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• Test Your Home for Radon
  by Malinda Moseley, May 9
  It's important and easy to check your home for radon. A quick (and free) test is the best way to know if you're home has high levels nearby. And, this article by Malinda Moseley shows you how simple the whole thing can be.
• World AIDS Orphans Day
  by Sam Davidson, May 2
  Wednesday, May 7, is World AIDS Orphans Day. Since this reality affects over 25 million kids, it's a big task. But don't get overwhelmed. We've got a list of detailed and simple actions that you and your friends can take to begin to save the world for the most vulnerable among us.
• Inside a Nonprofit: Boston Partners in Education
  by Sam Davidson, April 25 (1 comment)
  In this article, CoolPeopleCare co-founder Sam Davidson takes a look at Boston Partners in Education. This organization is doing great work in the Boston schools in order to help students realize their full potential.
• Green Vacations Part 2: Where to Stay and What to Do
  by Stefan Peter-Contesse, April 18
  As summer draws nearer, so do thoughts of vacations to the beach, the lake, the golf course, the amusement park, international destinations, or wherever your travels may take you. Whether your vacation is just a short drive away or halfway across the world, this guide will show you the greenest places to stay and how to fill your time once you're there. This is Part 2 in a three part series.
• How to Set Up a Rain Barrel
  by Luanne Davidson, April 11 (1 comment)
  In this article, Luanne Davidson proves that ANYONE can set up a rain barrel. So, read the article, get your barrel, and get ready to start harvesting rain water!
• Green Vacations Part 1: Getting There
  by Stefan Peter-Contesse, April 4
  As summer draws nearer, so do thoughts of vacations to the beach, the lake, the golf course, the amusement park, international destinations, or wherever your travels may take you. Whether your vacation is just a short drive away or halfway across the world; this guide will give you a few quick tips to make sure your journey is a bit greener.
• Greenwashing 101
  by Stefan Peter-Contesse, March 28 (4 comments)
  Lots of things claim to be 'green.' But, sometimes, these claims are based on just a sliver of information and seem to ignore other parts of the process that can even harm the environment. In this article, Stefan Peter-Contesse shows us how to spot "Greenwashing" and what to do about it.
• The Ultimate Green Round Up
  by Sam Davidson, March 21
  Spring has sprung and with it, thoughts of green echo through all of our minds. To prove it, we've taken all of your latest suggestions and compiled them in one place. Here's what the Cool People have to say about how they go green (and how you can, too).
• Going Green in More Ways Than One
  by Michelle Andrade, March 14
  In honor of St. Patrick's Day on Monday, Michelle Andrade tells the story of how one woman is going green in more ways than one. Read how one entrepreneurial woman has come to dress kids in a positive way.
• CSA: Your Town
  by Michelle Andrade, March 7 (1 comment)
  Springtime is the right time to learn more about the movement known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). In this piece, Cool Mom Michelle Andrade describes how you can support local farmers and enjoy tasty fruits and vegetables at the same time.
• Finishing Up
  by Mary Cady Ford, February 29 (3 comments)
  Read about the true story of one single mother who wants to impact the lives of other single mothers. Her resolve is clear: In taking her free time to create a non-profit, she hopes to be able to provide a bit more free time for a group of women who certainly do not have it.
• How To Reuse Nearly Everything At Work
  by Sam Davidson, February 22 (2 comments)
  On Wednesday of this week, we asked you for your helpful hints and inside ideas on what you creatively reused at work. From paper to binders, here’s what you said (and who won the contest).
• One Letter at a Time
  by Laura Seay, February 15
  What can one person do to effect structural change? More than you might imagine. Consider being part of Bread for the World's 2008 Offering of Letters, and make a difference for billions of people who live in poverty worldwide.
• Can We Do (An Earth Friendly) Lunch?
  by Michelle Andrade, February 8 (1 comment)
  Sometimes, lunch is the best time to go green. Read some of Michelle Andrade's tips on how to make your midday meal a bit better for you, your family, and the earth.
