Welcome back to our weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at what’s getting our team talking. Let us know what you think at [email protected].
Small wonders
According to a story in the Guardian found by Contributing Editor Michaela Haas, Indonesia is building a network of “microlibraries” across the country. Launched in 2012, the initiative’s goal is to promote literacy while offering respite from the heat through a combination of shading and cross-ventilation.
Michaela says:
Following up on Geetanjali’s great library stories, I loved reading about microlibraries in Indonesia.
Moooove away from the water
We’ve written about red states at the forefront of good environmental practices before. A recent New York Times article caught the eye of Executive Editor Will Doig, who was impressed by Oklahoma’s successes in cleaning up rivers and streams.
Will says:
Keeping livestock away from streams and waterways has worked wonders in Oklahoma: After just a couple of years, the ecosystems have come back to life, and the cows are healthier, too.
What else we’re reading
🚰 ‘Tastes Like Water’: How a U.S. Facility Is Recyling Sewage to Drink — shared by RTBC founder David Byrne from the Guardian
🧠 ‘Motivated and Inspired’: California Inmates Are Improving Mental Health Behind Bars — shared by RTBC Executive Editor Will Doig from the Christian Science Monitor
🪑 Thoughtfully designed objects that upcycle construction debris and provide disadvantaged communities a fresh start – shared by RTBC founder David Byrne from Formr
In other news…
One thing we’re definitely reading this week is The Spark, RTBC’s newest newsletter about how regular folks like you are getting involved in the issues we report on. Check it out here!
