Slashing the Price of Health With Common Sense

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/slashing-the-price-of-health-with-common-sense

David Bornstein

The New York Times

2 August 2011

Text / 800-1500 Words

Organizations are mobilizing volunteers in hospitals to connect low-income families with human services which address social factors like poor housing, nutrition, etc. so patients are able to work and thus afford healthier lives.

How Did the Meadow Vole Cross the Road? Designing travel routes for wildlife

https://medium.com/re-form/how-did-the-meadow-vole-cross-the-road-21a0f0931418

Benjamin Goldfarb

re:form

9 October 2014

Text / 1500-3000 Words

As a state with robust populations of wildlife, Montana has had its share of roadkill. Its Department of Transportation developed animal shelving, a type of wildlife crossing, to enable safe passage for small animals who need to cross the road. The measure, combined with other types of crossings, has reduced animal-vehicle collisions by half.

On Columbia, ‘just add water' seems to be working

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/on-columbia-lsquojust-add-waterrsquo-seems-to-be-working

Lynda V. Mapes

The Seattle Times

2 August 2014

Text / 800-1500 Words

New water management technology implemented along the Columbia has significantly helped the fish population - specifically salmon - return to healthy numbers and has restored much of the community and industry that revolves around the river, including for native peoples.

In the Fight Against Poverty, It's Time for a Revolution

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/in-the-fight-against-poverty-its-time-for-a-revolution

David Bornstein

The New York Times

12 January 2012

Text / 1500-3000 Words

LIFT, founded in 1988 by college students, employs an approach to poverty alleviation grounded in building relationships with communities. LIFT finds volunteers who have demonstrated empathy and then employs them to meet with local families in need, helping them set goals, monitor their progress, and access services.

How to Grow More Food with Less Water

http://ensia.com/features/how-to-grow-more-food-with-less-water

Matt Weiser

Ensia

3 August 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

The U.S. government has developed different sensors for irrigation devices that gauge water demand and help conserve use. as water shortages caused by drought have increased across the globe, and farmers are faced with economic burdens, such technology is focusin on sustainability for the future.

In Bangladesh, 'Floating Farms' Overcome Monsoon Rains

http://www.voanews.com/content/in-bangladesh-floating-farms-overcome-monsoon-rains/2529049.html

Amy Yee

Voice of America (VOA)

21 November 2014

Text / Under 800 Words

During rain seasons in Bangladesh, rivers flooded villages and their agriculture so that local economies and food supplies were in jeopardy. A Bangladeshi non-profit Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha introduced small floating farms designed to be run by women. Consequently, the organization has initiated 40 floating farms that serve 300 rural women and save local agriculture.

Can biomimicry tackle our toughest water problems?

https://www.hcn.org/issues/46.20/can-biomimicry-tackle-our-toughest-water-problems

Benjamin Goldfarb

High Country News

24 November 2014

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Clean water and healthy ecosystems are becoming increasingly difficult to come by. With floating islands and other inventions, eco-entrepreneur Bruce Kania thinks that biomimicry - such as reconstructing wetlands and growing biofilms - can tackle the toughest of water problems.

From Young Adult Book Fans to Wizards of Change

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/from-young-adult-book-fans-to-wizards-of-change

Courtney E. Martin

The New York Times

21 March 2012

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Global social and economic problems are difficult to change. However, fan-activism fuels the interests of fans of popular young adult fiction. Books such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games have inspired activist groups that raise awareness of global hunger, reading, and relief supplies to impoverished nations, among others. Being a fan has served as a bridge to become politically active and solve the world’s problems.

Jail program, a first in NC, includes classes behind bars

http://www.fayobserver.com/article/20140831/News/308319872

Greg Barnes

Fayetteville Observer

31 August 2014

Text / Under 800 Words

Cabarrus County’s Project Re-entry gives those experiencing incarceration a chance at an education and self-reflection. The program has shown such success that it is being expanded to other detention centers in the county. Those who take part are able to take classes – all taught by volunteers – like literacy and religious studies, or choose to enroll in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Camcorders For Justice

http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/features/anonymous/camcorders-justice

James Scudamore

Intelligent Life

1 January 2014

Text / Over 3000 Words

In India, videos made about the many social problems are secretly broadcasted in different villages to make people aware of the real problem and also aware of what they can do to fix it. Video Volunteers, an organization that coordinates these video productions, catalyzes community change through transparency and accountability.