Bundle of positive news snippets to perk up the day.
Hunted to extinction in Britain 400 years ago, the water-loving beaver continues to be reintroduced in “trial” enclosures across England. Studies suggest the herbivorous rodent’s habit of building dams in rivers could help prevent flooding by drastically slowing the flow of water as well as purifying water polluted by agricultural fertilizer. Ecologist Derek Gow hails beavers as “ecosystem engineers”. He says, “They turn landscapes that are largely dead into environments that wildlife can recolonize.”
Kurdish refugee discovers simple acts of kindness can have a deep, lasting impact.
Sicily: As well as selling flatpack furniture, Ikea’s store in Catania provides an unusual service. It welcomes stray dogs off the street, feeding them and allowing them to curl up and nap among the store’s living room displays. The practice is popular with customers and some dogs have even been adopted by customers and found a permanent home.
Cleaning up e-Waste: A solution first developed by the Roman Empire is being utlised to help solve today's problem.
Portugal: Scientists may have found a way to make our clothes smell better when we perspire by treating cotton fabric so that it emits a lemony citronella scent when it comes into contact with sweat. As a bonus, citronella is an insect repellent.
Italy: A captivating collection of films recording for posterity 'pasta nonnas' creating much loved family meals. It's a kind of Noah's Ark of traditional pasta-making techniques. “It’s not about pasta-making really,” says the film-maker. “It’s more like a warm hug.”
US: Electric vehicles could save the US billions each year, study finds, and also save hundreds of thousands of lives.
Ireland: Homeless Dubliners have a new opportunity to get off the street under a scheme that trains them as tour guides. The social enterprise My Streets Ireland aims to give some of the Irish capital’s homeless new skills and an income for showing visitors the city. Trainees choose a theme for their tour and get help with its research and presentation. The guides receive half of the ticket sales and the remainder is ploughed back into running the project.
Spread the good news by sharing OGN pages. Simply click on your preferred link below and woosh, off it goes.