in the U.S. and abroad.
Posted on Mar 6, 2007
Is the Dutch government wrecking Amsterdam's reputation as Europe's most liberal, "anything goes" destination?
Posted on Oct 12, 2006
Used traditionally for visionary experiences, ayahuasca has become the chosen cocktail of contemporary urban seekers.
Posted on Oct 27, 2004
Voter registration has reached a fever pitch overseas, where expatriate Americans are signing up for absentee ballots in record numbers.
Posted on Oct 13, 2004
Given past rejection and open persecution by mainstream religion many gay men are seeking spiritual guidance outside the church.
Posted on Jul 14, 2004
Is Americans' attitude toward casual use relaxing? It appears that the nation is now ripe for catching the buzz.
Posted on May 10, 2004
Hemp, a valuable crop that can be used in everything from paper to frozen waffles, remains outlawed and stigmatized due to its psychoactive cousin, marijuana. Do recent court decisions signify a rise in acceptance?
Posted on May 4, 2004
While the Bush administration has pledged to make AIDS drugs available to developing countries, current US trade policies are undermining efforts to gain access to affordable medicines.
Posted on Mar 18, 2004
The latest installment of New York's annual spoof of the ad industry's Clio Awards highlights the convergence of corporate and military propaganda.
Posted on Apr 14, 2003
The classic American clothing company, Levi Strauss, is shutting its domestic factories and moving all production to China, leaving behind an increasingly anxious U.S. garment industry.
Posted on May 9, 2002
Pitted against the wildly popular NYPD, this weekend's anti-WEF protesters were more subdued than their predecessors in Seattle or Davos. Was their message still heard?
Posted on Feb 4, 2002
Whether admitting to cross dressing, nosehair burning, a used panty addiction or even murder, guilt-ridden Americans are turning away from the Church and to online confession sites.
Posted on Jan 21, 2002
The prostitution industry has been thrown for a loop by Sept. 11, with some sex workers suffering economic woes and others capitalizing on America's need for kinky distraction.
Posted on Nov 16, 2001
"Toni" made no secret of her occupation when I interviewed to become her roommate. And, sure, she never brings her tricks home, but there are some parts of a job that can't be left behind.
Posted on Oct 31, 2001
As the Middle East becomes more unstable, it makes sense to increase our "energy security" by reducing dependence of foreign oil. But how to do it? Simple -- crack down on SUVs.
Posted on Oct 15, 2001
Ethical concerns are prompting some kosher Jews to team up with environmentalists in a battle against genetically engineered foods.
Posted on Mar 6, 2001