• Have a Cool Lent This Year
  by Dixon Kinser, February 1 (1 comment)
  What would Lent look like if we acted instead of abstained? Could we make the world a better place in the next liturgical season? Join with us and members of your local community as we begin our second annual proactive take on the Lenten season.
• Clean Greener
  by Michelle Andrade, January 25 (1 comment)
  Making your own cleaning supplies is not only a great way to save money, but a great way to save the environment as well. In this article, CoolMomsCare founder Michelle Andrade shares ways to do both.
• Finding CASA
  by Jerry Bauch, January 18 (1 comment)
  Read one man's story about what it's like to serve as a CASA volunteer and how your time can make a world a difference in the life of a young person.
• What CASA Is All About
  by Jenny Magill, January 11
  Learn firsthand what it's like to be involved with the important work CASA does. Jenny Magill takes you behind the scenes and offers some great ideas on how you can help.
• Bike Commuting 104: The Zen of Bike Commuting
  by Jeff Rossini, January 4
  If you want to get in shape AND save the planet this year, consider biking to work. Jeff Rossini wraps up his 4-part series to help you do just that.
• Finding Time To Make a Difference
  by Wanda Cantrell, December 28
  Community Hospices of America volunteers Michelle and Joe Campbell have a very simple philosophy on how to find time to serve others while living busy lives. "You find time for what's important," they say. And time could not be harder to find than for these two busy college students and newlyweds.
• Welcome to CoolMomsCare
  by Michelle Andrade, December 21 (1 comment)
  Just a few weeks ago, we quietly launched a second revolution. This one is for all you parents out there who want to inspire your families to save the world - one kid at a time.
• Video Edition: The Cool People Car
  by Sam Davidson, December 14 (1 comment)
  What would it look like if someone covered their entire car in CoolPeopleCare stickers? Seth Wood treats us to a video that shows us exactly that.
• Gifts That Give Back
  by Malinda Moseley, December 7
  Alternative giving, as defined by Wikipedia is simple: Alternative giving is a form of gift giving in which the giver makes a donation to a charitable organization in the recipient’s name, rather than giving an item. It's time to start thinking differently about giving (if you haven't already) and here's some helpful ways how...
• New Day Revolution Excerpt: Chapter 11
  by Sam Davidson, November 30
  This time of year, many of us become devout adherents to the great American religion called consumerism. We spend time and money like no other time of year as we shop for those we love and those we feel obligated to buy for. We also make our wish lists asking others to pick the right present for us to eagerly unwrap. But what if we used this collective attention to focus on larger problems? What if we directed our energy and money this time of year towards greater social ills and problems?
• New Day Revolution Excerpt: Chapter 7
  by Sam Davidson, November 23
  Now that Thanksgiving is nothing more than leftovers, you’ll be “encouraged” to spend money like it’s going out of style. The winter holiday season is in full swing, and shopping seems to be some sort of national tradition. But, if we’re honest, we know that shopping and consumption aren’t things we do only during December. This is why we dedicate an entire chapter in our new book to the activity of buying and selling. Here is a sneak peak at our recommendations for how you can save the world while shopping.
• Be a Hospice Volunteer
  by Libby Jones, November 16
  Sure, you've heard of hospice, but what does it all mean? In this article, a hospice employee and advocate shares details of why hospice plays a vital role in the lives of many.
• My Initiation to Hospice
  by Libby Jones, November 9
  In honor of National Hospice Month, Libby Jones tells her personal story of hospice, and how a wonderful experience turned into a meaningful career.
• National Hospice Month
  by Wanda Cantrell, November 2
  In honor of National Hospice Month, we'll be bringing you stories of volunteers who have offered their time to make a difference in the lives of patients and families who have chosen to use hospice care.
• Add Time to Someone’s Life
  by Christine Hunt, October 26
  When you have more time on your hands, make a donation that will give those running out of time extra moments, minutes, days, months, even years. Your extra time can be converted into extra birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, first days of school and graduations for those whose clock is running out.
