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YES! Blogs

Analysis, news, and opinion from our editors and the YES! community.

3 Lessons for Appalachia’s Post-Coal Economy

Appalachian residents are working to keep local and sustainable sources of wealth central in a post-coal economy.

Brooke Jarvis Nov 26, 2012

The Endangered Repairman

Getting your stuff fixed instead of throwing it away is good for the environment as well as for your bank balance. So why is this craft dying out in America?

Shannon Hayes Nov 21, 2012

Photo by Sean Dreilinger .

More Than Nutritious: Why Organics Are Still Healthier

Two recent studies concluded that organic food is no more nutritious than non-organic food. But the value of organics involves health on multiple levels, from that of farmers to eaters to the planet itself.

Robin Broad Nov 13, 2012

Photo by Oliver Rich .

Keeping the Farm Safe (and Sacred) as Hurricane Sandy Looms

The Hayes family gathers in prayer and gratitude for the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, which marks the beginning of winter and the new year. But this year’s beginning will be unlike any other.

Shannon Hayes Oct 29, 2012

As Parents Learn More About Health, Will Doctors Listen?

Many doctors and nurses refuse to respect the knowledge of parents about their kids’ health. Shannon Hayes explains why they might be missing a lot.

Shannon Hayes Oct 16, 2012

What Bullies Can Teach Our Kids—And Us

Shannon Hayes on the important lesson that can be learned by standing up to a bully.

Shannon Hayes Sep 18, 2012

Striking Chicago teachers march past the Hyatt Regency, which received public funding initially intended for public schools. Photo by Sarah Ji .

Time for Some Good Jobs Guarantees

Corporations often take big helpings of public funds, saying that they’ll provide jobs in return. But how can communities make sure they deliver?

Brooke Jarvis Sep 21, 2012

Growth or Equality: Two Competing Visions for America’s Future

David Korten on how closing the wealth gap can open the way to a fairer, more prosperous economy.

David Korten Sep 11, 2012

A Small Business Boost from ... Regulations?

Do regulations really hurt small businesses? Or do businesses thrive when local residents can afford their services, and a good quality of life attracts skilled workers?

Brooke Jarvis Sep 07, 2012

Radical Homemaking ... With Houseguests?

Our home is an ecosystem: No matter how perfect we’d like to make it, as long as we live and create there it will never be sterile, still, and clean.

Shannon Hayes Aug 24, 2012

Mural outside Fr. Lorenzo's church in Santa Rosa de Lima, El Salvador.

Mining for Gold: A “Pact With the Devil”?

The economic crisis—and the rising price of gold—have spurred North American firms to reopen mines and attack environmental regulations. Here’s what we can learn from El Salvador’s moratorium on new mining permits.

John Cavanagh Aug 24, 2012

Fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of
the offshore oil rig Deepwater Horizon, April 21, 2010.

Romney’s Dirtier, Deadlier Energy Future: Is There Another Way?

The oil-dependent economy Romney supports is a step toward an unstable, costly future. Renewables and energy efficiency offer real hope.

Sarah van Gelder Aug 24, 2012

The Downsides of Upselling: 4 Tips from the Farm

Shannon Hayes on keeping a human face on her capitalist ventures and learning to say “enough” when the market calls.

Shannon Hayes Aug 14, 2012

America’s Deficit Attention Disorder

Money is the least of our problems. It’s time to pay attention to the real deficits that are killing us.

David Korten Aug 09, 2012

Carbon Neutrality: It’s Technically Possible

The technology to achieve carbon neutrality exists, or could in the near future. What has to happen to put those capabilities in play?

Richard Conlin Jan 03, 2012