All Perspectives
Restoring US native prairies, acre by acre, yard by yardAcross the US Midwest, homeowners are restoring their yards and former farmland to the native prairie that existed in pre-settlement days. The benefits can be substantial 鈥� the need for less water and no fertilizer, and an ecosystem that supports wildlife.
From the EditorsBad news is loud. Good news rulesIf you look behind the often dire headlines and examine the long-term trends, you'll see that crime is falling, lifespans are increasing, and poverty is ebbing. In other words, there's solid evidence for hope.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Should Obamacare honor the rights of individuals or institutions?Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of December 24, 2012: Government shouldn't privilege the teachings of one religion over another on any part of health-care access. And equating women's access to health care with an impingement on religious liberty is a distraction.
From the EditorsWho needs church?The purpose of church may not be apparent in everyday life. But there comes a moment when we all wonder if everyday life is all there is. Church is waiting to help answer that question.
Difference MakerEstela de Carlotto hunts for Argentina's grandchildren 'stolen' decades agoEstela de Carlotto heads the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, who seek to reunite children taken from their mothers during Argentina's military dictatorship with their real families.
13 resolutions to improve the world's food supply in 2013Nearly 1 billion people are still hungry and more than 1 billion others are overweight or obese. The need is for better access to better quality food.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Democracy needs better media; Israel's right to defend itselfLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of December 17, 2012: The media needs to do a better job providing citizens with dependable, unbiased information. Regarding the latest conflict in Gaza,聽Israel only decided to fight back after Hamas attacks became unbearable.
Nonprofits' message: Keep firewood close to homeEnvironmental groups are sending out a warning that transporting firewood across state lines can spread insects and diseases, wiping out swaths of forest and causing economic and environmental damage.
How renewable energy is rescuing US schools from budget cutsEducators across the country are finding millions of dollars in savings through cheap and simple forms of renewable energy. Since 2003, one school district has cut more than $7 million in energy costs. That equates to 45 teaching positions.
FarmVille's game players bring clean water to the real worldItems purchased on Zynga's popular Facebook games FarmVille and Mafia Wars raise money for Water.org, which provides safe water and sanitation for people in the real world.
From the EditorsJustice delayed -- and delayed and delayedWhen pre-trial detention stretches on for weeks or months, a suspect's right to a "speedy and public trial" is undermined. In effect, a prison sentence is being served without the prisoner having been convicted.
Four ways to help 'contract farming' benefit the very poorContract farming 鈥� an agreement between a farmer and a buyer 鈥� offers many benefits to small farmers if they have access to education and legal services.
Difference MakerEntrepreneur Joe Edwards helps make St. Louis vibrant againBy restoring buildings and activity to a historic St. Louis neighborhood Joe Edwards has become a powerful force for civic good.
Number of volunteers in US hits highest level since 2005More than one-quarter of Americans did volunteer work in 2011, providing 7.9 billion hours of service worth $171 billion. Utah led among states. Iowans responded to their governor's call for volunteers.
Give to people on the street? In cities, it's a daily dilemmaWhether to give to people on the street who ask for money is a complicated decision, with no easy right or wrong answer. It's a highly personal act that sometimes can be deeply rewarding.
Mom in Argentina rescues hundreds of sex slavesWhat began as a one-woman campaign a decade ago has become a movement, and today Susana聽Trimarco is a hero to hundreds of women she's rescued from prostitution rings in Argentina.
Shoppers add charitable giving to their listsPurchases that give a portion of the sale to a charity make shoppers feel good but may diminish overall giving to that charity, a consultant says.- Readers RespondReaders Write: Preserve local news; Japan's nuclear dilemma is an energy dilemmaLetters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of December 10, 2012:聽Local news gives citizens the information to get involved and affect their immediate environment and the political decisions that shape it. Japan's problem is that is has no viable energy options other than nuclear power.
Kids Helping Kids is run by kids 鈥� and for kidsThe Connecticut-based nonprofit youth group of middle schoolers and teens plans and carries out projects that make a positive difference in their community and beyond.
Difference MakerIzhar Gafni invents a cardboard bicycle that may revolutionize transportationHis two-wheeled creation, a $20 bike made out of cardboard, could revolutionize bicycling, especially in the developing world.
