I found the point/counterpoint about biomass in the Globe really interesting this week. My niece is going to school for forestry, so I feel like I get an inside look at it through her.

• Biomass: Fuel or Folly? – Boston Globe. I’m not sure what to think about biomass. The “it’s energy from wood byproducts” argument is crap, because most of a tree is already used in one way or another, and the rest should decompose on the forest floor to prevent soil degradation. But a renewable resource is better than petroleum, right? I’m torn.
• Winter Tip: Warming Up the Car Engine is More than Unnecessary – Green Upgrader. There’s really no need to warm up a modern car for more than 30 seconds.
• Low-salt diet has some roads getting greener – Boston Globe. Brining roads before a storm can dramatically reduce the amount of salt used.
• Say Hello to Stricter TV Standards – Energy Savers. By 2013, new Energy Star standards for TVs should cut their energy use in half. I knew we were waiting to replace ours for a good reason.
• Preventing Heat From Sneaking Out of the House – New York Times. The Pragmatist does some basic air sealing of his house.
• Drive-by Energy Audits – Building Green. Patches of melted snow on a roof is a sure sign that the house needs more insulation.
• How Small Could You Go? – The Greenest Dollar. I was happy with 700 square feet, but Jason prefers 1,000. How about you?
• It’s CSA Time Again! – The Greenists. This is the perfect time of year to daydream about the great local veggies you’ll get in the spring.
• Updated seafood watch guides – Boston Globe. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has updated its guide to which fish populations are healthy enough to eat.
• Want Green Beer? Stay Close to Home – The Greenists. Jason’s a big fan of the JP brewery Pretty Things.
• U.K. organic milk better for you than conventional, thanks to cows’ grass-based diet  – Grist. Organic milk from grass-fed cows in particular is higher in healthy fatty acids. Organic milk from corn-fed cows might not be that different from regular milk.
• A Zero Waste essential: Composting – The Zero Waste Home. I always love reading about other people’s composting systems.
• Homemade Cleaners – Sense of Home. More recipes for homemade cleaners.
• Q&A: Erin Rosenbaum of “Clothes for the World” on making a difference near and far – JP Patch. This is an interesting alternative to the larger charitable clothing organizations. (Thanks, Lesley!)
• The Minimalist Makes His Exit – New York Times. No more Mark Bittman in the New York Times? Nooooooo……

That’s all for now. As always, if you find anything interesting this week, send it my way.