SOCIETY

Justice + Equality

Palestinian Farmers Look to Olive Trees to Address the Dual Challenges of Climate Change and Occupation

A partnership between the Palestinian Farmers' Union and Treedom for Palestine aims to plant 1,000 olive tree farms across the West Bank to help Palestinian farmers address both climate impacts and geopolitical instability.

Nicole Froio

December 13, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

2024 in Focus: Our Most-Read Brands Taking Stands Stories of the Year

From backtracking to social advocacy, clean tech advancements to game-changing legislation, these are the stories you loved most this year. 

Mary Mazzoni

December 11, 2024

Justice + Equality

Workplace Ageism is Widespread, Companies Can Check Their Biases to Change That

Ninety percent of workers aged 40 or older have experienced ageism in the workplace, according to a Resume Now survey. Unconscious biases cause it to manifest in recruitment, the hiring process, and at work. Checking and addressing those biases can have a big impact.

Gary E. Frank

December 6, 2024

Community Development

Slowly but Surely, the Outer Banks is Changing the Way It Looks at Tourism

For decades, North Carolina's Outer Banks aimed to attract as many tourists as possible to its picturesque shores. As the chain of islands experiences an incredible influx of visitors, and the environmental and social impacts that come with it, locals are looking to a new approach to tourism.

Taylor Haelterman

December 5, 2024

Sustainable Living

Brands Taking Stands

Even Without a Global Treaty, More Plastic Waste Reduction Laws Are Coming in 2025

Even with a global treaty stalled for another year, individual countries and localities are moving to limit plastic waste and pollution within their own borders, with a host of new plastics laws set to go into force in the coming months. Here's a preview of what's to come in 2025. 

Mary Mazzoni

December 4, 2024

Voices for Change

A New Kind of Corporate Giving Gives Employees a Say

Phin is reinventing corporate donations, putting the decision making in the hands of employees and integrating philanthropy into the core of the business. As more people look to work for companies that align with their values, more thoughtful philanthropy has the added benefits of attracting talent and boosting retention.

Amy Brown

December 3, 2024

Community Development

The Solutions Effect

The Denver Nonprofit Tackling Food Waste and Hunger at Once

We Don’t Waste has rescued 220 million servings of food from going to waste, redistributing it to over 100 local hunger relief organizations, and it doesn't plan on slowing down.

Taylor Haelterman

November 26, 2024

Sponsored

Values in Action: Leveraging Sport to Support Communities

Re-connecting Veterans with Their Communities, One Motorcycle at a Time

A new video series follows former U.S. Army airborne infantryman Ian Refugio as he returns to his love of riding after Full Throttle Energy enlisted renowned design duo Al Raposo and Taylor Schultz to restore a vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle fit for a hero.

Tina Casey

November 26, 2024

Justice + Equality

COP29 Ends in Disappointment and Frustration for Developing Nations

Climate finance took center stage at COP29, but the final days of the conference were marked by frustration toward a lack of agreement on funding climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing nations. The final decision is hundreds of billions of dollars short of what experts and those on the front lines say is needed.

Gladstone H Taylor

November 26, 2024

Community Development

Helping Hurricane Displaced Pets is a Nationwide Effort

Hurricane Helene put extra pressure on animal shelters that were already at capacity in North Carolina as they worked to rescue and reunite displaced pets with their families. Nationwide adoption drives and financial support help ease that strain.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 25, 2024

Sustainable Living

Here’s What Businesses and Consumers Can Do To Prevent Listeria Outbreaks

While the recent increase in Listeria recalls is concerning, it's also a sign of more effective contamination detection and outbreak prevention. But there's real potential for this system to decline again during the second Trump presidency. Regardless, there are steps consumers and businesses can take to continue preventing outbreaks.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 21, 2024

Community Development

Showcasing Sustainable Solutions for Urban Life

Cities are major contributors to climate change, but they can be a part of the solution, too. The Smart City Expo World Congress brings together innovators from around the world focused on transforming cities into more sustainable and livable spaces.

Ruscena Wiederholt

November 19, 2024

Justice + Equality

Undermining Progress: Human Rights and the Low-Carbon Transition

Will the World Bank's New Policy Reduce the Environmental and Social Harms of Clean Energy?

The World Bank recently released its long-awaited Approach to Responsible Exit policy. It's designed to ensure risks to communities are managed responsibly when it exits a project investment. Will it be effective?

Andrew Kaminsky

November 18, 2024

Voices for Change

This Partnership Gives Hungry Seniors and Pets the Food They Need

Food insecurity effects every member of a family, including pets. Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities are teaming up to provide seniors with pet food alongside their typical meal deliveries.

