Most Recent Articles - YES!

YES! has a positive solution-oriented focus. We reframe issues, reflect diverse human-scale stories, and offer tools for people to use and to pass along. Here are our most recent articles and blogs.

My Exhibit ... In the Museum of Trash

by Dave Chameides

posted Nov 20, 2009

To better understand his waste footprint, Dave Chameides stored all of his trash in his basement for a year.

The Season of Our Discontent: Poverty and Hunger in America

by Mark Winne

posted Nov 17, 2009

Just before Thanksgiving, the USDA has released alarming new statistics about hunger in America. How can we bridge the divide between abundance and scarcity?

Obama: Confront Hiroshima's Legacy

by John Feffer, Alexis Dudden

posted Nov 12, 2009

It's time to show both Japan and the rest of the world that Americans take this history seriously, that we say in one voice "never again."

People Power Brought Down the Berlin Wall

Some say it was Ronald Reagan's toughness that forced down the wall. But detente between East and West and grassroots people's movements deserve the credit.

The Power of Nonviolent Action in Honduras

by Stephen Zunes

posted Nov 08, 2009

As the negotiated political resolution falls through, there are still reasons to hope that democracy can be restored.

Scoring Transit and Walkability

Walk Score, a website that ranks the walkability of neighborhoods, now includes public transit in its rankings. Realtors say a good Walk Score rating adds major value to property listings.

Clash on Investment

by Sarah Anderson

posted Nov 04, 2009

Corporations are fighting for the right to sue over government actions—including health, environment, and other public interest regulations—that diminish the value of an investment.

Inside the YES! Worm Bin

From the climate action blog: The YES! office benefits from the composting action of many thousands of now-famous worms.

A Wave of Climate Action

by Richard Graves

posted Oct 28, 2009

An international day of action heralded the emergence of a global grassroots climate movement. Next up: December 12.

Keeping Warm without Warming the Globe

Media and Outreach intern Ariel Kazunas on winter-proofing for a more climate-happy home.

Clean Energy Works: Portland Project a Model for Green Stimulus

by Roger Valdez

posted Oct 26, 2009

In Portland, Recovery Act funds are 'laying the foundation for long-term economic, environmental, and community health.'

Finding an Exit from the Afghan Trap

by Patrick Seale

posted Oct 23, 2009

The current debate in Washington, focused on troop numbers and military strategy, has failed to give any serious attention to the possibility of bringing the Afghan war to an end by political means.

States Reconsider the Death Penalty

by Richard Dieter

posted Oct 20, 2009

New reports find that, while the death penalty drains money from state budgets, police chiefs don't consider it effective in deterring crime.

A More Green and Connected Life


From the YES! climate blog: Education outreach intern Alysa Austin defies rain, wind, and snow as she bikes her way toward a more connected life.

The Voice of Progressive Business Rocks the Capitol

by Jeffrey Hollender

posted Oct 14, 2009

Representatives from more than 150 major U.S. firms visited Washington to advocate for a cap on greenhouse gases.

Overcoming Historical Trauma

Heather Purser reflects on the legacy that years of extermination and assimilation have had in modern Native communities.

Senate Apology to Native People—A Good First Step

The apology to Native people passed by the Senate last week is a step towards reconciliation. But on this Columbus Day, let's be clear that an apology must be followed by action.

Obama's Unusual Nobel Peace Prize Just Right for Unusual Times

There's little time left to take on nuclear proliferation and climate chaos. Can the Nobel Peace Prize help President Obama to step up to these threats?

No Impact Man and the National TV Circuit

A series of interviews this week, from CBS to Comedy Central, put Colin Beavan in front of millions. But can viewers laugh and learn?

Companies Abandon Chamber of Commerce Over Climate Change Stance

by Susie Shutts

posted Oct 08, 2009

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's opposition to addressing climate change is making it very unpopular, even in corporate America.