A Labor Day Look at Our Time Squeeze

On this Labor Day, we can explain the “middle-class time squeeze” by looking at how time/money tradeoffs changed a family’s division of labor.

What We Will Miss in the Mall

Looking at the first shopping mall and its evolution, we can see how its original concept will now be turned upside down.

What You Might See on a Ghost Flight

Called ghost flights, empty passenger jets are being redeployed for freight although their seats and cargo holds are not ideal.

Why We Want Tubeless Toilet Paper

When the makers of toilet paper, sneakers, and clothing use less-waste design, they wind up creatively combining resources.

The Economics of Skiing Across Antarctica

Across a 921-mile stretch of Antarctica, two men are racing. Unassisted, each is alone. Unsupported, they are not allowed to receive a food or fuel drop or to use a kite for wind power. All each needs is on his…

Everything You Need To Know About the Avocado

From needing a new name to making California growers happy, boosting avocado consumption has been about overcoming obstacles.

The Shrinking Cities Problem

An idyllic mountain village wants you. The town has one shop, a church, houses that have been there forever, and a population that has shrunk to 240. It is located in the Swiss Alps. Albinen’s plusses include clean air, magnificent views, and…

The Surprising Consequences of Taxing Bagels and Windows

By changing our homes and our cream cheese purchases, taxes on bagels and windows can have unintended consequences when they distort our behavior.

Where Moving Matters

Although U.S. migration patterns show that the popularity of different states vary from year to year, the one consistent trend has been less moving.

How Supermarket Shelves Influence Us

Depending on its location, a supermarket’s grocery shelf space can have a high or low value that will determine its product placement.