Playfulness as a skill, training for sustainable pasture, Indian nurses on e-scooters
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In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re taking a look at how training ranchers helps them restore pastures, how e-scooters are helping Indian nurses reach more patients, and we’re discussing the benefits of being playful as an adult.
Playfulness is a quality most adults don’t think about, let alone as something desirable or even a skill. Yet, recent research suggests exactly that. In our new podcast episode, we talk with René Proyer who has studied playfulness in depth and explains to us why it can be part of the solution for many problems.
Training on pasture recovery is a win-win for Brazil’s cattle ranchers and forests
Providing Brazilian cattle ranchers with customized training in sustainable pasture restoration brings an increase in cattle productivity and revenue, and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. By restoring pastures the ranchers don’t need to resort to deforestation.
Electric scooters make a difference in healthcare in Indian mining region
A new government initiative has made nurses’ jobs easier by providing them e-scooters. This way they can visit more communities in need more frequently and consistently, especially those impacted by years of mining.
Scientists at Washington State University developed a new formula for concrete prodution that incorporates microfibres from used masks. The concrete is 47% stronger, giving it the potential to decrease the quantity of cement needed in projects.
EU unveils plan for ‘largest ever ban’ on dangerous chemicals
Up to 12,000 substances could fall within the scope of the new ‘restrictions roadmap’ that aims to ban substances linked to cancers, hormonal disruption, diabetes and other diseases.
Turku, the oldest city in Finland, has already cut emissions by more than half and aims to become one of the first carbon neutral cities by 2029. Using heat pumps to extract energy from the sewage flowing under the city brings them one step closer.
Water conservation success in US Southwest cities hit by drought
Cities like San Diego and Las Vegas have adopted new methods for conserving and sourcing water. Replacing lawns with native plants and installing low flow taps has reduced water consumption so much that the cities have stopped worrying about the future.
Black women-led startups aiming to fix health disparities
These new digital platforms led by Black women are trying to fix the prevalent health disparities seen in their communities. Connecting citizens to doctors and services who understand them better, and making information easily accessible makes a big difference.
Can we tell history through the lens of peacemaking instead of war?
To bring peace to the frontlines, we first need a proper understanding of what peacemakers do and how they do it. A crucial concept is positive peace – not just the absence of violence but the fostering of socioeconomic and political practices that sustain long-lasting peace.
