no. 95: More 'right to repair' laws!

Happy April, friend!

It's been rainy pretty much every day this week here in New York City, but April showers bring May flowers, so I can't be too upset about it.

I don't know about you, but as the Spring vibes start to pop up in the trees and plants, and as more people are out and about during the day, my energy levels increase drastically.

Even in the rain (and the cold), going for a walk to get some fresh air and be in nature turns my whole day around.

So long story short, make sure you get outside today if you can!

But first, enjoy this week's good news...

The good from Friday, March 29

A company developed a Firefly Petunia which glows in the dark from an enzyme called luciferase added by genes from a bioluminescent fungus, which may help change perceptions of plants from passive objects to the living creatures they are. (The Atlantic)

The first wolverine reintroduction in North America might happen in Colorado thanks to newly proposed legislation over a century after the amazing animals were eliminated in the area, continuing efforts to protect and conserve the native species. (The Guardian)

The International Maritime Organization held talks to implement the world's first mandatory global charge on greenhouse gas emissions from ships to decarbonize the shipping industry and should finalize the policy by next year. (Bloomberg)

Women in the UK are taking on more leadership positions in the traditionally male-dominated farming industry which is fighting gender inequality and platforming folks willing to adapt and embrace environmentally-friendly farming practices. (The Guardian)

^ *use code JACOBSIMONSAYS20 for 20% off!

The good from Monday, April 1

Oregon just passed a right-to-repair law which forces manufacturers to make parts, tools, and repair manuals publicly available, and also bans something called “parts pairing” where replacements only worked if approved by the software, which will massively reduce waste and give people more control. (The Verge)

508 years after opening in 1515, The King's College Chapel in Cambridge just majorly leveled up their energy system by installing 438 rooftop solar panels made highly visible to inspire other historic buildings to also make tasteful upgrades. (Bloomberg)

100,000 fewer cars will enter the heart of Manhattan every day starting this summer since the MTA just approved the congestion pricing plan to clear up the most crowded area in the country together with lowering rates of cardiovascular disease. (NBC NY)

Flying foxes, are first of all real, which is already good news because what a cool animal... but also they’ve had a relatively stable population since 2012 according to new research thanks to their nomadic lifestyle and ability to adapt. (Ecowatch)

The good from Tuesday, April 2

Magnetized robots are removing algae and barnacles from cargo ships that tack on so thickly they create enough drag to increase emissions by up to 30%, so scrubbing these clean at ports eliminates that drag and saves fuel costs. (Bloomberg)

3,000 seals since 2020 have been bravely freed from fishing gear and other marine debris by Ocean Conservation Namibia, who post viral videos of their rescues while raising awareness of marine plastic pollution. (NYT)

A Californian forest of the biggest trees in the world called redwoods has been returned to 10 local indigenous Sinkyone tribes along with a 30-year conservation plan to restore the forest with indigenous practices like controlled burnings. (Mongabay)

The biggest polluters may finally pay for their crimes in Vermont since the Senate approved the Climate Superfund Act to force fossil fuel companies to fund climate recovery based on how much they contributed to the destruction, which should now go to a House vote. (Cape and Islands)

The good from Wednesday, April 3

A sleep study of 16,000 people across 18 countries found that those who live within view of green spaces like trees or blue spaces like water sleep better, probably because nature is incredible and improves mental health and reduces stress. (Ecowatch)

Anyone living in Colorado can now get an instant $450 credit for buying an e-bike, while participating retailers will get a $50 bonus to incentivize environmentally friendly transportation and reduce traffic in the state. (Colorado Energy Office)

Brazil and France just came together to announce a $1.1 billion investment going into the Amazon rainforest for conservation, restoration, and protections for indigenous communities. (Ecowatch)

Expert researchers are now saying fossil fuel companies that knew about and deliberately hid the dangers of climate change, can and should be criminally prosecuted for the deaths they’ve caused, which would completely change energy accountability. (The Guardian)

The good from Thursday, April 4

This is what baby jellyfish look like and I seriously can’t stop watching. I was sent an account who breed jellyfish for aquariums and research like moon jellies, 1-day old Australian spotted jellies, and my personal favorite are the upside down jellies... thanks to these folks for blowing my mind! (jelliesfarm)

For the first time in the US, a nuclear power plant is going to restart thanks to a $1.5 billion investment which intends to bring back the carbon-free power source for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses by next year. (AP)

After 90% of the Yurok Tribe’s territory was stolen during the 1800s gold rush, the process of returning ownership is underway with 125 acres of land called ‘O Rew now managed by the indigenous tribe thanks to the nonprofit Save the Redwoods League. (Ecowatch)

A group of German hospitals are now serving meals that prioritize patient and planetary health together by lessening meat and increasing veggies, legumes, and whole grains which patients have been praising despite the meat-focused German culture. (The Guardian)

Bonus stories ➕

• The US finally banned the last types of Asbestos.
• Geothermal energy is on the rise.
• This fish doorbell lets you, the viewer, unlock a door so fish can keep swimming.
• Energy is getting stored in creative ways.
• Asian antelope have bounced back from extinction in Bangladesh.

See you again soon,

Jacob

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