• Bike Commuting 103: No Shopping Spree Necessary
  by Jeff Rossini, October 19
  With a wealth of options available to bike commuters, picking the right gear may seem overwhelming - but it doesn't have to be.
• More Than Money
  by Christy Nicholson, October 12
  A year ago, I had an awesome job. I was the Entertainment editor for the web site of a large, non-profit publishing company. I had a great salary and friendly co-workers, and I regularly received CDs and books to review for the site. I got to go to free concerts and interviews with my favorite musicians. But I wasn't happy.
• Bike Commuting 102: Get Your "Ifs," "Ands," and "Buts" on the Saddle
  by Jeff Rossini, October 5
  So, you read Bike Commuting 101 but you still have some reservations or concerns? Not to worry, there are answers to be had and miles to be pedaled. Political, religious or social issues aside, riding a bike is just plain more fun.
• Cancer Takes Teamwork
  by Lu Sipos, September 28
  In part 4 of our 4-part series in honor of National Childhood Cancer month, Lu Sipos shows how teamwork is key for fighting cancer and being the kind of person we all should be.
• The Need for Marrow
  by Jessica Pasley, September 21
  In part 3 of our 4-part series in honor of National Childhood Cancer month, Jessica Pasley tells her story about her family's need for a marrow transplant, and how you can save lives by being a donor.
• Childhood Cancer Survival Story
  by Jarrett Stein, September 14
  In part 2 of our 4-part series in honor of National Childhood Cancer month, one young man tells his story of survival.
• Gabe's My Heart
  by Lu Sipos, September 7
  Cancer is always personal. In part 1 of our 4-part series in honor of National Childhood Cancer month, Lu Sipos tells her story about her son being diagnosed with a tumor.
• Bike Commuting 101 - Car if You Don’t, Don’t Car if You Do
  by Jeff Rossini, August 31 (1 comment)
  Back in the days of childhood, a bicycle was more than a bicycle - it was an instrument of freedom. It was all we needed to get us from point A to point B. Yet somewhere down the metaphorical road of life, we trade that bicycle in for traffic jams and soaring gas prices, thinking we are better off. The time has come to dust off the Schwinn and hit the ground pedaling.
• Trashy Artists
  by Leigh Piper, August 24
  While cleaning out my closet, I find that I have accumulated a great deal of junk that I just can't seem to throw away. "I could use that for something," I tell myself. And the truth is I can. I can create art.
• Why We Did It
  by Sam Davidson, August 17 (3 comments)
  A year ago, we launched an idea that we hope will spark a revolution. Here's the story behind how it all began as we look back on a great year.
• Vacuum Your Fridge (Seriously)
  by Heather Solos, August 10 (2 comments)
  To keep your refrigerator running efficiently (saving energy, money and the environment), make sure your clean the coils regularly. Here is a step by step guide to removing the dust and dirt to ensure your fridge is operating in peak condition.
• World Breastfeeding Week
  by Indie Davis, August 3 (1 comment)
  One of the major reasons that women do not breastfeed, is lack of support. Women often lack adequate support from their partners, family members, health care providers, employers, government, and communities. By doing what you can to support a breastfeeding mother, you may be helping to protect the life and long term health of her child.
• How Should You Trash the Trash?
  by Leigh Piper, July 27 (1 comment)
  What's the rule of thumb when you've got food to toss? Should it go down the garbage disposal, or should you dump it in the trash? Keep reading to find out.
• Eat Fresh, Eat Local
  by Lynnette Davidson, July 20 (5 comments)
  I've known for a while that eating fresh food that is locally grown with sustainable methods is both better for the environment and better for my health. I know also that it puts a fair wage into the hands of the farmer who grows that food. But until recently, I hadn't taken many steps to do anything with the knowledge I have.
