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In today’s edition: reflective paint protects houses in Africa against heatwaves, city parks offer communities a threefold benefit, and a Philadelphia energy initiative saved billions over the last decade.
Summer heatwaves can be dangerous even at night, hurting people’s sleep and ability to concentrate. A study of the effectiveness of heat-reflecting paint on African homes has identified an easy method to make homes 3-4°C cooler.
Source: The Guardian
The majority of Americans have visited a park in the last year, but they are often overlooked by cities in favour of building housing. The Trust for Public Land has identified that parks are a financial net positive for their communities, earning back $3 for every $1 invested.
Source: Grist
A 10-year economic impact report shows how Philadelphia’s 2016 clean energy initiative used green banking and private and public monies to create 11,000 local jobs and millions in savings on energy costs for city residents. The infrastructure investments are paying off in significant tax revenues for the city.
Source: Utility Dive
The town of Acton-Boxborough plans to put its unused electric school buses to work throughout the summer by plugging them into the grid and allowing it to store more energy and lower electricity costs for residents.
Source: Canary Media
In an effort to protect both farmers and residents, Vermont lawmakers moved to ban a weedkiller that research has repeatedly linked to Parkinson’s disease. It is the first US state to do so, and multiple other states have introduced similar legislation. Some federal lawmakers are already calling for a nationwide ban.
Source: The Guardian
Young people in the UK struggle to find work, with youth unemployment at 16%. The National Market Traders Federation offers free market stalls to young entrepreneurs which has helped them launch successful businesses.
Source: Positive News
A behavioural study conducted by the University of Bonn found that most people worldwide indicate a willingness to cooperate while simultaneously underestimating others’ desire to do the same.
Source: Blue News
A new kind of date for friends or couples is getting more popular. Coming together with your to-do list, gives structure to building connections and, at the same time, allows participants to chip away at overwhelming life tasks. Experts say they are good for mental health at a time when many feel isolated.
Source: AP
The UK has lost nearly 400’000 ponds over the last century. Shaun Hancox, a former golf course builder, sometimes called the “Piccaso of Ponds”, together with the Freshwater Habitats Trust and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, works to build long-lasting, sustainable new ones.
Source: The Guardian
A devastating war in Northern Uganda over a decade ago left many survivors severely traumatised. Started by one survivor who recovered with the help of dogs, The Comfort Dog Project rescues and trains street dogs to be therapy dogs. As the dogs have often suffered trauma from neglect and mistreatment, the relationship is mutually beneficial.
Source: BBC
