What Finland’s amazing new library can teach us about valuing public amenities
In a country that boasts one of the world’s highest literacy rates, the arrival of the new central library in the capital of Finland last year was a kind of moon-landing-like moment of national bonding. The €98 million facilities, whose opening in December 2018 marked the centenary of Finnish Read More...
For low-income kids, thrift shopping is a powerful tool for self-expression
Thrift shopping is regaining popularity among hipsters on the search for a one off piece or those taking a stand against the environmental impact of fast fashion. These unassuming second-hand stores can be treasure-troves for collectors and creative shoppers alike. For low-income kids, they can Read More...
The world finally has a vaccine for Ebola
Ebola is a deadly virus, one that has been plaguing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this past year. The virus has killed some 2,000 people since it broke out last year and threatens to kill many more if the outbreak isn’t quelled. The good news is that for the first time ever, a Read More...
The key to being more persuasive may be how, not what, you say
Are you trying to become more confident and persuasive in your personal or professional life? The key may not be what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it. Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that speaking at a slightly higher volume can make you Read More...
Computer tech giant Dell pledges to make greener electronics over the next decade
American computer technology company Dell has just announced its “Progress Made Real” initiative in hopes to increase sustainability efforts. The centerpiece of the company's new climate change plan is to source 75 percent of the power for all of its facilities from renewables and 100 percent Read More...
Prada just signed a loan with interest rates tied to sustainable action
For the first time ever, a luxury brand has signed a loan that is linked to sustainability goals. That brand is Prada, and it has signed a £42.9 million loan with the banking group, Crédit Agricole, with repayment terms conditional on meeting key targets around the sustainability of its products Read More...
After the nuclear disaster, Fukushima is being transformed into a clean energy hub
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Japan’s northeastern prefecture of Fukushima is recovering awesomely from the nuclear disaster that struck in 2011. The disaster, which was triggered by an earthquake, wreaked havoc on the energy hub and created toxic conditions in the wider area. But, Read More...
Lining hospital beds with copper could save thousands of lives each year
Hospital beds are among the most contaminated surfaces in medical settings. Every year, nearly 2 million Americans get sick because of that, while around 100,000 lose their lives, making hospital beds the eighth leading cause of death in the US. Researchers have spent years looking for ways to Read More...
Scientists have photographed a mouse deer for the first time in nearly 30 years
In a testament to the Earth’s ability to continually surprise us, scientists in Vietnam have successfully photographed a species not seen for nearly 30 years. That species is known as the mouse deer, a rabbit-sized animal that despite the name, is neither mouse nor deer. Instead, its the Read More...
This device ensures people don't leave their kids or pets in the car
A new device developed by the Canada's University of Waterloo could potentially save many lives by preventing children and animals from being forgotten in vehicles. The small disc-shaped device can be mounted on a car ceiling or rearview mirror and sends out radar signals to detect signs of Read More...