We’re tired of all the bad news, so here are 75 stories that will make you smile

It can be more than a little disheartening to continually read on the news about the world’s poverty, climate crisis, health issues, and social inequality on a daily basis. While there are plenty of issues that always need to be tackled, there are also lots of good things happening that should be celebrated. Here are 75 pieces of good news to lift your spirits at the end of 2019.

#1 Six million people went on strike on one day

The Fridays for Future climate strikes started by Greta Thunberg culminated in a global strike. It was reported that 6 million people hit the streets in cities all across the world to demand action be taken on the current climate crisis. Next time you think individual action does nothing, think about this story.

Soure: The Guardian

#2 The ozone hole will soon be gone

Back in the 90s, the big environmental news was a gaping hole in the ozone layer caused by harmful chemicals from refrigerators and air conditioning units. Since the Montreal Protocol went into effect, whose aim was the phase out these chemicals, the ozone layer has been recovering at around 1-3% every 10 years. The prediction is that by the 2030s, the Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone will have completely healed.

Source: News UN

#3 The last of Denmark’s circus elephants are retiring

Denmark is spending $1.6 million on buying and freeing the last of its circus elephants, allowing them to finally retire. Ramboline, Lara, Djunga, and Jenny will no longer be performing with Cirkus Trapez and are in the care of Animal Protection Denmark.

Source:PBS

#4 The humpback whale is making a comeback

Just a couple of months back, a study of humpback whales off the coast of South America came as a pleasant surprise to scientists. The published researched showed their number has soared from around 500 to around 25,000 in just a few decades. The population was almost wiped out by massive whaling in the 20th century, but since the introduction of strict protection in the 1960s, the whales have come back from the brink of extinction and are thriving.

Source: USA Today

#5 Sustainable fishing laws are helping Chile’s waters and fishermen

Trawling can be detrimental not just to the seabed and habitats of sea animals, but to businesses too. In 2012, the Chilean government banned trawling and put heavy restrictions on fishing too. Since then, the sea-life has been given a chance to recover in protected waters and the country is now in the top 10 seafood producing countries in the world.

Source:America’s Quarterly

#6 Animal cruelty is officially a federal crime in the US

It seems long overdue, but one thing both republicans and democrats can agree on is the proper punishment for animal cruelty, which can now be up to seven years in prison. Whether domestic or wild, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Tortue Act (PACT) is a huge step in keeping our furry friends safe.

Source: NY Times

#7 California’s new law cuts down on gas-powered vehicles

California’s government will no longer be buying any state vehicles that aren’t electric, with the exception of public safety and emergency vehicles that aren’t readily available in electric designs. In addition, starting next month, the state will also refuse to purchase vehicles from manufacturers who don’t follow California’s clean car standards.

Source: Inside EVs

#8 Major European bank will stop funding oil and coal

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will cease funding fossil fuel projects by the end of 2021. Any companies looking for funding from the bank will to adhere to their stricter, greener energy policies.

Source:CNBC

#9 European Parliament declares a climate emergency

At the end of last month, European Parliament officially declared a climate emergency. As part of the declaration, the EU will be aiming to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 and aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as stay below the 1.5°C (34.7°F) temperature rise.

Source: Europarl

#10 Crowdfunding saved 2000 acres from development

When a 2000 acre area of land went up for sale in BC, Canada, it seemed that the winning bids for the land would go to loggers looking to develop or destroy the area. Residents of the area were concerned, and when they turned to BC Parks Foundation, a group effort was made to raise enough money to buy the land and protect it. Raising $3 million in donations from all over the world, the area is now being turned into a park and wildlife habitat for bears, wolves, goats, as well as important flora.

Source:Ecowatch

#11 300 brands boycotted Black Friday this year

When you buy something, it doesn’t just cost money, but it also costs the environment. That’s why 300 clothing brands boycotted the November 29th Black Fri day sales, urging people to instead only buy what they need. Overconsumerism or just buying for the sake of buying, is a huge contributor to the climate crisis, especially in the lead up to Christmas. People also took to social media, spreading their tales and hashtags of boycotting the day of spending.

Source: BBC

#12 A solar power plant can turn ocean water into drinking water

A farm in Kenya has installed a solar power plant that has the ability to desalinate ocean water and turn it into drinkable water for upto 35,000 people a day. The plant is the very first by company Give Power which is looking to create more across the globe.

