What to do with the empty big box stores left behind by fallen retail giants? Good question, and one which more and more communities find themselves forced to answer. Read this interview with professor, artist and author, Julia Christensen, for some unusual yet uplifting true stories from her new book on the matter.

“Lite” by Animal Farm only uses low-energy light bulbs – check it out!

I was immediately drawn to this weird pillow-cushion thing that looks like a plant AND is hand-made by South African women who were trained by awesome textile designer (and new hero of mine) Ronel Jordaan. The rad company that carries it is called BE SWEET and is changing women’s lives in South Africa. How inspiring! [...]

I will never outgrow my love for Chucks and I actually think this new design is pretty rad to look at. But more importantly, these shoes are part of an initiative to bring artists from around the world together to eliminate AIDS in Africa. Read the designer, Jeff Hamada’s description of the pattern’s meaning, get [...]

The LifeStraw, a water filtration system worn conveniently around the neck, is just one of many products made and sold by a private Swedish company whose business is saving lives in the poorest regions of the world. I was intrigued, impressed and inspired by this profile in yesterday’s New York Times.