Nicole Froio

November 12, 2024

Community Development

Helping Teachers Support America’s Newest Students

Teachers spent an average of $610 of their own money on classroom supplies last school year. The nonprofit DonorsChoose helps teachers in the United States create funding campaigns for classroom supplies and experiences. Its new campaign directly supports students who are new to America.

Amy Brown

November 11, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

Advocates in Pajaro Focus on Community Building for Disaster Recovery

After a levee broke and the Pajaro River flooded the town of Pajaro, California, a coalition of agencies helped build a sense of community among residents to create a strong foundation for disaster recovery.

Riya Anne Polcastro

November 5, 2024

Voices for Change

The Solutions Effect

What News Audiences Really Want

Audiences say the news industry does a good job of updating and educating them, but they want more stories with diverse perspectives, stories they haven’t heard of before and stories that give them hope. The user needs model helps news organizations find and fill these gaps.

Taylor Haelterman

October 31, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

How U.S. Business Leaders Are Making Their Voices Heard Ahead of the Election

With the United States election mere days away, we spoke with advocates and business leaders to learn more about what they've done to prepare and what's next for them.

Mary Mazzoni

October 30, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Abortion Restrictions Bring New Attention to U.S. Maternal Health Crisis

Data shows the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has worsened the maternal health crisis in the United States. Business leaders can take two steps to help resolve it.

Tina Casey

October 30, 2024

Justice + Equality

Excel Center Helps People Who Are Incarcerated Earn High School Diplomas

The Excel Center Adult High School, a free education and job training program operated by Goodwill Central Texas, operates three campuses within Texas correctional facilities designed to help people who are incarcerated earn their high school diplomas.

Gary E. Frank

October 25, 2024

Justice + Equality

Ethical Sourcing Campaign Sows the Seeds of Change for Fairtrade Farmers

This year, Fairtrade America's annual campaign celebrating Fairtrade farmers is focused on the ethical sourcing of coffee and cocoa. The organization is partnering with brands like Hu Kitchen and Gimme Coffee to educate consumers about the people who grow their food.

Amy Brown

October 24, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

The Time Off to Vote Movement is Growing, But Obstacles Remain

The long lines at early voting locations across the U.S. are a highly visible reminder that many voters need to excuse themselves from work for hours at a time just to cast their ballots. Employers can help to resolve the problem by offering paid time off, but barriers to the ballot box remain.

Tina Casey

October 23, 2024

Sponsored

Force for Good: Giving Back to Communities Nationwide

17-Year Partnership Between Subaru and the ASPCA Has Helped Over 134,000 Pets

As the largest corporate sponsor of the ASPCA, Subaru has donated more than $38 million to the organization throughout their partnership and helped to treat, transport, rescue, and home more than 134,000 animals across the United States. 

Ellen Delisio

October 22, 2024

Voices for Change

How "The More You Know" Campaign Stays Relevant 35 Years Later

NBCUniversal's "The More You Know" public service announcements are a long-time television staple. As a new set of messages rolls out for its 35th year, the series is paying attention to important social issues and adapting to meet audiences where they are at.

Gary E. Frank

October 18, 2024

Voices for Change

Locally-Driven African Innovation is Bridging Gaps to Accessible Healthcare for Millions

Africa’s healthcare systems stand at a pivotal crossroad, and local healthtech innovators are addressing the urgent need for new solutions to boost healthcare access.

Remi Adeseun and Yomi Kazeem

October 17, 2024

Voices for Change

Why Researchers are Reinventing the Toilet

The self-contained Generation Two Reinvented Toilet (G2RT) breaks down waste on-site, so it doesn’t need plumbing to connect it to water or sewage. It was designed to address equity issues surrounding sanitation and improve public health.

Riya Anne Polcastro

October 15, 2024

Justice + Equality

Never Give Up on Girls in Crisis: How We Realize the Promise of the International Day of the Girl

In advance of International Day of the Girl, Sumana Setty and Sejal Gehani share the lessons they've learned since founding the nonprofit Commit2Change about how to make real progress towards a future that allows all girls to fulfill their potential.

Sumana Setty and Sejal Gehani

October 11, 2024

Sustainable Living

Tourism Cares is Putting Sustainable Travel Experiences on the Map

The Meaningful Travel Map features sustainable travel experiences and local businesses in popular destinations around the world. Tourists and travel providers can use it to ensure their itineraries benefit the communities they're visiting.

Riya Anne Polcastro

October 4, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Should Business Leaders Experiment to Overcome the Shortcomings of Meritocracy?