Source: Design Boom

#13 After Australian bushfires, people knitted mittens for recovering koalas

Bushfires took hold of much of Australia last month, causing mass destruction to the ecosystem. The much-beloved koala bears of Australia were one of the main victims of the fires, and people were encouraged to send in knitted mittens for their burnt paws. Animal hospitals were inundated with knitted goodies from all over the world and have since asked for a pause in donations.

Source:Good News Network

#14 Thousands slept outside to raise money and awareness for homelessness

On December 8th, The World’s Big Sleep Out took place, seeing hundreds of people turning up in cities such as London, Edinburgh, and New York to sleep outside under the stars. Raising money for the cause and awareness of just what it’s like to sleep outside for one night in winter, celebrities like Will Smith and Dame Helen Mirren joined an estimated 50,000 worldwide.

Source: BBC

#15 Telethon in Denmark raises enough money to plant 1 million trees

Back in September, a Danish TV network hosted a telethon whose focus was entirely on the environment. For every 20 Danish kroner raised, one tree would be planted, and their final amount resulted in an incredible one million trees funded for planting.

Source: The Local

#16 1500 child marriages annuled in Malawi

Thanks to new female Chief Kachindamoto, almost 1500 child marriages have been annuled in Malawi and the girls sent back to school. Working with President Mutharika, the aim is for child marriage to become illegal within the next five years.

Source:Unwomen

#17 Denmark is prescribing ‘culture vitamins’ to help those with depression

Trialling a new experiment in four cities, Denmark is targeting mental health with something called ‘culture vitamins.’ These are group activities such as singing, visiting art galleries, going to concerts, and going for outdoor walks. It’s thought that the sense of community, mental stimulation, and relaxing activities that soothe the senses could make a dramatic improvement on mental health with minimal cost.

Source: We Forum

#18 The rainforest isn’t the only CO2 absorber

Recent studies held among the Rocky Mountains and Greenland have surprised scientists in their findings that glacial rivers can absorb even more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than trees can. Due to their inhospitable conditions, there is little life in glacial rivers which means less organic decay and very little carbon output. Combined with chemical weathering that acts as a sink for carbon dioxide, a peak melting season can see a glacial river absorbing 40 times as much as the Amazon Rainforest.

Source:The Guardian

#19 New Zealand passes ‘zero carbon’ law to lead the fight against climate change

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern says she despairs at the slow pace other countries show in their promises to tackle climate change, and hopes to lead the way with their new bill. The bill passed aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, plant 1 million trees in the next decade, and run on only renewable energy by 2035.

Source: Independent

#20 Teen made promise to clean up ocean and achieves dream at 22

Boyan Slat was 16 when he first witnessed the plastic problem in the oceans, and made a promise to tackle it. By the age of 22, Slat had formed The Ocean Cleanup, a project that is tackling ocean plastic and the Great Pacific Garbage patch. Using a solar-powered floating structure, plastic waste is collected and picked up by boats, some of which can then be sold onto recycling companies. His hope is to reduce the patch by half in five years.

Source: Global Citizen

#21 Italian schools required to teach climate issues

Learning and sharing information about climate change is actually one of the best ways to start altering it and creating solutions. With the disappearing city of Venice, it seems only reasonable that Italy has taken this opportunity to educate its young citizens. Starting in January 2020, students will be required to take 33 hours of climate change and sustainability lessons each year, as well as encouraged to join climate protests.

Source: Good

#22 People are dumpster diving for political reasons

With many people living below the poverty line, it’s no surprise that some turn to dumpsters to salvage what food they can. But a rise in dumpster diving among middle class Americans for anything from food to cosmetics is drawing attention to the unnecessary waste produced by companies nationwide. Calling themselves ‘freegans,’ these people are often able to save tons of waste entering landfills as well as money.

Source: Investing Answers

#23 Millennials are more sustainable when it comes to fashion

Fashion is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, and it seems that millennials are well aware of this. Despite their reputation from many media platforms, millennials are much more conscious about spending their money on sustainable, ethically-produced, or second-hand clothing to reduce the impact on the earth.

Source: Lucy and Yak

#24 Coldplay delays upcoming tour for sustainability solutions

British band Coldplay has paused all upcoming tours until they can find a more sustainable way to hold them. Multiple flights and resources are made up of a band’s tours, and frontman Chris Martin says the band is taking time to come up with not just sustainable alternatives, but a beneficial impact from them too.

