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Libraries Are Branching Out To Include Bikes

Madison, WI has a total of nine public libraries. They stock everything from classic books to magazines to newspapers to digital reading assets, like audiobooks and ebooks. They also carry an extensive network of disk products such as movies and videos. Now, it turns out, they also lend electric bikes to their patrons as well.

Libraries across the country are looking for more creative ways to make themselves useful, branching out well beyond just books and encyclopedias of the past. Madison’s libraries are no exception, but they may very well be the first library in the U.S. that provides electric bikes for borrowing, like a library book. Well, maybe not the first. There are now 35 other similar programs across the country, from Texas to Vermont. And, bikes may very well just be the tip of the iceberg in whatever else libraries get into the business of lending.

The odd thing is, lots of people avoid cycling for an assortment of reasons. Some think that it’s a pastime only adult white men engage in. Others can’t find anything viable to ride a bike on, whether it be a public sidewalk or a dirt trail. Still others think it’s too dangerous altogether, especially with traffic and uncaring vehicle drivers. And, finally, simply having a place to park and lock a bicycle is a convenience people enjoy in big cities but it tends to be a rarity in smaller towns. Money is a barrier as well; a decent bicycle today averages a couple hundred dollars in cost out the door. And an electric bike is well over $1,000 in most locations they are available.

So, Madison’s library network and management decided that an electric bike was going to be the next big asset in their inventory of things residents could borrow. Partnering with Madison BCycle, the libraries set up a borrowing system, providing a total of 300 different bike units across the town. Similar to what people see with e-scooters in big cities, those with a library card can now rent a bicycle to get around Madison, but without any charge to a credit card. All the patrons need to activate the bike is a key fob they get from a library. Since the start of the program, almost 280 fobs have been borrowed.

From the library’s perspective, the e-bike program has multiple benefits. Instead of having to use Uber or similar at a cost, borrowers can use an e-bike for free. They get exercise which they would not realize with a car. E-bikes connect people and allow them to be more social. E-bikes also help people stay healthier, which avoids medical costs and eventually community costs associated with sickness, lost productivity and public health problems. It also lets patrons try something new around their town and travel more instead of just using a car.

A key factor of success was the fact that Madison City had already put in the infrastructure for the e-bikes all over town. So, they had plenty of docking stations and lockups near libraries and elsewhere. The grid is strategically placed, so no one person has to walk too far to get to an e-bike easily. The only slowdown to the new bike borrowing program was COVID, but since that has passed, bike borrowing is up and running again in Madison.

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A Cleaner Future: How One Prisoner Transformed La Joyita Jail with Recycling

Renee Yates

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Imagine living in a place so dirty that you have to cover your food with a towel to keep the flies away. That’s how Franklin Ayón felt when he was in La Joyita, a prison in Panama known for being overcrowded and dangerous. But Ayón decided to change things.

In 2012, Ayón was in jail for drug trafficking. He was shocked by the filth around him. “It was everywhere – in the corners, in the corridors,” he said. That’s when he came up with an idea called EcoSolidos. This program would involve prisoners in recycling. They would collect, separate, and sell waste. In return, they would get a reduced prison sentence.

The prison authorities liked the idea, and even the gang leaders, who usually fought each other, agreed to a peace deal to let the project happen. The project was a success and has been going on for 10 years. Now, 500 prisoners take part, and 80% of the prison’s waste is recycled. Plastic and aluminum are sold, while food waste is turned into compost for the prison’s gardens, where they grow fruits and vegetables.

EcoSolidos has also opened up other opportunities for prisoners to study or work. “This helps us a lot and is a benefit for society,” says González, a participant in the program. “This gives us satisfaction,” he adds. “We thought we were having a national impact, but it turns out that countries internationally are interested in what we are doing.”

Thanks to Ayón’s idea, La Joyita prison is not just cleaner; it’s also a place where prisoners can learn and grow. It’s a great example of how one person’s determination can make a big difference.

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A Majestic Discovery: The First Bald Eagle Nest in Toronto

Jess

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Have you ever seen a bald eagle? They are powerful birds with a wingspan of up to 7 feet! They are known for their sharp beak and strong talons, which they use to catch fish. Bald eagles are also a symbol of freedom in the United States.

But did you know that a bald eagle’s nest was found in Toronto for the first time in recorded history? Jules McCusker, a local resident, discovered it near his home in December. He was amazed and said, “The first thing I thought was that it was impossible.”

Experts say this is a big deal because bald eagles were once very close to extinction. They were endangered because of a chemical called DDT, which made their eggs very weak. Thanks to efforts to protect them, including banning DDT, bald eagles are making a comeback.

The return of bald eagles is a sign of a healthy environment. Jon Spero, a bird expert at the Toronto Zoo, says, “It’s a sign that an ecosystem is healthy when we see bald eagles returning to it.”

Indigenous communities, like the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, see bald eagles as sacred. They represent honor, honesty, charity, and life. Duke Redbird, an elder and poet from this community, says, “Our community has always loved the bald eagle for its strength and its capacity to represent truth and goodwill.”