At its core, meritocracy is meant to elevate people for roles and promotions based solely on their abilities. But experts like Stuart McCalla, managing partner at the leadership coaching, consulting and investment firm Evolution, say it isn't always so straightforward. 

Mary Mazzoni

October 2, 2024

Justice + Equality

The Solutions Effect

How Businesses Can Support Reproductive Rights

Reproductive rights are under the spotlight in U.S. politics. Business leaders have a role to play in supporting these rights, and it includes speaking up, the Leadership Now Project's Michelle Greene told us.

Taylor Haelterman

September 30, 2024

Voices for Change

Smart Girls Uganda Helps Young Women Overcome Barriers to Education

Research shows that lack of access to menstruation products and facilities is a major reason girls drop out of school. Not only is Smart Girls Uganda addressing that issue, but it's also providing education opportunities for in-demand technology careers.

Riya Anne Polcastro

September 26, 2024

Justice + Equality

The Casualties of Inequitable Decarbonization

As the Science Based Targets initiative equivocates on how companies finance and achieve Scope 3 emissions reductions, millions of lives in the Global South are at risk. The pivot could wipe out a vital incentive for desperately needed climate finance to flow from Global North corporations to Global South nations.

Rehema Mbalamwezi and Matt Evans

September 24, 2024

Community Development

Tony the Tiger is Keeping U.S. Middle-Schoolers Engaged in Sports

Named after the Frosted Flakes cereal mascot, WK Kellogg Co.'s Mission Tiger initiative has provided 2 million sports experiences for youth at 3,000 schools across all 50 states.

Andrew Kaminsky

September 16, 2024

Sustainable Living

How Brands Can Rewire Consumer Behavior Away From Single-Use

Research shows that consumers view brands as equally accountable — if not more so — than governments in driving responsible consumption. Consumer packaged goods companies need to recognize and embrace that significant change will only happen if they help lead the way. 

Pippa Nordberg

September 13, 2024

Justice + Equality

Cooler Rooms Might be the Solution to the Heat and Worker Health Crisis

Summer is ending for many, but extreme heat is a year-round worry for a myriad of workers. Portabull Storage's new cooler rooms give them an energy-efficient place to cool down, and the rooms can be transported to even the most remote work environments.

Gladstone H Taylor

September 6, 2024

Community Development

No Kid Hungry Serves Up Summer Meals With Help from CEOs

No Kid Hungry is bringing the CEOs of major companies together to raise money to support the newly expanded U.S. summer meal program. Its goal: raise the number of children reached by the program from 2.8 million to 30 million over the next three years.

Riya Anne Polcastro

September 5, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

U.S. Publishers Push Back Against Book Bans

Last week, a group of leading U.S. publishers launched a lawsuit challenging book bans in Florida and appealing for a restoration of professional standards and evidence-based decision-making in state law.

Tina Casey

September 4, 2024

Sponsored

Force for Good: Giving Back to Communities Nationwide

Subaru and AdoptAClassroom.org to Support Over 750,000 Students Across the U.S.

U.S. teachers are spending more of their own money than ever before to meet an overwhelming need for even basic school supplies like paper and pencils. Over the past four years, Subaru of America has partnered with AdoptAClassroom.org to help reduce this financial burden.

Abha Malpani Naismith

September 3, 2024

Community Development

The Solutions Effect

Wind Maps and Rice Terraces: How Cities Adapt to Climate Change

Climate change is reducing urban livability, pushing cities around the world to become incubators for innovative solutions. Each one takes a different approach to adaptation.

Taylor Haelterman

August 29, 2024

Justice + Equality

The World Bank’s Accountability System Must Reform: Experts Map Out How

The World Bank just marked its 80th anniversary. That’s as good a time as any to chart a new course on accountability by implementing expert and community recommendations to improve the way it handles reports of environmental and human rights harms.

Stephanie Amoako and Margaux Day

August 20, 2024

Sustainable Living

Sustainable Takeaways from the Rastafarian Ital Diet

The Ital diet is an essential principle within the Rastafari religion. With a focus on local, organic foods, it offers insight into creating a sustainable food system focused on the health of people and the planet.

Gladstone H Taylor

August 16, 2024

Voices for Change

More Than Socks: How a Knit Manufacturer is Changing Lives with Second Chances

FutureStitch's second chance hiring program includes skills training and support that helps justice-impacted individuals thrive, not just survive, after their release from prison. As a result, the program has a 0% recidivism rate and 90% retention rate.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 15, 2024

Sponsored

Values in Action: Leveraging Sport to Support Communities

‘It Takes a Team.’ How Action Sports Empower Combat Veterans When They Return Home

Even after serving in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, Nick Hamm still answers the call of duty. The call he answers today is not to take arms, but instead to help fellow veterans readjust to civilian life after experiencing combat.

