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Solar Power From City Hall’s Garbage

The function of the landfill has for years been the end destination for garbage, useless material and junk that can’t be recycled into everything else. Like ancient times, modern people bury their refuse in gigantic midden piles, hoping that by burying the garbage after it piles up big enough, it might just disappear and no longer be an issue to deal with. Unfortunately, when one has to deal with a city’s worth of garbage every week, landfills end up being huge.

The other problem with landfills is that they inevitably end up containing hazardous materials. Known as “brownfields” in the waste and environmental industry, they have very limited promise in terms of being useful for years to come. No surprise, landfills are now being considered a serious environmental problem rather than a waste solution. Unfortunately, the model is well entrenched in the urban waste strategy, and there’s little in the way of alternatives. Burning simply sends pollution into the air. Recycling helps, but it only works to the extent that the recycled material is in demand. However, functioning as a solar farm seems to be producing a promising option, one that wasn’t available in previous years.

Local governments have been moving in the direction of solar farms on top of completed landfills since at least 2021. Today, some 21 sites are layered over, and run solar projects on top, making their physical location beneficial again to the tune of 207 megawatts of annual energy production. And, given that municipalities are always looking for ways to turn positive some of their troublesome mistakes from the past, the solar farm idea is definitely catching on. In Columbus, OH, a 50 megawatt project is being slated for construction. Additionally, a 240 acre project in Houston, TX was also slated to start last year, and that was expected to keep the lights on for an estimated 5,000 homes per year.

For years, landfills have been a bit of a challenge once their dumping benefit is over. Generally, a landfill only has so much capacity. Once that is fulfilled, then it is dozed over with earth, and the landscape is cultivated to essentially hide its original function. However, it can’t be used for farming, obviously, and it’s also too problematic to use for real estate and housing. Where that mistake has happened, it was discovered eventually, sometimes with people’s pets dying in backyards until the ground was tested and the sublayer was discovered.

A solar farm approach avoids the mistakes of the past while putting a landfill to further use for years to come. And, unlike other uses where the land was just repurposed to extreme light use, as in the case of a golf course, solar farms produce energy that can be used by a community for growth and further development. As power is added to the grid, it can benefit folks all over a municipality.

The idea is a bit of a win-win. It repurposes land in a way that adds to the value of the community, solar helps improve and change energy resources to sustainable resources, and it keeps pollution contained versus adding to it. Additionally, the cost can be offset by grants from state and federal programs specific for local government energy moves towards green energy.

The question, however, is how many municipalities will move to adopt solar farms going forward. They aren’t free. They take planning, commitment, and significant resources to stand up. And, unfortunately, politics can be fickle. What is supported today may reverse tomorrow. That said, solar is a great way to power the city from an infrastructure perspective as well. It takes the city off the main grid and puts it on its own power source. That can be an extremely attractive lure for local government longevity as well. Which one wins out in the end will be interesting to find out.

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Utah Woman Donates Kidney to Man She Met on a Hike

Renee Yates

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In an inspiring turn of events, a Utah County woman donated her kidney to a man she had only recently met on a hike.

Krissy Miller crossed paths with Shiller Joseph while hiking on Y Mountain, near Brigham Young University, in September 2023. During their chance meeting, Miller, a 49-year-old mother of four, learned that Joseph was in desperate need of a kidney. Without hesitation, she offered one of hers. Following medical tests, it was confirmed that they were a compatible match.

The story took an even more heartwarming turn when, after their initial encounter, Miller presented Joseph with what appeared to be a box of rolls. But inside the box was a sign that revealed her incredible gift — she would be his kidney donor.

On Monday, the pair reunited at Intermountain Health in Murray after a successful transplant surgery. Their emotional meeting came after months of preparation and surgery that gave Joseph, 45, a new chance at life.

Joseph, who has lupus, had been on the kidney transplant waiting list for some time. The average wait time for a kidney transplant in the U.S. is three to five years, with more than 90,000 people currently waiting for a life-saving organ. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that around 20 people die each day while waiting for a transplant, underscoring the critical need for organ donors.

Miller’s decision to donate her kidney without hesitation showcases the profound impact one person can make in the face of overwhelming need. This act of kindness not only saved Joseph’s life but also shines a spotlight on the importance of organ donation.

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A Young Hero for Hens

Renee Yates

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Harriet, a 12-year-old from Chart Sutton, Kent, is making a difference in the lives of farm hens. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers with Fresh Start For Hens, a local charity dedicated to finding new homes for commercial egg-laying hens.

These hens, typically 72 weeks old, are often destined for slaughter when their egg production declines. However, Fresh Start For Hens buys them from farms and rehomes them as pets.

At collection points like the one in Aylesford, Harriet helps transfer over 100 hens from farms to their new owners. The charity ensures potential adopters provide suitable living conditions for the hens, requiring photos of coops and runs, along with a minimum donation of £2.75 per bird.

