Disingenuous legislators around the country are passing laws (under the guise of guarding against voter fraud, which is almost nonexistent) that create new barriers to voting. But here’s an approach that actually increases voter turnout, by up to ten percent. When cities place “Big Box” voting places where they’re convenient — where people are already […]
Archive | Innovation
Save the Crabs. Then Eat ‘Em!
This week I saw a news item that gave me reason to cheer: a study finds that the Chesapeake Bay dead zones are coming back to life. This was done by reducing the fertilizer, animal waste and other pollutants. There is a wonderful and creative campaign to get people around the Chesapeake Bay to change […]
Traveling Oasis for Food Deserts
This Chicago mobile fruit and vegetable stand may not be the answer for the 23 million Americans living in food deserts. But it’s an innovation that will surely lead to some learnings and scaling up to help create greater access to healthy food. Visit the Fresh Moves website here.
Seth Godin: Lizard Brain and Shipping
Seth Godin: Quieting the Lizard Brain from 99% on Vimeo. You get a really good idea. That’s the first step. But we all get good ideas — how do we turn them into reality? That’s where Shipping comes in. That’s what Seth Godin calls it: getting it out the door. But, he says, our Lizard […]
Hans and the Magic Washing Machine
I love to watch Hans Rosling’s talks. If you haven’t already, take some time to see all of his TED presentations. Rosling was four years old when his family got its first electric washing machine, and it changed their lives. His reflection on how most women of the world do laundry can help us think […]
Breast Cancer Awareness Illuminations
For a dozen years, the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has lit buildings, monuments, bridges around the world to illuminate the importance of breast health. See photos of the pink lit global landmarks that remind millions of the importance of early detection. The campaign points out that there is one chance in eight of a woman […]
Bottle Lights
This brilliant idea is spreading quickly around the world. Simply fill a plastic bottle with water (add some bleach to prevent clouding), and cut a hole in the roof. And behold: an almost free 50-watt bulb. Obviously, it shines only during the day. This is especially great for the millions of houses that are too […]
Favela Painting Project
A couple of Dutch artists have been working since 2006 to bring “outrageous works of art to unexpected places.” Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn recently completed their third Brazilian favela project, hiring and training locals as painters in Rio de Janeiro. Find out more at favela painting.
A Lottery to Save the Earth
I’ve never bought a lottery ticket, but I might now. But here’s a lottery that could help us save the planet: Read Helene Gallis’ piece for Worldwatch about a successful Bangalore, India, project where each kilometer passengers travel on the city bus ups their chances of winning a prize. It’s a great incentive for decreasing […]
Tear Down the Hospital Walls
How does a hospital system vastly extend its reach into underserved communities? Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare (MLH) in Memphis says it’s through trained volunteers. In an innovative program, developed by my long-time friend Gary Gunderson, MLH partnered with almost 400 local congregations that identify key volunteers who (after intensive training) help the patients through their stay […]