• No One Likes Being Labeled
  by Sara Koppelman, July 13 (1 comment)
  Remember what it was like the first time you were called some mean name, like from the bully on the playground? It's hard to forget. Here's how to make sure you don't inadvertently make the same offense.
• Advance Directives
  by Leigh Piper, July 6 (2 comments)
  Planning for end of life situations isn't something that most of us have on our daily agenda. However, a simple (yet important) conversation will make sure that we're ready for anything.
• Composting 101: Turning Waste into Haste
  by Jeff Rossini, June 29
  We all know by now that eating locally and buying organic is the way to go - but even fair trade coffee produces waste that we toss into the garbage. Starting your own compost pile is a natural way to recycle that waste into something your garden will love.
• A Revolution of Love
  by John Shults, June 22
  REVO is an expression and movement of love. It's a movement that seeks to inspire a generation to act for social justice. It's a movement that led me to believe and exist in love - to exist in a community of people seeking to inspire change and hope for an otherwise lacking continent.
• The Arts Do Not Discriminate
  by Leigh Piper, June 15
  Blonde hair, blue eyes and a smile bigger than the gap between her two front teeth: that’s my friend Shelby. Though only six years old, Shelby has a love for life that is an inspiration to everyone she meets. I was lucky enough to meet her while volunteering at a VSA arts event for children with disabilities.
• Read a Book
  by Sam Davidson, June 8 (1 comment)
  This may seem like a simple task, but chances are, you haven't read a book in a long time. Carve out an hour or so and make yourself smarter by reading something someone else wrote. You'll be a great conversation starter at parties.
• Rethinking the Offering
  by Sam Davidson, June 1
  The words 'tithe' and 'offering' strike fear in the hearts (and wallets) of the religious and nonreligious alike. But when my faith community rethought what it meant to give, a local nonprofit benefited from the generosity of some churchfolk.
• What it takes to be a Foster Parent
  by Linda Woods, May 25
  People often ask why I have spent the last 15 years of my life as a foster parent for the Department of Children's Services. In honor of National Foster Care Month, here's my answer.
• Don't Buy a Thing
  by Jody Stickle, May 18
  On January 1st of this year, I decided that I would stop buying new things. I decided I would only purchase food and items of health and safety, but otherwise, I would not be buying new things. Instead, I would buy used items or borrow what I needed.
• Three Days and Sixty Miles
  by Luanne Davidson, May 11
  On August 24, I will turn 50. I wanted a celebration that I would remember for the next fifty years. So, I decided to celebrate life by walking 60 miles in the Breast Cancer 3-Day with thousands of other women and men. For three days in the Twin Cities, I will sleep on the ground in a two-person tent, eat meals in outdoor facilities, shower in a truck, restroom in a porta-potty, and truly have an awesome experience.
• What It's Like to Be a Foster Youth
  by Michelle Crowley, May 4 (1 comment)
  We just need the same thing any other young person needs: people to love us and believe in us. There is no limit on the things you could do for a foster youth, no act too great or too small. We're like flowers—if you just give us a little water, we'll grow.
• Make Your Blog Stand Out
  by Sam Davidson, April 27 (1 comment)
  There are over 70 million blogs out there on the Internet. I'm not sure of the exact percentages, but I'm sure that the vast majority of these ramble on without considering raising awareness about the things that need changing. Why not use your blog to make a difference?
• Dreams and Meetings
  by Sam Davidson, April 20
  We love that you love CoolPeopleCare. But we want to ultimately push you to get off your computer, out of your house, and into the world of social action. Why not start with attending a local event, meeting your neighbors, or having your voice heard?
• Watch It Grow
  by Ashley Brooks, April 13
  I've been a fan of gardening for a while – the outdoors, the look and smell of flowers, the idea of growth – it all captivates me. So, here are my quick takes on three things you can do to start or continue your garden so that it's a great thing for you and our world.
• Run Your Race
  by Sam Davidson, April 6
  I didn't think I was much of a runner (I still don't). But, I do run for a cause and a purpose. And now that it's getting warmer, you, too, can run any distance for a great cause.
