In our latest update before the weekend, we delve into the transformative efforts of an initiative breathing new life into a Panamanian prison, explore new pledges contributing to the decarbonisation of the EU, and spotlight farmers who are making the shift away from conventional factory farming practices.
Left to rot: how a prisoner cleaned up Panama’s dirtiest jail – and its inmates
La Joyita prison was notorious for its squalor – but its EcoSólidos recycling scheme has helped rehabilitate inmates and eased gang fights. About 80% of the prison’s waste is now recycled, plastic and aluminium are sold, while food waste is turned into compost for the prison’s vegetable gardens.
More EU member states pledge to decarbonise electricity by 2035
Four countries – Austria, Denmark, Lithuania and Luxembourg – have explicitly committed to replacing coal and gas with renewables. If Portugal, Sweden, and Romania – who share similar commitments – were to advance their decarbonisation goals to match the 2035 timeline, over 70% of the EU’s energy generation capacity would be covered by these pledges.
Renewables made up 23% of total US electricity generation in 2023
At 5.6% of the total, solar generation is on the verge of surpassing hydropower and is set to secure the second-largest position among renewable sources, trailing only behind wind (10%).
In a new development, major tech corporations are obligated to adhere to a recently enacted EU legislation poised to shake up the digital landscape. The primary objective is to dismantle the hegemony of the largest platforms, fostering healthy competition, and empowering users with greater choices in their online experiences.
Catalonia to provide reusable menstruation products free of charge
About 2.5 million women, girls, and transgender and nonbinary people who menstruate can receive one menstrual cup, one pair of underwear for periods and two packages of cloth pads at local pharmacies in northeast Spain – free of charge.
Four children achieve over a year of HIV remission after treatment pause
Although HIV resurfaced eventually, the remarkable duration of their medication-free and virus-free period is instilling renewed optimism among scientists, hinting at the possibility of achieving sustained remission for those living with HIV in the future.
‘We’re totally pay as you can’: the UK restaurant prioritising people and planet
A Gloucestershire restaurant is rethinking relationships with customers, suppliers and the entire food economy to fuel an ambitious “pay as you can” model. The Long Table in Gloucestershire is a not-for-profit that rescues food waste, sources local produce and pays the real living wage.
Fostering connection: Japanese residential tower tackles loneliness
Amidst the challenges of an aging and frequently solitary society, residents of a multigenerational apartment complex in southwestern Japan are prioritising unity and companionship.
Little Rock’s entrepreneurial advocate bridging the financial divide
Serving as both a barber and a banker, Arlo Washington is not only the co-founder of a successful barber school that has licensed over 1,500 individuals since 2008 but also the visionary behind People Trust, a nonprofit loan fund designed to support Little Rock residents encountering obstacles in accessing conventional financial resources.
