Simple Living

Freedom from cluttered lives and minds.

3 Global Cities That Are Doing Bike Shares Right (And One’s in Texas!)

by Kristin Hugo

posted Jun 04, 2013

From China to San Antonio, cities are using rental bike programs to create healthier commutes. Here are a few insights from some of the world’s best programs.

Why Sticky Cabinets Have a Place on My Dream Farm

by Shannon Hayes

posted May 29, 2013

When we visualize the lives we desire, we often leave out the difficulties and frustrations. But they’re inevitable, and in the end they make the rewards of life more satisfying.

“Modified Social Benches”: An Experiment in Outdoor Socializing

by Cat Johnson

posted May 13, 2013

An installation of creatively shaped benches in Belgium pushes the edge of urban sit-ability.

Vermont Time Bankers Build a More Personal Economy

posted Apr 26, 2013

Video: Whatever service you might need, you’re likely to be able to get it at Onion River Time Bank, where you pay by doing what you love.

Finding the Simple Life at Sea—On a Shoestring

by Peter Pearsall

posted Apr 17, 2013

Think an island-hopping cruise across the Pacific is only for the elite? Not if you take the slow boat.

A Portlandia Sendup of Tiny House Living

by YES! online staff

posted Apr 11, 2013

Portlandia’s Kumail Nanjiani visits a tiny house and asks some of the questions on everybody’s mind.

Why Lent Makes People Happy (and Netflix Doesn't)

by Jason Marsh, Rob Willer

posted Mar 27, 2013

Many of us believe getting more of the things we value will make us happier, but new research suggests that cutting back on life’s pleasures helps us enjoy them significantly more.

Sustainable Happiness? 6 Ways to Get There

by Catherine O'Brien, Ian Murray

posted Mar 20, 2013

Discover natural highs, map your interdependence, and other ways to discover joy within your reach.

Shooting Stars and Living Spirit

by Roberto Vargas

posted Feb 01, 2013

Six Ways to Stay Warm without Central Heating

by Malcolm Harris

posted Jan 07, 2013

Whether you’re looking for ways to save a few bucks or to be kinder to the environment, these are some fun tips to fight the cold.

5 Holiday Parlor Games to Make Your Gatherings More Fun

by Laura Beans, Fabien Tepper

posted Dec 19, 2012

Spoons, sardines, telephone charades, and other activities to put a boost in your get-togethers.

How I Survived Breaking Up with My Car

by Erin L. McCoy

posted Dec 14, 2012

Erin McCoy tells the story of how she gave up driving, despite her love for cars, and examines the challenges facing drivers who don't live in cities.

3 Lessons for Gracious Living in a Stuff-Filled Season

by Fran Korten

posted Dec 13, 2012

Last year, YES! publisher Fran Korten shared her efforts to move more stuff out of her house than into it. With the season of “stuff” upon us again, here’s what she’s learned about unstuffing her life.

20 Machines for a DIY Civilization

posted Dec 06, 2012

Video: Open Source Ecology has released free plans for building tractors, brick compressors, and other essential machines. Why pay more for stuff that's designed to fall apart?

The Endangered Repairman

by Shannon Hayes

posted Nov 23, 2012

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?