However, it’s important to be careful around bald eagle nests. Afiya Jilani, a communications specialist, reminds us, “Bald eagles are sensitive creatures, particularly during their nesting period.”

The discovery of a bald eagle’s nest in Toronto is exciting news. It shows that our efforts to protect these magnificent birds are working.

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2023: A Record-Breaking Year for Solar Energy in the US

Shannon Jackson

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In 2023, the United States achieved a major milestone in the use of solar energy. A whopping 32.4 gigawatts of solar capacity were added, marking a 37% increase from the previous record set in 2021 and a 51% jump from 2022. This information comes from the US Solar Market Insight 2023 Year-in-Review, a report released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie.

Solar energy played a huge role in the country’s electricity supply last year, making up 53% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid. This is the first time in 80 years that a renewable electricity source has accounted for over half of the annual capacity additions.

Every area of the solar market grew in 2023, bringing the total installed solar capacity in the US to 177 gigawatts. The utility-scale sector, which includes large solar farms, added 22.5 gigawatts of new capacity. Meanwhile, nearly 800,000 American households decided to add solar panels to their homes.

Abigail Ross Hopper, the president and CEO of SEIA, highlighted the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the solar industry. She said, “The Inflation Reduction Act is supercharging solar deployment and having a material impact on our economy, helping America’s solar module manufacturing base grow 89% in 2023.”

She also emphasized the importance of protecting and optimizing the policies that are driving these investments and creating jobs. With an upcoming election, she mentioned that “the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Overall, 2023 was a groundbreaking year for solar energy in the US, demonstrating significant growth and the potential for a more sustainable future.

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A Big Win for Elephants in Bangladesh: Court Steps in to Protect Endangered Asian Elephants

Kelly Taylor

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In a significant move to protect the critically endangered Asian elephants, a court in Bangladesh has made a groundbreaking decision. This new court order is a ray of hope for these magnificent animals, banning their adoption and preventing them from being exploited. This means that the beautiful wild elephants of Bangladesh can no longer be captured and forced into captivity, a practice that has threatened their survival.

Bangladesh is home to around 200 Asian elephants, but sadly, about half of these elephants live in captivity. The Asian elephant, a majestic creature that once roamed freely across Bangladesh, has seen its numbers dwindle due to poaching and loss of habitat. This decline is alarming, especially considering that Bangladesh was once a major habitat for these gentle giants.

In the past, young elephants could be taken into captivity under a scheme that allowed the forestry department to issue licenses to logging groups. These groups would then use the elephants to haul logs, a task that is not only dangerous but also cruel. Some of these elephants even ended up in circuses, where they were forced to perform tricks for entertainment. The court found that such exploitation violated the terms of the licenses issued.

The court’s decision shines a light on the harsh realities faced by these elephants. “In the name of training elephants, private licensees including circus parties brutally separate elephant calves from their mothers, shackle them for months, and then torture them to teach tricks,” the court stated. This kind of treatment is not only heartbreaking but also unacceptable.

The hope now is that captive elephants can be rehabilitated and given a chance to live a life free from exploitation and harm. This court order is a big step in the right direction for the conservation of Asian elephants in Bangladesh. By banning the adoption and exploitation of these elephants, the court is helping to ensure that these endangered animals can live in peace and safety.

This decision is not just a win for the elephants but also for conservation efforts in Bangladesh. Protecting these critically endangered animals is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural world. The court’s action sends a strong message that the welfare of wildlife is a priority and that exploitation and cruelty will not be tolerated.

As we celebrate this victory for the Asian elephants in Bangladesh, it’s important to remember that the fight to protect endangered species is ongoing. This court order is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. Together, we can make a difference and help protect our planet’s precious wildlife.

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Triumphant Return: Rhinos Reintroduced to Kenyan Plateau

Renee Yates

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In a remarkable turn of events, rhinos have made a triumphant return to a plateau in central Kenya after decades of absence due to rampant poaching. This success story marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts, as 21 eastern black rhinos were relocated to a new home to provide them with ample space to breed and potentially increase their dwindling population.

The relocation, considered Kenya’s largest rhino move ever, saw the rhinos being transferred from three overcrowded parks to the private Loisaba Conservancy. This sanctuary, where rhino herds were decimated by poaching many years ago, now aims to restore the rhino population to its former glory. Daniel Ole Yiankere, the security manager at Loisaba, expressed optimism about the rhinos’ return, stating, “It’s been decades since rhinos roamed here, almost 50 years ago. Their numbers were severely impacted by poaching. Now, our focus is on rejuvenating this landscape and allowing rhinos to breed.”

Rhinos are generally solitary animals, and their reproductive rates can decrease when there are too many in a territory. David Ndere, a rhino expert at the Kenya Wildlife Service, highlighted the importance of managing rhino populations to ensure their continued growth. “By removing some animals, we expect that the rhino population in those areas will rise up,” Ndere said. “And then we reintroduce that founder population of at least 20 animals into new areas.”

The successful relocation of these rhinos not only provides them with a safe environment to thrive but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts in protecting endangered species. It serves as a beacon of hope for the future of rhinos in Kenya and highlights the critical role that conservationists play in preserving our planet’s biodiversity.

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