Impact

The big ideas that are changing the world

What the former CEO of Reddit learned from Silicon Valley about planting trees

Yishan Wong is now in the business of planting trees to try to stop climate change. He says that new tech won’t solve the climate crisis—but old tech and scalability can.

What the former CEO of Reddit learned from Silicon Valley about planting trees

The world is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. It’s time to admit it’s not enough

Governments and businesses have settled on an easy-to-remember climate goal. But even if we achieve it, we’ll still face climate disasters that could be prevented with bolder action.

The world is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. It’s time to admit it’s not enough

How the U.S. kept hunger from skyrocketing during COVID: government aid and charity

The pandemic spurred a serious economic downturn, but stimulus checks, SNAP benefits, and food banks helped keep Americans fed.

How the U.S. kept hunger from skyrocketing during COVID: government aid and charity

This new mixed-income housing complex comes with its own farm

The 361-unit complex will also have enough land to produce 20,000 pounds of produce a year, available at a discount to residents.

This new mixed-income housing complex comes with its own farm

This giant wind turbine blade can be recycled

Energy companies are trying to redesign wind energy so the giant components don’t end up in landfills. Siemens Gamesa’s RecyclableBlade can be broken down into its raw materials at the end of its life.

This giant wind turbine blade can be recycled

Ikea’s 8 principles for circular design show how to build a business based on reuse

From focusing on repairability to making items easier to take apart and then reassemble, here’s how the furniture giant is rethinking its product line to eliminate waste.

Ikea’s 8 principles for circular design show how to build a business based on reuse

How Biden’s pick to head the ATF was derailed by intense opposition from gun rights groups

The ATF has been without a director for the last seven years. Now, that leader-less run will continue, after David Chipman’s nomination was pulled due to opposition to his support of things like universal background checks.

How Biden’s pick to head the ATF was derailed by intense opposition from gun rights groups

Extreme heat is extremely bad for the economy

By 2050, the economic loss to the U.S. caused by heat could be in the vicinity of $500 billion.

Extreme heat is extremely bad for the economy

Oil companies need to drastically cut production to meet climate goals

So far, they have given no indication that is part of their plans.

Oil companies need to drastically cut production to meet climate goals

The first commercial carbon removal plant just opened in Iceland

Inside the Climeworks plant, CO2 from the atmosphere gets pumped underground and turned into stone. It’s a major step for a technology that could be crucial to curbing climate change.

The first commercial carbon removal plant just opened in Iceland

After wildfires can come thunderstorms and catastrophic flooding. Here’s why

With less vegetation and dark soil that both repels water and absorbs energy from the sun, wildfire burn scars become susceptible to more disastrous weather.

After wildfires can come thunderstorms and catastrophic flooding. Here’s why

This app lets hungry people secure their next meal with a text

Rather than waiting in line at a food bank, someone can just text the word “HUNGRY” to Bento, choose a nearby restaurant, and pick up a meal.

This app lets hungry people secure their next meal with a text

See how many people around the world are currently exposed to polluted air

A real-time air pollution exposure calculator, created by the UN Environment Programme and IQAir, shows just how many millions of people are breathing in dangerously polluted air.

See how many people around the world are currently exposed to polluted air

The new hot theme in gaming: climate change

The climate crisis is finding its way into more and more games: Can games help shift people’s perspectives?

The new hot theme in gaming: climate change

This startup wants its reusable menstrual pad to be the last period product you ever need

LastObject makes reusable alternatives for single-use items like Q-tips and cotton rounds. Next up, it’s tackling the wasteful world of period products.

This startup wants its reusable menstrual pad to be the last period product you ever need

For many workers, raises today don’t make up for years of wage stagnation

Even as retail and hospitality workers see pay hikes, they’re often not enough to offset rising prices and years of low pay.

For many workers, raises today don’t make up for years of wage stagnation

Can teens get vaccinated without their parents’ consent? It depends on where they live

Anyone 12 and up is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, but whether or not a minor can choose to get the shot themselves depends on a state-by-state patchwork of widely varied rules.

Can teens get vaccinated without their parents’ consent? It depends on where they live

Eviction moratorium? Landlords continue to find ways to kick renters out during the pandemic

While both the federal government and many states passed laws designed to prevent eviction for tenants who couldn’t pay due to COVID-19, in practice, the protections have not been that strong.

Eviction moratorium? Landlords continue to find ways to kick renters out during the pandemic

A vital new study shows how well masks work—and why we need better ones

The study comprised two parts: testing how to best promote mask-wearing, and quantifying the effectiveness of the usage.

A vital new study shows how well masks work—and why we need better ones

In New Orleans, a solar microgrid is keeping lights on in this affordable apartment building

While the rest of the neighborhood is dark, the residents at the St. Peter Apartments still have power. Can it be a model for more resilient architecture?

In New Orleans, a solar microgrid is keeping lights on in this affordable apartment building

Impact

What if you rented your next laptop?

The lenses in these sunglasses are made from captured CO2

All McDonald’s Happy Meal toys will be made of sustainable materials by 2025

News

Indie publisher Zando taps Gillian Flynn and Lena Waithe to find your new favorite authors

Report: Funding to women startup founders dropped in 2020 and it was already dismally low

How much would it take for you to turn your shower curtain into a Pabst Blue Ribbon ad?

Co.Design

Innovation By Design

What it’s like to drive one of the most exciting EVs on the planet (hint: it’s not a Tesla)

Innovation By Design

Nike’s hands-free shoe proves that universal design leads to better products for everyone

Innovation By Design

Local Projects is the 2021 Design Company of the Year

Work Life

This one creative exercise can bring diversity of thought to your work

How to make a career change without leaving your current company

Try this ancient framework to make you more innovative today