All Change Agent
Blow-up solar lantern lights up Haiti's prospectsThe elegant clear-plastic lantern, which charges itself when left out in the sun and emits the light of a 60-watt bulb, will bring a safe and inexpensive light source to those without electricity.
How to build a 'bike train'Forty years ago, almost half of American kids biked to school. Bike trains are a smart idea for getting kids pedaling again.
Buried seed vault guards thousands of crop varietiesThe remote, frozen Svalbard Global Seed Vault stores more than 740,000 sample of seeds that contain genetic treasures such as heat resistance, drought tolerance, or disease and pest resistance.
Tunisians opened their homes and hearts to people fleeing LibyaThe outpouring of generosity came spontaneously – people simply responded with compassion, a new report says.
Three-wheeled carts, better septic tanks help clean up JakartaMini 'sanitation trucks' that remove fecal sludge, and improved holding tanks, may help bring improved sanitation to millions of Indonesians without it.
Pulling up pavement: from parking lots to 'paradise'The nonprofit group Depave, in Portland, Ore., removes unused and unwanted pavement to fight water pollution and beautify the city.
10 ways to build a close neighborhoodNeighborhoods can – and should – be more than just a cluster of houses.
Thinking local and sustainable makes economic sense, says Tom WesselsResearch ecologist argues a healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem go hand in hand.
Irrigation expert crosses religious, political lines to win World Food PrizeDaniel Hillel developed a system called micro-irrigation, which has opened up dry regions to farming, revolutionizing agriculture worldwide. The Israeli scientist has worked closely with Arab friends in Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
The goal: Help India's poorest of the poor brickmakersIrish nonprofit GOAL teaches seasonal brickmakers in Kolkata to read and do math, a crucial step toward self-sufficiency.
Country star switches from feudin' to healin'Country music singer Toby Keith, once known for his acrimonious feud with the country trio the Dixie Chicks, now spends his time raising funds to build a center to improve the lives of children receiving medical treatment and their families.
Beyond standardized tests – teaching empathyMore than ever children need skills in how to work with changing teams of collaborators and how to seek solutions rooted in the needs of others, the author says.
Versatile engines power up rural African villagesMultifunction platforms (MFPs), engines powered by diesel or local vegetable oil, can do everything from turning on the lights to milling grain and powering tools.
Heat-absorbing ceramic stoves cut fuel useIn Malawi, a new kind of cooking stove made from local materials requires much less fuel than traditional stoves, cutting the need for firewood and benefiting families and the environment.
Nigerian banker urges a businesslike approach to poverty in AfricaTony Elumelu, who has become one of Africa’s most prominent philanthropists, calls his idea 'Africacapitalism' – an African-run effort that uses business concepts to fight poverty.
Catchafire matches talented volunteers with opportunities to serveCatchafire – with 10,000 volunteers and 2,500 organizations signed up – connects skilled professionals with meaningful volunteer projects.
From gangs to gardens: Community agriculture transforms a San Francisco neighborhoodTen years ago, the residents of a crime-ridden San Francisco neighborhood started planting gardens on Quesada Avenue – and everything changed.
Five microcredit programs innovate to break the cycle of povertyMicrocredit programs in developing countries now include other features such as connections to markets and savings accounts, as well as business development, health, and education services.
Coalition helps the Connecticut River become the first National BluewayBetween 40 and 50 local and state entities, both public and private, from four states will work together to preserve the 410-mile-long Connecticut River and its watershed.
First Graduate helps students aim for higher educationThe nonprofit First Graduate program helps students become the first in their family to attend college.
