In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re looking at New York’s plan to legalise recreational marijuana and reinvest taxes into marginalised communities, reclaimed wastewater as a solution to farming in hot climates, and how New Zealand is the second country in the world to offer paid leave after a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Recycled water could be the answer to farming in drought-prone regions
By irrigating crops with reclaimed and nutrient-rich wastewater, farmers in arid regions could grow high-yielding and healthy plants using a cheap, safe and scalable method.
New Zealand has approved paid leave after miscarriages and stillbirths
The legislation will also apply to the partners of women whose pregnancies ended early, allowing both individuals time to grieve – with other countries encouraged to adopt similar laws.
Unify America is helping heal wounds between the USA’s most divided groups
By pairing up those different to each other – be it through age, race, location, gender identity, political views – the organisation hopes to promote conversation and stoke a sense of mutual understanding.
“Saylists” aim to support young people with speech-sound disorders
With music being a tried and tested method of dealing with SSDs, Apple Music’s new initiative uses algorithms to find songs which repeat challenging sounds.
Salvaged materials from demolition sites are constructing new buildings
By repurposing windows, bricks and doors from disused buildings, two startups are aiming to create a more circular economy within the construction industry.
German imam uses conversation to tackle prison radicalisation
With inmates at high risk of being exposed to religious extremism, Imam Meyer uses his listening skills to support vulnerable residents of the juvenile prison.
Bike education is helping to unite communities and create equality
Berlin’s #BIKEYGEES is just one of a growing number of global initiatives aiming to inspire confidence in those who never had the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike.