Source: BBC

#25 A Davis company is upcycling bugs

At UC Davis, company Biomilitus has figured out a way to reduce food waste, improve agricultural efficiency, and upcycle bugs and their waste, all from the black soldier fly. Using food waste that is usually thrown away, researchers feed the fly larvae then when they are full and fat, extract their oil which can then be used as machine lubricant. Even in death, the bugs’ bodies can be ground into protein powder and fed to local chickens as a more sustainable and cheaper alternative to corn feed. It’s a pretty innovative way to upcycle.

Source:Good Day Sacramento

#26 A social media hashtag that benefits the planet

When Henning Lubbe found the old hashtag #trashtag, he decided to create a new social media challenge and shared it on Reddit. An area used as a dumping ground he passed every day bothered him, so he cleaned up the whole thing, taking a photo before and after and sharing it with the hashtag. It has since spread across social media platforms with others performing similar feats.

Source: The Guardian

#27 South Korea to close 25% of its coal plants in winter

Winter in South Korea is not only bitterly cold but covered in fine dust particles from its coal plants, creating a fog-like atmosphere blanketing the country. Its citizens are fed up, leading to a quarter of coal plants to be shut down in winter. It’s thought that these fine dust emissions will see a 44% reduction in just three months.

Source: The Guardian

#28 Trash-covered beach in India is transformed in 2 years

Versova Beach in Mumbai is unrecognizable just two years later, thanks to the motivation of Afroz Shah. Corralling the efforts of neighbors and friends nearby, Shah transformed a trash-covered beach back into the lagoon it was once in just 21 months. They not only collected over 11 million pounds of garbage, but also cleaned up 52 public toilets, and planted 50 coconut trees, with the aim of adding thousands more.

Source: Global Citizen

#29 New blood test identifies 20 forms of cancer

A new blood test is able to identify 20 different types of cancer, leading to early diagnosis and treatment, which can often be crucial for success. The test can spot changes in genes, which are signs of the cancer developing, and can even pinpoint ovarian and pancreatic cancers, some of the most difficult to identify.

Source: Telegraph

#30 Rome adopts free metro travel for recycling

Since July, Rome has been offering free metro travel to commuters who bring plastic bottles to be recycled. Using an app and a machine, commuters can earn upto 100 minutes of free travel in exchange for 30 bottles.

Source: Reuters

#31 Woman-led documentary breaking taboos about menstruation in India wins Oscar

The Netflix documentary Period. End of Sentence not only challenged stigmas and taboos about menstruation in India, but won Best Documentary Short at the 2019 Oscars. Upon accepting the award, director Rayka Zehtabchi remarked, “I can’t believe a film about menstruation just won an Oscar!”

Source: Women in the World

#32 ‘Lost city’ in Honduras found to hold ‘extinct’ species

A conservation team that spent three weeks in Honduras’s ‘Lost City’ discovered a whole ecosystem filled with rare, endangered, and previously thought extinct species. Dsicovering 22 species never bever recorded in Honduras, as well as 246 species of butterflies and moths, 30 species of bats, and 57 species of amphibians and reptiles, it’s an important step in the conservation of the area.

Source: Independent

#33 San Fran ‘Cuddle Club’ teams senior people and dogs

When it comes to adopting dogs, the older ones are often the ones left behind, but the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco has created a brilliant new scheme to change that. The ‘Cuddle Club’ is an event held several times a month, where senior citizens can hang out and even adopt older dogs, providing a perfect companion for an older person with similar energy levels and needs.

Source: Today

#34 All graduates in the Philippines have to plant 10 trees

The House of Representative in the Philippines has passed a bill requiring all those finishing elementary, high school, and college to plant 10 trees before they can officially graduate. This could mean at least 175 million new trees planted every year.

Source: CNN Philippines

#35 Netherlands becomes first country without stray dogs

Dogs are a beloved animal for the Dutch, and using a nationwide government-funded program, the country managed to eradicate all stray dogs. Using a CNVR system (collect, neuter, vaccination, return), as well as increasing taxes for store-bought dogs to encourage people to adopt, they have successfully eliminated dogs living on the streets and one in five homes owns a happy dog.

