Universal basic income trial in Germany, braille Lego bricks, renaming streets after star pupils in Mumbai slums

Photo: Miikka Luotio/ Unsplash (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a trial of universal basic income in Germany, the launch of Lego’s pioneering new braille range, and a scheme organised by a classroom-on-wheels in a Mumbai slum which is inspiring students to learn.

Germany is trialling a universal basic income scheme

Starting this week, 120 German citizens will receive monthly payments of 1200€ as part of a pioneering study.

Source: World Economic Forum

Lego has launched a braille version of its plastic bricks

The move comes as the firm announces it “wants to encourage blind and visually impaired children to explore new ways to learn”.

Source: The Guardian

A scheme to rename streets is inspiring children in Mumbai slums to learn

Door Step School, the Mumbai-based classroom-on-wheels, encourages those with limited access to education to try their best.

Source: The Guardian

A mobile library of things has been launched in Devon

The Share Shed encourages a culture of sharing and reusing, and stocks everything from gardening tools to baby furniture.

Source: The Ecologist

More and more office space designs are including permanent outdoor workspaces

Designers and architects are exploring natural lighting and ventilation in an attempt to improve the health and wellbeing of workers.

Source: Arch Daily

The city of Philadelphia will provide free internet to over 35,000 households in need

The move comes as the city announces that schools will most likely operate remotely.

Source: Posibl

Italy is offering a 500€ subsidy for e-scooters and bicycles

The aim is to encourage greener modes of transport while removing polluting cars from already-clogged streets.

Source: Treehugger

A new organic certification in the US will help shoppers to choose sustainable products

The Regenerative Organic Certification will be the highest standard for organic and sustainable agriculture in the world.

Source: Treehugger

Artists in the US are designing bandanas in order to boost election turnout in November

All proceeds from the sales of the garments will support three charities dedicated to raising election awareness in historically marginalised communities.

Source: CNN

A project in the UK is ensuring homeless people and their pets have access to safe accommodation

StreetVet provides free veterinary assistance to rough sleepers, whilst providing hostels with advice on how to support their new residents.

Source: The Guardian

Read more