The popularity of sneakers seems to have severely affected the shoe repair industry, causing many to close up shop due to lack of business. How? Cobblers can’t resole a sneaker like a traditional shoe. Sneakers weren’t made with repairability in mind; instead, they were made to be re-bought. However, cobblers like Rory Fortune have found a way around this dilemma by customising sneakers and converting them into traditional welted constructions, which have the added bonus of being repairable by any other cobbler if they break down. 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