Source: Dutch Review

#36 HIV-related deaths 33% lower worldwide since 2010

A recent report from the UN stated that rates of HIV-related deaths have fallen by 33% since 2010. Around 37.9 million people worldwide currently live with HIV, but more than half of that number has access to antiretroviral therapy.

Source:DW

#37 Indian village changes traditions around baby girls and plants trees

Historically, the birth of a girl in India has been a financial burden on a family, but the village of Pipantri in Rajasthan has changed that. For every baby girl born, a trust is supported by the whole village to relieve the family’s burden, and 111 trees are planted, resulting in 250,000 new trees in just six years.

Source: One Green Planet

#38 Optimistic documentary shows us a sustainable future

Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau has released a new twist on the environmental documentary, by instead focusing on what could happen if we embrace all of the solutions currently at our fingertips. 2040 will fill you with hope and inspiration instead of dread, which Gameau believes is a better way of motivating change in people.

Source: Fast Company

#39 Nanotechnology can break down plastic in the ocean

A new “nano coil” has been created that can be released into the ocean to reduce plastic waste in our seas. The coils create chemical reactions with the plastic that break it down into carbon dioxide and water.

Source: Business Insider

#40 Fake islands bring new life to the Netherlands

In the middle of Markermeer, a 700 sq km lake near Amsterdam, lie five small islands, specifically created for wildlife. In just two years, thousands of birds, plants, and other animals have been introduced.

Source: NY Times

#41 Australian surgeons reverse hand paralysis

Surgeons in Australia have managed to rewire nerves in the arms and hands people with localized paralysis, allowing them the ability to pick up, hold, and move their hands and arms again. While it does not restore fine movement to the fingers, it’s a huge step in the independence and mobility of those with hand and arm paralysis.

Source: BBC

#42 YouTube shuts down white supremacist content

Taking a strong stance on hateful propoganda YouTube has responded to criticism over its harmful content by banning any videos containing white supremacy, Holocaust denials, child abuse, and hate speech. Any videos seen to be promoting a skewed or hateful distortion of facts and world events will be taken down.

Source:WashingPost

#43 Finland start-up creates protein food from thin air

Start-up company Solar Foods has created a way to use electricity with the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to create food. The resulting product will be a substance similar to wheat flour made up of protein, carbohydrate, and fat that they hope to have on the shelves in 2021.

Source: Telegraph

#44 Costa Rica has run on 98% renewable energy for five years

While the rest of the world is working to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, Costa Rica is wrapping up its fifth consecutive year of using more than 98% renewable energy. Using hydropower, solar power, and geothermal sources, they have saved $500 million in the past 20 years.

Source:Tico Times

#45 Blood donors in Sweden get notified when their blood is used

In an effort to motivate people to donate blood more frequently, Sweden has rolled out a scheme where people are notified by text whenever their blood has been used. Knowing in that moment that their blood has helped someone gives a positive feeling that can encourage them to donate again.

Source: The Online Citizen

#46 A search engine that plants trees is replenishing Brazil

Did you know there is a free search engine that plants trees for every 45 searches you make? Now you do! Ecosia uses 80% of its profits to plant trees around the world, and their current mission is to plant 1 million trees in Brazil after the devastating Amazon fires this year.

Source:Ecosia

#47 Gut bacteria can convert all blood types to O

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have discovered how to use microbes found in gut to convert blood types A, B, and AB into blood type O. Known as the universal blood type, this will then allow any blood to be used in future transfusions.

Source: RT

#48 Canada passes law against holding dolphins and whales in captivity

The ‘Free Willy’ law passed in June of this year was passed in Canadian parliament, making it illegal to keep any dolphins or whales in captivity. This includes any used for entertainment or breeding purposes, and can be punishable by upto $150,000 in fines.

Source: Independent

#49 Eggs from the last northern white rhinoes have been fertilized

The world’s remaining male northern white rhino died last year, leaving only two females left. Using frozen sperm and 10 eggs from the two females, seven eggs have been successfully fertilized, giving hope for the return of the species.

Source: Reuters

#50 Cockroach farms tackle China’s food waste issue

With more food waste than they can process, cities in China are turning to cockroach farms to help with their problem. Millions of cockroaches are kept on each farm, fed several tons of food waste every day. The bugs thrive on the waste, and the cockroaches themselves can become protein sources for pigs and livestock.

