Recent Gallup polling shows that alcohol consumption in the United States has dropped to its lowest level in nearly 90 years, with drinkers reporting they are drinking less—and less frequently. A record low of 54% of adults are now drinking in the US, down from 67% just a few years ago. Younger adults, aged 18–35, are driving this decline, as they increasingly prioritize their health.

The Earth’s massive deserts, and their persistent efforts to keep swallowing up nearby lands, have long been the bane of farmers and agriculture. Desert sands blow away, are impossible to shape, and retain no moisture.

Across international and US campuses, a new sustainability trend is taking root: “swap shops” and free stores, designed to reduce dorm-room waste while easing students’ financial burdens.