Kristin Toussaint

Can ocean plastic cleaning projects actually clean all the ocean plastic?

A new study finds that the volume of plastic flowing into the ocean will overwhelm any cleaning efforts. If we want to clean up ocean plastic, we need to start at the source.

Can ocean plastic cleaning projects actually clean all the ocean plastic?

This mobile game lets you build ecosystems that will help solve real-world ecological problems

In EcoBuilder, you build your own ecosystems of plants and animals, adding in species of different sizes and deciding who eats whom. Scientists are looking at the successful games to see what they can learn about how the planet works.

This mobile game lets you build ecosystems that will help solve real-world ecological problems

Fast Company Magazine

The chemicals industry is notoroiously bad for the environment. MilliporeSigma’s Jeffrey Whitford is trying to fix that, one ingredient at a time.

For pushing chemical manufacturer MilliporeSigma to find eco-friendly solutions, Jeffrey Whitford is one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2020.

The chemicals industry is notoroiously bad for the environment. MilliporeSigma’s Jeffrey Whitford is trying to fix that, one ingredient at a time.

Fast Company Magazine

Hilary Cottam’s ‘Radical Help’ has communities around the world rethinking (and revamping) their social programs

For writing “Radical Help,” a highly influential book about fixing social problems that has resonated all over the world, Hilary Cottam is one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2020.

Hilary Cottam’s ‘Radical Help’ has communities around the world rethinking (and revamping) their social programs

Fast Company Magazine

Engineers have been trying to make ocean waves a source of energy for decades. Her company finally figured out how.

For founding Eco Wave Power, a technology that turns waves into energy, Inna Braverman is one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2020.

Engineers have been trying to make ocean waves a source of energy for decades. Her company finally figured out how.

How wealth inequality is warping the world of philanthropy

1.2 trillion estimated to be sitting in private foundations right now, during the pandemic, is not necessarily going to move to nonprofits.

How wealth inequality is warping the world of philanthropy

The solution to our COVID-19 testing dilemma: Lots of different kinds of rapid tests

We need COVID-19 testing that returns results within minutes, and we need a lot of them. The best path is developing many different tests that use different materials so we don’t strain supply chains.

The solution to our COVID-19 testing dilemma: Lots of different kinds of rapid tests

Charity Navigator is launching a new rating system to help better evaluate nonprofits

In an effort to expand the range of nonprofits its evaluates—and give donors more data to help direct their giving—the charity rating organization is launching a new, more detailed measurement tool called Encompass.

Charity Navigator is launching a new rating system to help better evaluate nonprofits

41 states have reduced their carbon emissions while growing their economies

It’s possible for the U.S. to decouple emissions growth from economic growth.

41 states have reduced their carbon emissions while growing their economies

France is going to ban outdoor heating at restaurants

Bring a blanket, because the heaters are an “ecological aberration.”

France is going to ban outdoor heating at restaurants

11 million households could be evicted over the next four months

A new tool helps you see the contours of the approaching housing disaster.

11 million households could be evicted over the next four months

It’s now been 11 years since we raised the federal minimum wage

It’s the longest period without a raise in the history of the minimum wage.

It’s now been 11 years since we raised the federal minimum wage

The clean air from COVID-19 shutdowns made solar panels more productive

Clearer skies make for more sun on panels, which starts a virtuous cycle: less pollution to block the panels in the future.

The clean air from COVID-19 shutdowns made solar panels more productive

This tech is bringing water to Navajo Nation by pulling it out of the air

Zero Mass Water’s Source hydropanels use sunlight to absorb water vapor from the air. In the Navajo Nation, where running water is scarce and COVID-19 is surging, they’re providing a lifeline.

This tech is bringing water to Navajo Nation by pulling it out of the air

Your old pizza box isn’t actually too greasy to recycle

Domino’s is working to educate people that even the greasiest of boxes (where 20% of the total weight is grease!) can go through most city’s recycling systems with no issue.

Your old pizza box isn’t actually too greasy to recycle

How the COVID-19 housing crisis could affect voter participation

Where do you register to vote if you just got evicted?

How the COVID-19 housing crisis could affect voter participation

This checking account donates 1% of its revenue to climate nonprofits

The 1% for the Planet Account from Bank of the West puts your money to work stopping climate change—and tells you the carbon footprint of your purchases.

This checking account donates 1% of its revenue to climate nonprofits

We need major air-conditioner innovation to keep us cool without warming the planet

Building more efficient AC and refrigerators could prevent the equivalent of eight years of global emissions over the next four decades.

We need major air-conditioner innovation to keep us cool without warming the planet

Berkeley is going to create a new traffic enforcement department, so police won’t do traffic stops

The city council voted to explore forming a Berkeley Department of Transportation that would enforce speeding and traffic laws, instead of armed police officers.

Berkeley is going to create a new traffic enforcement department, so police won’t do traffic stops

Every $1 invested in ocean sustainability generates $5 of benefits for the planet

Saving the ocean will have effects that go far beyond the shoreline.

Every $1 invested in ocean sustainability generates $5 of benefits for the planet

Impact

This DIY mask test kit finds that your neck fleece isn’t really helping

David Chang and other chefs say now is the time to fix the restaurant industry’s long-standing inequities

The Gates Foundation is helping back a $3 COVID-19 vaccine

Creativity

7 films to watch for a Netflix and Nollywood weekend

Why New Belgium Brewing is charging $100 for a six-pack of Fat Tire today

Microsoft’s bid to buy TikTok is the company’s brilliant plan to finally make you love it

Co.Design

How to decontaminate an N95 mask in an Instant Pot

This artist turned old Allbirds sneakers into a beach chair

SF sex toy designer debuts “build-your-own vibrator” parties on Zoom

Work Life

This one small thing can radically impact your productivity

As a Latino immigrant, I thought I understood the challenges of the Black community. I have a lot to learn

Will this time of reflection finally get your side hustle off the ground?