Gary E. Frank

August 12, 2024

Voices for Change

Reading Glasses Increase Earnings in Low-Income Communities

Participants in a new VisionSpring study experienced an increased sense of independence, returned to work and boosted their incomes after receiving reading glasses. "It’s not about the glasses, it’s about everything that comes afterwards," the organization's CEO, Ella Gudwin, told us.

Gary E. Frank

August 9, 2024

Justice + Equality

Women Run Less Than 25% of Nonprofits: How Organizations Can Change That

Nonprofits work to make the world more equitable. Yet, despite a wealth of women working in the sector, only 22% are run by women. Pulling from over 20 years of experience in executive searches and transitions, DHR Global's Sara Garlick Lundberg shares how organizations can address the implicit biases preventing progress.

Nicole Froio

August 2, 2024

Voices for Change

The Solutions Effect

Let’s Talk About Failure

Stories about failure might be just what news-fatigued audiences need right now — if they're written with useful insights in mind.

Taylor Haelterman

July 30, 2024

Justice + Equality

Black Women Still Face a Glass Cliff, But Fixing Workplace Systems Can Change That

After the murder of George Floyd led to calls for racial equity at work, organizations eager to demonstrate their commitment hired more Black women into leadership positions. But many of them were placed in unstable positions in organizations that were floundering, a phenomenon known as the glass cliff.

Kathrina Robotham

July 29, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

This Program Helps B Corps Dismantle Racism

B Lab's Racial Equity Impact Improvement Program looks to educate leaders about racism, its historical context in the U.S. and Canada, and how B Corps can leverage their businesses to dismantle discriminatory systems piece by piece.

Mary Mazzoni

July 24, 2024

Voices for Change

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

Advocacy Isn't Optional for Immigrant Communities on the Front Lines of Climate Change

The government was slow to act when a levee failure flooded a California community that is home to a majority immigrant population. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles stepped up to help them advocate for disaster recovery. Over a year later, they're still waiting for the promised funds to be allocated.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 23, 2024

Sustainable Living

Consumers Want to Travel Sustainably, Are They Acting on It?

The majority of Americans want to prioritize sustainability when traveling, so what's keeping them from following through? Researchers at Washington State University looked for an answer in hopes of learning how to make sustainable travel easier to act on.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 18, 2024

Justice + Equality

HBCUs are Leading the Fight for Environmental Justice

Historically Black colleges and universities' (HBCUs) long histories of advocating for social justice paired with their strong community connections make them uniquely well suited to lead on climate justice issues, according to a new report from the United Negro College Fund.

Gary E. Frank

July 16, 2024

Voices for Change

How a Tech Accelerator is Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Good

The nonprofit accelerator Fast Forward is supporting startups that use artificial intelligence (AI) to build solutions for global issues like poverty, healthcare inequity, education disparities and environmental injustice through its AI for Humanity initiative.

Abha Malpani Naismith

July 9, 2024

Justice + Equality

How Sama Became One of Few Tech Companies Where Women Are Equally Represented at Every Level

Women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. The computer data solutions company Sama is defying that trend, with over half of its employees identifying as women.

Gary E. Frank

July 5, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

New Business-Led Pledge Calls on U.S. Political Candidates to Support Election Integrity

A new business-led pledge may test the limits of corporate backing for lawmakers who fail to support election integrity. Signed by top U.S. executives, the Federal Candidate Pledge to Respect Elections calls on candidates to commit to defend voting rights and a peaceful transfer of power.

Tina Casey

July 3, 2024

Sustainable Living

Where to Shop Sustainably Online

When done right, online shopping can be better for the environment than driving to the store. These sustainable sites can help you get started. 

Taylor Haelterman

July 1, 2024

Sustainable Living

Dermatologist Influencer Shares His Top Tips for Sustainability in Skincare

Multi-step skincare routines packed with products are problematic for skin health as well as the environment, says Dr. Angelo Landriscina, a U.S. dermatologist better known on social media as @DermAngelo. He shares his top tips for considering sustainability more in skincare shopping.

Mary Mazzoni

July 1, 2024

Sustainable Living

How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Simple tips for keeping your favorite outfits on rotation longer, from someone who regularly wears clothes that are over 10 years old.

Mary Mazzoni

June 28, 2024

Community Development

This Nonprofit is Closing the Reading Gap in Elementary Schools with One-On-One Support

Every year in Canada, 100,000 children finish third grade unable to read well enough to keep up during the next school year. Chapter One Canada is closing that gap with an education model known as "high-impact tutoring."

