In this installment of Squirrel News, we delve into Germany’s trial of a four-day workweek, the tireless efforts of the guardians preserving the Amazon rainforest, and the bike company giving the formerly incarcerated a second chance.
4 Day Week Global, in collaboration with business consultancy Intraprenör, is set to launch a six-month trial to investigate the feasibility of the four-day workweek model in Germany – with 50 companies taking part in the trial.
Caretakers of the Amazon: community champions protect world’s largest forest
Amidst the pressing threats of deforestation due to logging, construction, mining, and agriculture, a rising cohort of individuals is forging a unique path. They are not only making a living from the Amazon but actively safeguarding its colossal trees through sustainable practices like rubber tapping and fruit picking.
Several US states extend healthcare coverage to immigrants and noncitizens
Colorado is among the growing list of Democratic states joining the movement to extend health coverage to groups who would otherwise be ineligible for public insurance due to their legal status. The scheme will assist those with an annual income below $22,000 for individuals or $45,000 for a family of four.
California sees a 10% decline in food waste amid stricter regulations
In a promising trend, consumers and businesses in California generated nearly 13 million tons of surplus food in 2022, reflecting a notable 10% decrease from 2016, as reported by the nonprofit ReFED.
NYC to clear $2 billion in unpaid medical debt for 500,000 residents
In collaboration with the NGO RIP Medical Debt, the city aims to purchase millions of dollars’ worth of medical debt at a substantial discount from hospitals and subsequently eliminate it.
World-first study affirms the impact of mental health recovery stories
The first-of-its-kind research shows that personal narratives detailing individuals overcoming mental health struggles are remarkably effective in aiding others facing similar challenges. Moreover, the findings showcase the cost-effectiveness of this empathetic approach to mental health support.
Therapy project yields ‘dramatic’ rise in Sats results at London school
The Nurture programme, which supports children who face multiple adversities in their lives, has been running in a single primary school in central London. Not only do Sats results appear to have gone up, attendance and attention have improved and there has been less disruption in class, the school says.
A bird-friendly label is making maple farming more sustainable
In Vermont, a new programme is reshaping the landscape for maple syrup-producing farms and their patrons, enhancing forest habitats favored by a myriad of bird species and fostering avian biodiversity.
ALBA paves the way for farmworker ownership transition
In California, farmworkers encounter many challenges in acquiring the necessary land, capital, and training to venture into independent farming. ALBA is reshaping the prospects for this community, bridging gaps and fostering a transformative shift towards worker farm ownership.
