Some companies are jumping on the plastic-free wave, but in general it’s still very difficult to go without plastic in modern life. Everything from brushing your teeth to preparing a meal involves consuming a product that is somehow packaged in or made of plastic. It’s critical that we all learn how to have a lower impact on the planet, but it seems like we’ll need larger systemic change to address this issue. Learn about what it takes to live plastic free with this article from nytimes.com.
The right way to follow your passion.
There’s passion, and then there’s obsession. We’re big believers in following your passion, but it’s important to keep your eye on more than the prize, and remember the reasons why you chose to do what you’re doing along the way. In short- love what you do, and do it for you. Read the full story on nytimes.com.
We’re designing for people, and people are complicated.
Sometimes we forget when looking at our numbers that our “user” or “audience” is really just people. Check out this useful guide from Hubspot exploring how principles of psychology and design can give you an edge when it comes to your conversion rates and optimization efforts. Read the full guide on Hubspot.com.
NYC continues to grapple with lack of diversity at top performing public High Schools.
Despite Mayor Bill de Blasio’s mission to diversity specialized high schools, the elite public high schools in New York City continue to admit very few black students. At Stuyvesant High School, only 10 black students were admitted last year, and only 13 the year before. There’s still so much work to be done in ensuring equal access to education in this country - a problem that hits home here in New York City. To learn more, read the full story at nytimes.com.
It takes a friend to get a friend to vote.
Like with anything, we trust a reference or recommendation from a friend more than that of a stranger. It should come as no surprise then that the same applies to voting. A couple of new apps have been developed to connect voters with their friends and facilitate political conversation amongst friend groups. Learn more about this technology at nytimes.com.
Celebrating joy and resistance across the African diaspora.
Photographer Adreinne Waheed documents Black culture in times of celebration, resistance, and all of the moments in between. Waheed says that the exhibition Black Joy & Resistance that opened in Betti Ono in Oakland “beautifully displays who we are, juxtapose to how we are sometimes made to feel.” Learn more about her work and see the photographs at featureshoot.com.
International Rescue Committee spotlights the dreams, ambitions, and abilities of these young Syrian refugees to highlights their important work.
Reading about the hopes and dreams of these young Syrian girls will warm your heart, and most importantly, remind us that they are no different from any child. This is a great example of photography and visual storytelling being used share the impact that this nonprofit’s work is having on people’s lives and motivate people to support their work. Learn more about the International Rescue Committee’s work and these girls’ stories at rescue.org.
This is what leadership looks like.
We applaud Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand for her swift action on announcing a national ban on all military-style semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. These tragedies are preventable, and it’s so important that leadership in government take actionable steps to keep their citizens safe. Learn more about the safety measures New Zealand is adopting at nytimes.com.
These stats will make you take another look at email marketing.
If you’re wondering if email is still a relevant marketing strategy, then this list of stats will reassure you. For example “email generates $38 for every $1 spent, which is an astounding 3,800% ROI, making it one of the most effective options available.” Not only will strategic email marketing strengthen your relationships with your audience, those relationships translate into a solid return on investment. Visit blog.hubspot.com for more impressive stats.
Today in Tiny Design.
We’re suckers for beautiful design, even down to the smallest detail. We’re also massive music lovers and concert goers. Which is why we’re sharing this article about these adorably effective earplugs to wear to your next concert. They block out excessive volume while still letting you jam to the music. See the full list at npr.org.
A guide to hope-based communications.
When rallying support around serious global issues, it’s essential to present your audience with a hope-filled, strong story. It’s not about glossing over difficult subjects, but about highlighting opportunities for growth, change, and impact. That’s why we love this guide to hope-based communications by OpenGlobalRights. Learn more about their communication strategies at openglobalrights.org.
Youth around the world takes a stand on climate change.
We’re so inspired by these young people around the world taking a stand for the planet, and grateful to the dedicated photographers who documented this historic moment. It’s so powerful to see citizens globally fight for our future. Learn more about the recent global protest at nytimes.com.
Coors Light introduces smart tap to reward people when Bud Light airs negative ads.
The next round is on Coors Light! After numerous attacks on the brand from competitor Bud Light, Coors decided that they, and their customers, wanted to move onto something better and more interesting… like sitting down with a cold drink. So, they created ‘The Coors Light,’ a smart beer tap that will monitor for any negativity from Bud Light on social-media and broadcast-media, and give out a free round of drinks every time it’s detected. That’s one way to keep it positive! Learn more about the campaign on thedrum.com.
The danger of arming teachers.
We can all agree that children should be safe in school and teachers should be able to focus on educating our young people without fearing for their lives. However, the suggestion that teachers should be armed is complicated and problematic. Read more about why it’s a dangerous path at medium.com.
We love words.
And we love people who talk about words. Maybe we get a little obsessed, but sometimes debating semantics is just fun. Here’s an interesting argument for “the great southern pronoun” y’all from npr.org.
This designer refuses to call people ‘users’
Interesting read from Medium.com, questioning the way that we use the term “users” when talking about UX/UI rather than “people.” It’s so important to remember that people are at the heart of everything we do, and that they are more complicated than abstract numbers, figures, or performance. Read the full story at medium.com.
How a stranger reminded this illustrator of her love for drawing.
Just a nice little reminder how nice it is to doodle. Drawing is the simplest, fastest way to get an idea down, but can also be a great way to channel your energy into something positive. As the author and illustrator of this journal puts it, “ the great thing about a sketchbook is that it is for you. It’s where ideas, conscious and unconscious, form. Accidents happen, but they are happy accidents.” Read more about her story at nytimes.com.
US Air Force recruits women pilots by highlighting its own.
The best way to recruit people to your cause it to inspire them with a powerful, true story. This campaign for the US Air force is great, because it highlights their own and lets these women speak for themselves. So powerful to see these pioneering women talk about their experiences. See the spot at thedrum.com.
Looking ahead to 2050, this is how we stopped climate change.
Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about the obstacles the world faces when it comes to climate change. This article from NPR talks to professionals in the field now that have it figured out, laying out the steps we have to take. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see a clear path forward. Read the full article at npr.org.
The political zoo.
This video spot for The Times and The Sunday Times hits close to home, depicting British parliament as a literal zoo. Even though we’re across the pond, sometimes our political games feel about the same. See for yourself at thedrum.com.