The Commons

Explore our archive of articles on The Commons.

Water and the Rising Feminine 

Journal Article

Pat McCabe | As women, I see us as the relational glue, the relational builders, so I need to get it really straight in my own mind and heart from what ethic will I address these pressures and potential conflicts around water.

Published in Fall 2018 By Judy Wicks, Pat McCabe, Li An Phoa, Eve Miari

The Insurgent Power of the Commons in the War Against the Imagination

Journal Article

I believe the commons paradigm can help us develop a new social and cultural vision, and new strategies for practical change. Paradoxically enough, redirecting our attention away from conventional politics and policy may offer the most promising possibilities for developing a transformational vision.

Published in Winter 2018 By David Bollier

BOOK | Farming for the Long Haul

Journal Article

Farmers in urban civilizations have always been subject to powers beyond them. Indeed, there is ample evidence that urban civilizations were invariably built on the conquest and subjection of farming cultures. Our current food industry grew out of the defeat of farmers’ efforts in the late nineteenth century to win fair prices for their production.

Published in Winter 2018 By Michael Foley

Documenting Land Trauma

Journal Article

Since the mid-1990s, when I first learned about it, a fervent desire of mine has been for this type of coal mining to be halted and forever banned. If my photos have helped build a movement calling for the abolition of mountain-top removal, then I have accomplished something in my life.

Published in Summer 2019 By Vivian Stockman

Among the Nightingales in Berlin

Journal Article

David’s latest recording projects are focused on collaborations with nightingales. As part of the work, Rothenberg and an international band of musicians perform music in concert with nightingales in Berlin’s public parks.

Published in Summer 2019 By David Rothenberg

Rhino Conservation

Journal Article

There has been lots of press around big cats and elephants. Not as many people know about the plight of the rhinos and, in fact, I did not. I said, "Fantastic. If the rhinos need help, then we are here to help the rhinos."

Published in Summer 2019 By Heather Smith

Burning Man | What We’ve Learned

Journal Article

"We don’t need a blueprint, we don’t want a master plan, we just need to practice the skills and create the kind of spaces we want to live in, and share them."

Published in Fall 2019 By Caveat Magister and Photography, Scott London

Restoring the Housatonic River Walk

Journal Article

The ongoing creation of River Walk also speaks to the human element. It marks the confluence of ecological renewal, environmental and social justice, the underpinnings of the industrial revolution, and the vitality of a downtown.

Published in Fall 2019 By Suzanne Fowle

From What Is to What If

Journal Article

Given the state of the world, the message of despair is pretty convincing. Things look grim. But something about that doesn’t sit quite right with me. In fact, there’s evidence that things can change, and that cultures can change, rapidly and unexpectedly.

Published in Winter 2019 By Rob Hopkins

Good Fortune

Journal Article

Three miles and four hours later we creep back to the starting point, our eyes exhausted, necks stiff, but our curiosity only whetted. Savoring this feast as we drive home, I’m reminded of Thoreau’s words: Wealth in-doors may be the inheritance of few, but it is equally distributed on the Common. Today I am a rich woman.

Published in Spring 2020 By Marilyn DuHamel