Abha Malpani Naismith

June 24, 2024

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

Taking a Stand Against Gun Violence Pays Off for Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods has faced criticism and calls for a boycott since it started scaling back the sale of guns and ammunition in 2012. Still, the company continues to respond to public concerns and take a stand against gun violence.

Tina Casey

June 19, 2024

Voices for Change

3 Ways Images Can Help You Tell Your ESG Story

Many companies downplay their ESG efforts out of fear their communications will be labeled as greenwashing, but consumers believe these efforts are important. Getty Images' Samuel Malave Jr. offers advice on how to use images to authentically communicate sustainability commitments and reach more consumers. 

Mary Riddle

June 14, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

Improving Disaster Outcomes by Bridging Language Gaps in Houston

When a deadly storm swept through Houston in May, emergency warnings were mostly sent out in English, leaving many immigrants and refugees without critical information. Woori Juntos is addressing language gaps by helping these communities navigate local services and organize to advocate for policy.

Riya Anne Polcastro

June 13, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

How Asian Americans Can Break the 'Bamboo Ceiling' By Turning Cultural Experiences Into Leadership Superpowers

Asian Americans are least likely to be promoted at work. Global leadership strategist Jane Hyun coined the term "bamboo ceiling" to describe the experience in her bestselling 2006 book. Nearly two decades later, she's sharing insights from the leaders she's seen break through.

Mary Mazzoni

June 5, 2024

Sustainable Living

Concerts Can Become More Sustainable: Here's How

Concerts create memories that last a lifetime, but they also generate a whole lot of waste that will last far longer. Avid concertgoer Patrick McCarthy offers some suggestions for attendees and venues to make this live music season more sustainable.

Patrick McCarthy

June 4, 2024

Sustainable Living

What Makes a 'Sustainable' Restaurant? Labels to Look For

Third-party certifications verify restaurants' sustainability claims, but seeing a blue fish, a frog, or an acronym in a circle on the menu isn't self-explanatory. Here's what your favorite restaurant's sustainability badge really means.

Taylor Haelterman

June 4, 2024

Justice + Equality

60% of the World Spends Hours Handwashing Clothes, The Washing Machine Project Aims to Help

The Washing Machine Project's hand-cranked machine is changing the lives of thousands of families around the world, saving them hours of time each week that would otherwise be spent handwashing laundry.

Gary E. Frank

May 30, 2024

Sustainable Living

No, Your Netflix Binge Isn't Killing the Planet, But These 5 Gadget Habits Could Be

When it comes to how our gadget use impacts the environment, streaming is far down the list of things to worry about, but you may want to consider the following sustainable gadget habits if you're looking to cut your impact down to size. 

Mary Mazzoni

May 29, 2024

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

Despite Attacks, The Demographic Case for Pride Month Continues to Grow

In the wake of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in the lead-up to Pride Month in 2023, some brands are taking a quieter, more cautious approach this year. But new data shows corporate diversity and inclusion outreach is a sound business practice to highlight and celebrate, not hide away.

Tina Casey

May 29, 2024

Justice + Equality

Neurodivergent Workers and Businesses Thrive Together with the Right Support

The largest autistic-majority company worldwide, Auticon, helps businesses create an environment where neurodivergent workers can realize their potential and feel fulfilled in their employment.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 28, 2024

Voices for Change

Empowerment Avenue Helps Incarcerated Writers Get Their Work Published

Creatives who were incarcerated at San Quentin prison started Empowerment Avenue to give writers and artists who are incarcerated the support necessary to get their work featured in outside publications and secure fair pay.

Michelle Erdenesanaa

May 23, 2024

Justice + Equality

The Debt Relief Program Restoring Voting Rights for People with Felony Convictions

The nonprofit Free Our Vote helps people with felony convictions restore their voting rights by paying off their criminal court debt, which is required to be able to vote in many U.S. states but can be difficult to do.

Gary E. Frank

May 21, 2024

Sustainable Living

Will the American Climate Corps Help Young People's Mental Health?

Along with creating green jobs, taking hands-on action with the American Climate Corps could help alleviate the growing climate anxiety among young people.

Kate Yoder

May 20, 2024

Justice + Equality

Empowering Immigrant Communities For Climate Justice

A Just Transition Starts with Ensuring Immigrant Oil Workers Know Their Rights

Somos Un Pueblo Unido is advocating for a just transition by helping immigrant workers in the oil and gas industry organize. Making sure they know their rights is the first step.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 17, 2024