Uplifting

Uplifting

The retrofit boom: the builders who won’t just knock it down and start again – FFA

It’s been an ice factory, a coachworks, a power station and a car repair shop. Now, in its latest incarnation, a £700m revamp will see 27 Eccleston Place in London’s Belgravia transformed into a flexible office, restaurant and retail space. Eccleston Place is part a growing boom of retrofitting buildings to improve carbon efficiency. This […]

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Uplifting

The children’s picture book for ‘dope black dads’ – FFA

Marvyn Harrison started a global movement five years ago. His Dope Black Dads WhatsApp group grew into an online and offline community where more than 250,000 fathers share their experiences with being black, parenting, and masculinity in modern times. Harrison (pictured above with his children Black, 4, and Ocean, 6,) has now published his debut […]

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Uplifting

How AI is helping to save the Amazon – FFA

Did you know artificial intelligence is helping to save the rainforests? Martin Wright writes that machine learning is often criticized, but that when used for good, it can be a powerful tool in environmental work. Are we heading towards a data-driven dystopia One where artificial intelligence (AI), slowly colonizes every aspect our lives to all […]

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Uplifting

Right to roam: a campaign to ramble freely in England – FFA

The English countryside is restricted to 92%. Nick Hayes from the Right to Roam campaign says that poetry, picnics and joy are essential to reclaim the English countryside. ‘Private property: keep out.’ ‘No footpath.’ ‘Fishing: Permit Holders Only.’ ‘Trespassers will be prosecuted.’ Do you want to take a deep breath of country air? Do you […]

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Uplifting

How to take a mental health day – and make the most of it

A key step to mental wellness is taking a break from work. Here’s how to look after yourself best, from painting to tree-bathing When you’re feeling sick, you know it’s probably best to take the day off from work in order to recover and feel better. Despite knowing how important it is for us to […]

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What went right this week: climate compensation for developing countries, plus more

Companies said ‘yes!’ to a four-day week A revolutionary Week of four daysPilot was approved by almost nine of the 10 participating firms. 86% said they plan to keep their new model. The year-long research into the benefits and limitations of a shorter working day was conducted by 4 Day Week GlobalThis week, it reached […]

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New carbon-free ferry service sets sail from Dover – and we’re onboard

A new ferry connecting England and France will significantly reduce the CO2 emissions from crossing the Channel. Positive News tests it Wer-thump. The bow of a yacht slaps against the turquoise waves, the spray from the English Channel falling down on the deck. We’re in the middle of the Strait of Dover, the busiest international […]

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Life lessons: Miriam Margolyes on what life has taught her – FFA

From King Charles to her beloved cats, the Harry Potter actor tells us what makes her feel optimistic about life — and what she has learned One of Britain’s best loved and most gleefully outspoken actors, Miriam Margolyes – AKA Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films – was conceived during an air raid in […]

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Life after: Wrongful conviction – FFA

Seema Misra, former subpostmaster, was already pregnant when she was convicted of theft as part the Post Office scandal. It took 11 years for her innocence to be proven. Seema Misra was sentenced for 15 months for theft and false accounting. post officeIn court, she collapsed. “I don’t know what happened to me,” Misra says. […]

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Net zero: five innovative solutions for a green future

Big thinkers around the world are coming up with innovative ways to decarbonize lives. These innovative solutions offer hope for a cleaner future. Wind-powered cargo ships Any sea dog who is a good swimmer will be able to navigate a sailboat. But, it isn’t easy to operate one. Oceanbird’s vessels? Even experienced hands could find […]

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