Many of these hens arrive in poor condition, sometimes even bald from stress-induced feather pecking. Harriet explains, “They get quite bored, so they peck each other and rip out their feathers.” Remarkably, after a few weeks in their new homes, most hens regain their feathers.

Harriet’s dedication earned her the BBC Young Reporter award. She hopes her story will inspire more farmers to choose rehoming over slaughter for their hens. As Harriet puts it, “It makes me feel proud that I can do something for these chickens, save their lives and give them to these happy families.”

The charity operates entirely on volunteer efforts. Petrina Thomas, who leads collection mornings, believes they’re all motivated by a simple principle: “the love of hens.”

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Social Media Miracle: Stranger’s Selfless Act Saves Baby’s Life

Renee Yates

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Amazing human kindness helped give a six-month-old girl named Helin Dinlera second chance at life. It’s all thanks to the generosity of a stranger who responded to an urgent online plea. Helin, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening liver condition called Biliary Atresia, faced a grim prognosis without a liver transplant.

When no family members were found to be suitable donors, Helin’s mother, Anna Shushura, turned to social media in a desperate attempt to find help. Her emotional appeal caught the attention of Letty Fenlon, a 27-year-old show jumper from Yorkshire, who felt compelled to act.

Letty, already registered as an organ donor, underwent extensive testing and was confirmed as a match for Helin. Despite the risks associated with major surgery, Letty’s determination to help prevailed. In May, she underwent a six-hour procedure to donate a portion of her liver to the infant.

The transplant was successful, and now, at nine months old, Helin is thriving. While she still requires regular medical check-ups, her progress has been remarkable. Helin’s family expresses immense gratitude towards Letty, whose selfless act has given their daughter a chance at a normal life.

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Trust and Perseverance: The Remarkable Rescue of Lessie from the Boundary Waters

Shannon Jackson

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A heartwarming tale of survival and rescue has emerged from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, where a German Shepherd named Lessie was found after being lost for 55 days. This story highlights the importance of trust-building and community effort in reuniting lost pets with their families.

Lessie’s ordeal began when she escaped following a car accident on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais in late June. The Retrievers, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing dogs, immediately mobilized to assist in the search.

After a month of uncertainty, hope was rekindled when Lessie was spotted near Ham Lake, miles from the accident site. A Minneapolis-based volunteer, familiar with the area, stepped up to help. Armed with guidance from The Retrievers and his previous experience, he set up camp to search for Lessie.

The volunteer’s patient approach proved crucial. Using food and a trail camera, he gradually gained Lessie’s trust over several days. His persistence paid off when he finally managed to leash Lessie and lead her to safety, facilitating an emotional reunion with her owners.

Jennifer Cadigan of The Retrievers emphasized the intelligence and resilience of dogs, noting that Lessie likely survived on discarded fish remains from nearby campsites. This remarkable story serves as an inspiring reminder to never lose hope when searching for a lost pet.

The successful rescue of Lessie after nearly two months in the wilderness underscores the effectiveness of combining community involvement, expert guidance, and unwavering determination in resolving missing pet cases.

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Freedom at Last: Charlie the Elephant Begins New Life After Four Decades in Captivity

Kelly Taylor

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A momentous event in South African wildlife conservation has unfolded with the release of Charlie, the country’s last zoo elephant, into a natural habitat after 40 years of confinement. This historic transition marks the end of an era for elephant captivity in South African zoos and represents a significant victory for animal welfare advocates.

Charlie’s journey began in 1984 when he was taken from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park as a two-year-old calf. His life in captivity included years of performing in a circus before being transferred to South Africa’s national zoo in the early 2000s. During his time at the zoo, Charlie reportedly experienced the loss of four fellow elephants, including his own offspring.

The push for Charlie’s release gained momentum in recent years as concerns about his well-being grew. Animal welfare organizations, including the EMS Foundation and Four Paws, played crucial roles in negotiating with the South African government and providing scientific evidence of the detrimental effects of captivity on elephants.

After a tense four-hour journey, Charlie arrived at his new home in the Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo province. This 10,000-hectare sanctuary, known for its success in reintegrating animals into the wild, now hosts Charlie as he begins his rehabilitation process.

Veterinary and behavioral experts are closely monitoring Charlie’s adaptation to his new environment. Early signs are promising, with reports of Charlie showing excitement upon hearing other elephants and attempting to communicate with them. However, the rehabilitation process is expected to be gradual, allowing Charlie to rediscover his natural instincts and potentially integrate with the reserve’s existing elephant population.

This release not only signifies a new chapter for Charlie but also represents a broader shift towards improved animal welfare practices in South Africa. As the country continues to grapple with challenges facing its wild elephant population, including poaching and habitat loss, Charlie’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the ethical treatment of wildlife.

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