In the last edition of Squirrel News to wrap up the week, we’re exploring a new campaign to protect social media from the control and influence of billionaires, a Europe-based search index reducing reliance on US big tech, and Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government introducing a four-day workweek.
The campaign protecting social media from the influence of billionaires
The Free Our Feeds initiative aims to protect Bluesky’s underlying tech – the AT Protocol – and use it to develop an open social media ecosystem that can’t be controlled or managed by a single person or company. The goal is to create a public-interest foundation that would fund new interoperable social networks supported by independent infrastructure.
Source: Tech Crunch
European search engines help reduce reliance on US big tech
As Google grapples with anti-trust legislation, Germany’s Ecosia – which uses advertising profits from its 20 million users to plant trees – and France’s privacy-focused Qwant are teaming up to create their own search index and give users alternative options to US tech giants. The index could be used to prioritise more sustainable choices in travel and shopping.
Source: Economic Times
Tokyo Metropolitan Government declares four-day workweek
The new arrangement – which begins in April – would give workers three days off every week. The legislative body also announced a policy that will allow parents in the lower grades of elementary schools to substitute part of their salary for the option to clock out early.
Source: CNN
Ireland launches register of rental price to protect against unethical practices
The Programme for Government also outlines plans for the coalition to build 12,000 new social homes on average annually, and pledges to speed up conveyancing and probate dealings, setting a target of eight weeks for the legal profession.
Source: RTE
FDA bans Red 3 dye from national food supply after decades of campaigning
The dye known as Red 3 was barred from the cosmetics industry almost 35 years ago due to its potential cancer risks. On Wednesday, US regulators finally agreed to prohibit its use in food products, dietary supplements and oral medicines, such as cough syrups.
Source: Time
A community-led response to tick-borne disease is saving lives on Apache lands
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a huge problem on tribal lands in the Southwestern US: in fact, it’s the deadliest tick-borne disease in the country. Though cases continue, the community-led response in Arizona has reduced fatalities and is considered a public health success.
Source: NPR
The superblocks making communities happier and healthier
With the vast majority of cities being car-dominated, superblocks – areas where traffic has been rerouted to prioritise people, community and active mobility – are becoming a preferred option for many. Research now suggests that the benefits of these areas include decreased noise and air pollution, with residents reporting more social interaction with their neighbours.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Biophilic design is bringing nature into the home across the globe
The idea of integrating the natural environment into our homes to improve our connection to the outdoors is gaining traction – and not just in homes owned and lived in by the wealthy.
Source: AP News
The world’s most remote EV charger helping an island ditch fossil fuels
St Helena is hoping that better infrastructure surrounding electric vehicle charging will encourage more people to swap their diesel-powered cars for greener alternatives.
Source: Euronews
Grey seals, minke whales and bluefin tuna: is the North Sea bouncing back?
Hollywood stars once came for the big-game fishing, but the return of a host of species to the depleted waters around Britain’s coast is a cause for quiet optimism.
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