• Buy a Hybrid
  by Stephen Moseley, March 30
  You may not be in the market for a new ride, but if you are, consider a Hybrid. I did, and couldn't be happier. Now I'm smiling and so is the planet.
• The COOL Guide to Plastics
  by Kelly Schultz, March 23
  It seems like most of our life comes packaged in plastic. Take a quick minute to learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle in order to take advantage of this oh-so-convenient method of packaging.
• How To Clean Your House
  by Kelly Schultz, March 16
  You make not like cleaning your house, but we all know that it has to be done. Did you know that cleaning your house may be hazardous to your health? Learn how to make sure your chores are more beneficial than harmful.
• Get on "Board"
  by Ken Hatchett, March 9
  From day one, for me, Children Are People, Inc. became an organization to which I chose to attach my heart and time. I grew up in a small rural southern town and know first hand the importance of developing a strong work ethic as well as having principled role models to assist you through life.
• Help the Homeless
  by Kevin Barbieux, March 2 (3 comments)
  Cool people care, and caring people pay attention to what's going on in the world around them. And they make decisions based on serious considerations of the consequences of their actions - well, most of the time, anyway.
• New Day's Resolution: Save More, Give More
  by Stephen Moseley, February 23
  There's a reason people like Dave Ramsey are popular - people suck when it comes to money.
• New Day's Resolution: Get Fit
  by Lynnette Davidson, February 16
  Even if you don't own a pair of running shoes, you can still help out at a local 5k. Doing so will inspire you - if not to take up running, then to cheer on your fellow walkers and runners as they raise money and trek onward for a worthy cause.
• New Day's Resolution: Help the Poor
  by Lynnette Davidson, February 9 (1 comment)
  Believe it or not, but a dollar a day can literally save the life of someone half a world away. Just by passing on that latte or music download, you can make an impact in someone's life you may never meet.
• New Day's Resolution: Get a Hobby
  by Wanda Mascarenas, February 2
  The new year is a perfect time to try out a new hobby. While there is no shortage of things to spend your spare time on, everyone benefits when you use your hobby (new or old) for a good cause.
• New Day's Resolution: Volunteer More
  by Kyle Matthews, January 26
  If one of your resolutions this year is to volunteer more (or for the first time), no doubt your local community is full of opportunities to give back. Lending a hand once a week or once a month will go a long way towards making a difference in your city.
• New Day's Resolution: Get Out More
  by Lynnette Davidson, January 19
  By attending a series of workshops, you'll learn more than subject matter. When you sit down and discuss deep and important issues, you just may realize that there's more work to be done than you first imagined. But hey - you have to start somewhere!
• New Day's Resolution: Eat Healthy
  by Brittney Gilbert, January 12
  Far and away the most common New Year's resolution made by those looking to turn over a new leaf is to get healthier. This might mean catching more sleep, getting more exercise or planning for relaxation - but it almost always means resolving to eat healthier. One way to make sure we eat better is to consider where exactly our food is coming from.
• New Day's Resolution: Get Organized
  by Sam Davidson, January 5 (1 comment)
  We all say we want to clear the clutter and get more organized. Often this motivation results in higher sales for people who sell trendy gadgets or write books with clever titles. However, getting organized can be as simple as cleaning out our closet with the motivation of giving to others in need.
• Intentionally Serving the Poor
  by Jeff Morrison, December 29
  Using your unique talent to serve others is a rewarding experience. And it's something only YOU can do. So get out there and do what you do best - for others.
• I Made Christmas Not My Birthday
  by Luanne Davidson, December 22
  By trying my best to take the "Christmas Is Not Your Birthday" Challenge, I rediscovered the true meaning of the holiday season. By taking small steps to offset my spending and greediness, I gave to those in need, helped others, and changed my small part of the world.