Source: Reuters

#51 Six-year-old is demanding change to immigration laws

When Sophie Cruz was just five years old, she broke through security around the Pope to hand him a letter about her parents’ deportation. She then went onto speak personally to Barack Obama and even gave an impassioned speech, in English and Spanish, at the 2017 women’s march, proving you can be a social justice advocate at any age.

Source: Independent

#52 Can we re-freeze the Arctic?

At the ASA International Design Competition this year, a standout idea in sustainability won second prize for their innovation in re-freezing the Arctic. The design involves a submarine-like machine that creates hexagonal shaped icebergs that are released into the Arctic to interlock with each other and replete the quickly disappearing landscape.

Source: CNN

#52 Discovery of ‘super coral’ could the key to dying reefs

Scientists have found so-called ‘super corals’ living in the waters of Hawaii’s Kāne’ohe Bay that, despite being subjected to sewage, pollution, acidity, and warmer temperatures, are still thriving. It seems that against all the odds, these corals have adapted to their new environment, giving hope for the world’s coral reefs in the future.

Source: Business Insider

#54 Pink Floyd member auctions guitars for $21 million and donates to climate change charity

David Gilmour of legendary band Pink Floyd auctioned off 126 of his guitars this summer, raising a whopping $21 million. The guitarist donated the money to charity ClientEarth in an effort to change the laws to benefit moves towards a more sustainable future.

Source: CNN

#55 Billie Eilish releases free tickets for acts against climate change

As well as looking for ways to make her touring more sustainable, Billie Eilish has teamed up with Global Citizen to give away tickets to fans who are fighting climate change. This enables those who can’t afford the ticket prices a chance to go, as well as encouraging small acts of kindness toward the earth.

Source: NME

#56 Solar project in Afria aims to connect 250 million people with green energy

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is taking the Sahel region from energy poverty to new heights of green power. Creating the “Desert to Power” initiative, they aim to use solar energy to provide 250 million people with green energy, around 90 million of which will be connected to electricity for the first time.

Source: IPS News

#57 This Japanese newspaper turns into plants when shredded

In Japan, the ‘Green Newspaper’ is more than just recyclable, it’s 100% sustainable. Made from recycled paper, water, and seeds, when you’ve finished reading it, simply tear it up into tiny pieces, plant and water it, then watch the plants grow in your garden.

Source: Educate Inspire Change

#58 New Zealand prioritizes wellbeing over economic growth

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern released the new financial budget in May of this year, with a focus on the wellbeing of its citizens rather than economic growth. Billions of dollars will be spent on mental health services, homelessness, domestic violence, and child poverty, in an effort to look after its people as a priority.

Source: Independent

#59 1500lbs of trash collected from ocean floor in Guinness World Record

633 divers corralled on Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier in Florida to set about cleaning the ocean floor of garbage. Collecting 1500lbs of trash and 60lbs of fishing line, they also set a Guinness World Record along the way.

Source: CNN

#60 Sale of ivory to be banned in Singapore September 2021

The Singapore government has announced the prohibition of domestic ivory trade starting September 2021. It will be illegal to display, trade, and sell ivory, meaning a reduced demand for poachers of elephants in Africa, where Asia is its biggest market.

Source: Reuters

#61 Woman in wheelchair redefines dancing with new group Rollettes

Chelsie Hill had always wanted to become a dancer, but when an accident in her teens left her in a wheelchair, she decided to redefine those terms. She created a dance group called Rollettes, for wheelchair users to be able to dance and enjoy themselves. The group is made up of six women who also teach classes to younger girls in wheelchairs.

Source: CBS News

#62 12-year-old girl starts book drive and writes her own book

At just 12 years old, Marley Dias had successfully created a book drive to distribute books to over 8000 young girls. #1000blackgirlbooks aimed to get young girls reading about books with a black girl as a main character. Now she has also written a book about the importance of literacy, inclusion, and kindness.

Source: Media Room

#63 Adidas has a whole range made from plastic

Upcycling is the newest trend in sustainability, and fashion brands seem to be listening. Major sports brand Adidas now has an entire range called Parley, made up of shoes, shirts, and other sports items, all made from recycled plastic.

Source: Global Citizen

#64 Netherlands covers bus stops in greenery for bees

A total of 316 bus stops in Utrecht, Netherlands have been covered in greenery as a gift to the bees of the city. Not only will the rooftops promote biodiversity, but they are also fitted with energy-efficient LED lights and are maintained by workers who access them by electric car.

