Today in Squirrel News, only one in ten US teens reports tobacco use, Ireland’s year-off curriculum leads teens lives down new paths, and a tax on repeat return flights in Europe could generate 64 billion euro for investment in buses and trains.
The most popular teen tobacco choice of vaping is down almost 6%, but also down are cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. The CDC reports that only 1 in 10 high schoolers and 1 in 20 middle schoolers say they use tobacco currently.
Ireland’s year off-curriculum is a life changer for teens
First piloted in 1974 and rolled out a nationally in 1994, the idea is to give teens the space to try new things, appreciate classics of art and literature no matter what their socioeconomic level, and to “take a break from the treadmill”. For some teens, it has led their life down a whole new path.
Pentagon to grant honorable discharge to over 800 vets kicked out under “Don’t ask, don’t tell”
In a first step towards rectifying the dishonorable discharges made under a policy that banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, hundreds of veterans will have their service records upgraded and be eligible for benefits.
Tax on Europe’s frequent flyers could raise €64bn a year
A 100€ levy on subsequent flights after the first has the potential to raise 64 billion euro and slow global warming without extra cost to most travellers, according to a research report.
Grocery stores that donate expiring food do better financially, say economists
A team of economists has determined that tax reduction from donating expiring groceries to the hungry, translates into higher profits for grocery stores than discounting or discarding food.
The dome-structured houses in Florida that survived level 5 hurricanes
Constructed from a 2015 design called the “Golden Eye” these homes in the shape of domes were resilient and intact when all the homes around them were destroyed. The trend is catching on and can hopefully be applied to affordable housing in future.
Giant solar heat installation on British Library also expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes
950 solar panels atop the famous library, each 4 times the usual power, form an installation that may inspire other public buildings to go solar. The level of power expected to be produced annually could heat a community centre for a year.
“Low Carbon Hub” in Oxfordshire models new local ownership system for renewables
More than 1700 members investing in local renewable energy producers get a small return on their investment. The rest is invested in community projects like insulating schools that then reduces their heating needs.