• Socially Aware Shopping
  by Lynnette Davidson, December 15 (2 comments)
  Ten Thousand Villages is one of the largest fair trade organizations in North America. Working with more than 100 artisan groups, Ten Thousand Villages purchases fine pieces from craftspeople with whom it has longstanding, nurturing relationships, helping to bring dignity to their lives. At the store you'll find everything from folk art and home décor, ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry and musical instruments.
• Giving That Means Something
  by Aron Michalski, December 8
  Last year, right around this time, my mother asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I danced around the question, as she did when I asked her the same. Then she admitted she'd already bought a goat in my name. And then I admitted I had bought a share of a water buffalo in her name. So instead of another sweater, my mother helped provide a family in Thailand with a draft animal to till their fields. And instead of another tie to hang in my closet, I helped provide milk to a malnourished family in Cambodia.
• Visit Someone on Christmas
  by Betsy Neely, December 1
  This Christmas, visit people who don't have the luxury of being home for the holidays. You'll enjoy giving your smiles and presence as much as those on the receiving end.
• Hope in Giving
  by Stephen Moseley, November 24
  Discover a new "Hope in Giving" this season by thinking differently about those cards you give every year. By paying a little extra money, you'll spread some holiday cheer by contributing to saving lives.
• Design-her Gals
  by Lynnette Davidson, November 17
  Even if you don't have a single artistic bone in your body, Design-her Gals makes it easy for you to dream up your own unique stationery. While doing it, you'll have fun and contribute money to help women with Stage 4 Breast Cancer.
• Race for the Cure
  by Betsy Neely, November 10
  Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement in support of a worthy cause. Not only will you get a good workout, you'll also leave with some inspirational stories.
• Boxing Day
  by Stephen Moseley, November 3
  An hour at Feed the Children will take you to the far reaches of the globe. Even something as simple as folding and taping boxes will have a global impact as you become part of an integral chain that provides food and supplies for some of the neediest people in the world.
• Attend a Volunteer Festival
  by Betsy Neely, October 27
  A great way to discover a city is to attend a volunteer fair. You'll explore your city's social side and see what all you can offer to a place in need.
• Listen to Someone Else’s Stories
  by Sam Davidson, October 20
  In an hour with my grandmother, I learned more about my history and heritage than I ever knew. Spending time with those from different generations can teach us how things used to be and inspire us to make things as they should be.
• Get Involved in Local Politics
  by Betsy Neely, October 6 (1 comment)
  By helping campaign for the upcoming election, you may learn more about people, life and your local community than you will about politics. Two hours at a local fair usually does this to you.
• Recycling Rain
  by Sam Davidson, September 22 (5 comments)
  It's free, there's a lot of it, and it's nature's way of quenching thirst. Why would you use anything else to water your plants?
• A Day Without a Car
  by Joanna Bate, September 8 (1 comment)
  A few months ago, during a weekend trip to a large city in the northeast, I noticed that my friends used public transportation or walked to anywhere we needed to go in the city. Upon returning back to my sprawled out city in the west, I realized that my life in Tucson had become so car-centric that I was driving to places that, if I were in Philadelphia, I would have walked.
• Save Energy and Money with a Digital Programmable Thermostat
  by Sam Davidson, August 28
  Use a programmable thermostat to control and reduce your energy consumption.
• Share the Love by Adopting a Pet
  by Sam Davidson, August 18 (3 comments)
  The next time, there was a newly admitted litter of six. We went in the room where the sextuplets were playing and soon found two who would be perfect. After a few minutes of playing, we knew the ones we wanted, told the fine folks we’d being going home with them, and my wife was very happy.
• Make Your House More Energy Efficient by Changing All Your Light Bulbs
  by Sam Davidson, August 9 (2 comments)
  Help wean the nation off fossil fuels. Watch Kilowatt Ours by Jeff Barrie. Change a light bulb and make the world a brighter place.
• Give Your Home an Energy Audit
  by Sam Davidson, August 1
  Get your house out of the Stone Age with a FREE home energy audit!