Source: Independent

#65 First time in history a Black girl will play the lead in NYC Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

Charlotte Nebres is making history with her debut performance in NYC Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.’ She will play the lead role of “Marie” in the classic ballet that happens annually around the holiday season. She has a Trinidadian mother and Filipino father, and in America is considered to be ‘black.’ Although, some argue this historic moment is a bit later than many had hoped, this little girl is changing access for so many by just being herself. Bravo Ms. Nebres!

Source: NBC News

#66 South Korea organizes ‘medicinal’ daytime disco for seniors

Aiming to tackle loneliness and dementia in senior citizens, the local government in Seoul has created a daytime disco for its over 65s. Some residents say it acts as a kind of medicine for the aging population, many of whom benefit from the sense of community, activity, and mental stimulation.

Source: BBC

cotton bro - Pexels
Source:

cotton bro - Pexels

#67 Farmers worldwide are replacing pesticides with ducks

In countries like Japan, China, South Africa, France, and Iraq, farmers have returned to a more traditional method of crop-keeping: ducks. Instead of spraying harmful chemical pesticides on crops, ducks provide an eco-friendly, efficient way to reduce pests without harming the crops. Their waddling also oxygenates the soil and their waste is a natural fertilizer. Sometimes, the old ways are the best.

Source: Ecofriend

#68 Las Vegas tests out donations in lieu of parking fines

Two experiments involving charitable donations in lieu of parking fines have been tested to great success in Las Vegas this year. In July, the city accepted donations of school supplies for one month, and in October, food donations were accepted. Both contributed supplies at important times of the year for those in need.

Source: CNN US

#69 Thirty cities worldwide have massively reduced emissions

A coalition of 94 cities across the world known as C40 have pledged to reduce their carbon emissions by at least 10%, and recent analysis has shown 30 cities have smashed through their target, achieving an average of 22% reduction. Major European cities like London, Berlin, and Madrid have seen a reduction of around 30%, while Copenhagen reached an impressive 61%.

Source: City Lab

#70 German circus replaces animals with holograms

Circus Roncalli has been phasing out the use of animals in cirucs performances since the ‘90s, and last year introduced the use of animal holograms instead. Using a 360 degree screen, the audience can enjoy the same tricks, but marvel instead at the CGI talents rather than worrying about animal welfare.

Source: Futurism

#71 Cafe in India provides a meal in exchange for plastic waste

The ‘Garbage Cafe’ in Ambikapur, India has an innovative new idea to keep the city plastic free: handing out free food for bags of plastic waste. People can bring in their plastic waste, weigh it, then receive food in exchange for the garbage. It is then properly disposed of by the city, which claims the title of the second cleanest city in India.

Source: India Today

#72 16-year-old changes airline’s plastic pollution

Alaska Airlines have now banned all unnecessary plastic straws and stirrers after a 16-year-old reached out and asked them to reconsider their usage. They have also switched from juice boxes and bottles to aluminum cans, which are lighter and easier to recycle, as well as refilling cups for beverages.

Source: Global Citizen

#73 Three teens discovered how to recycle styrofoam

Styrofoam is one of the more difficult materials to recycle and can take around 500 years to break down on its own. Three teens won the 2016 Google Science Fair award with their innovation of extracting carbon from styrofoam that can be used as activated carbon to filter drinking water. This not only reduces styrofoam waste, but provides an effective and efficient solution for purifying water.

Source: Global Citizen

#74 In Milan, students and seniors house together for multiple benefits

Milan is one of Italy’s most expensive cities to live in, so the new Adopt a Student program sees students and seniors housing together for a more affordable living situation. With an aging population and over 300,000 seniors living alone in large houses that are also expensive, co-housing not only helps with bills but with isolation seniors often experience for a solution with many benefits.

Source: The Guardian

#75 There’s a Homeless World Cup in 40+ countries

The Homeless World Cup is held for one week every year across over 40 countries in an effort to create a sense of community and activity among those experiencing homelessness. The soccer games take place on the streets, bringing together over 450 players worldwide for an incredible act of community.

Source: Homeless World Cup

While it’s natural to feel down about the bad news we constantly see, next time you feel overwhelmed, think about these 75 pieces of amazing news that show how resilient, versatile, and creative we can be to find solutions to all our problems.

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