What Works

From Alaska to California, people are creating successful enterprises that are low carbon, attuned to the ecology, locally rooted. They’re employing, training, producing, sustaining. Here you’ll find regular reports on what works for the economy we need.

Colonization harmed Indigenous trade, commerce, and wealth. Jacqueline Jennings’ Fireweed Institute is reversing those impacts.

By: Andrea Smith

How Moment Energy harvests and puts to work batteries from worn-out electric cars.

By: Josh Kozelj

Fast-expanding ChopValue turns millions of disposable utensils into sustainable products.

By: Grace Kennedy

See how a frontline medical worker found new life in farming and selling pesticide-free blossoms.

By: Josh Kozelj and Quinn Kelly

How package-free markets like Portland’s Realm Refillery change how we shop and reduce plastic waste.

By: Josh Kozelj

White oaks once ruled the now vineyard-blanketed Willamette Valley. Maggie Harrison shows they don’t have to be sacrificed to grapes.

By: Hannah Wallace

Social Print’s founder wanted to protect forests. So his British Columbia company makes paper from sugar cane.

By: Josh Kozelj

Billions of disposable diapers end up in North American landfills yearly. Carrie Pollak’s firm is trying better ways.

By: Andrew Engelson

Ocean Legacy recycles “ghost gear” and other trash into deck chairs, picnic tables, and more.

By: Katie Hyslop

Grab a paddle. It’s time to work together.

Sign up for Magic Canoe’s twice-monthly newsletter to stay in the loop. Get stories, updates, events, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. No spam.