When leaves fall from the trees, most people race to rake them up and throw them out. However, this accelerates their breakdown into carbon and robs the garden of nutrients. Raking leaves into flower beds and bushes instead of burning them nourishes the local ecosystem and reduces carbon output. If everyone managed their leaves in this way, it could be a big contribution to reaching carbon savings goals. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
