Stories by Dara Colwell
Dara Colwell is a freelance writer based in San Francisco.
We spend $40 billion annually on our lawns and spend $10 billion more on pesticides and fertilizers keeping them green. But worse, they're draining diminishing water resources.
Posted on Oct 2, 2009, Source: AlterNet
Let's take a look at why Waxman-Markey has the support of big polluters such as Shell Oil and Duke Energy, and not many environmental groups.
Posted on Jun 24, 2009, Source: AlterNet
Every man-made fiber we wear, sit on, cook with, drive in, are by-products of the petroleum industry -- all of which could be replaced by hemp.
Posted on Jun 18, 2009, Source: AlterNet
We can make over 25,000 things with it. Farmers love it. Environmentalists love it. You can't get high from it. So why is it still illegal?
Posted on Mar 26, 2009, Source: AlterNet
With new solar-powered movie theaters and factories, the solar industry is exploding. But how far can it take us toward a clean energy future?
Posted on Oct 30, 2008, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
Is the Dutch government wrecking Amsterdam's reputation as Europe's most liberal, "anything goes" destination?
Posted on Oct 12, 2006, Source: AlterNet
Used traditionally for visionary experiences, ayahuasca has become the chosen cocktail of contemporary urban seekers.
Posted on Oct 27, 2004, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
Given past rejection and open persecution by mainstream religion many gay men are seeking spiritual guidance outside the church.
Posted on Jul 14, 2004, Source: AlterNet
Is Americans' attitude toward casual use relaxing? It appears that the nation is now ripe for catching the buzz.
Posted on May 10, 2004, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
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, Source: AlterNet
"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, Source: Metro Silicon Valley
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, Source: AlterNet
Ethical concerns are prompting some kosher Jews to team up with environmentalists in a battle against genetically engineered foods.
Posted on Mar 6, 2001, Source: Metro Silicon Valley
