The holiday season is about giving, gathering with loved ones, and spending quality time together. However, during these times, we should also think about those who don’t have the means to give gifts or aren’t as fortunate as others. We wanted to spotlight a few nonprofit organizations you can support and maybe even make this holiday one to remember for someone who needs it most. GREENLIGHT FUND Make a Difference in THROUGH GIVING BAC
This organization helps transform the lives of children and families in high-poverty urban areas by creating local infrastructure and a consistent annual process to identify critical needs and import innovative, entrepreneurial programs that can have a significant impact. They also galvanize local support to help programs reach and sustain impact in Kansas City. Communities are at the center of their purpose, and they work together to attract the solutions they need when they need them most. With your help, we can accelerate the spread of proven programs that make lasting changes for children and families. For more information or to donate, check out GreenLightFund.org .
Hundreds of years after you die and decompose, the Styrofoam takeout containers you used for last night’s Thai food will still linger in the landfill. Scientists estimate it takes thousands of years for Styrofoam (aka polystyrene) to break down when buried under other trash. Even in direct sunlight, the process takes decades! This is a huge pollution problem — but a tiny bug may be able to solve it. On the other side of the globe, at the University of Queensland in Australia, researchers are keeping a tank full of pets that may save us all from our plastic waste: Zophobas morio, aka the “giant mealworm” or “superworm.” In the wild, superworms are scavengers that will munch on anything from animals to apples. But in captivity, researchers have found another food they love: Styrofoam. “Superworms are like mini recycling plants, shredding the polystyrene with their mouths and then feeding it to the bacteria in their gut,” Dr. Chris Rinke, the leader of the superworm experiment at the University of Queensland, told Science Daily. “The breakdown products from this reaction can then be used by other microbes to create high-value compounds such as bioplastics.” Not only did the worms in the Queensland study eat the Styrofoam, but they actually gained weight from a healthy diet of takeout containers. Their ability to digest plastic is likely thanks to the gut bacteria Dr. Rinke mentioned. If we can grow and control these bacteria, we may be able to set it loose in landfills and turn our trash into something more useful. Superworms haven’t saved us yet — in fact, we usually use the 2-inch brown bugs as food for pet lizards and birds — but it’s about time we put their true potential to work. Fortunately, scientists like Dr. Rinke are on the case. MEET THE BUGS WITH A TASTE FOR PLASTIC
Everyone should be able to live independently with confidence and dignity — especially our senior populations. But as we age, it can be challenging to continue doing the things we love the most. Driving is an essential way for older people to remain independent and mobile. During the first week of December, Older Driver Safety Awareness Week aims to promote the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older individuals remain active in their communities. WHY ARE OLDER DRIVERS AT RISK? Driving a car represents freedom and helps older adults feel more satisfied and in control of their lives. But age-related changes can still make driving more dangerous. Stiff joints and weak muscles are common among older individuals, which may affect their ability to safely drive and control a vehicle. These changes can make it harder to turn your head to check blindspots, turn the steering wheel quickly, or even brake safely. Eyesight also changes with age and can affect the way we see the road. It may become difficult to see pedestrians or other vehicles or read street or traffic signs. PROMOTING INDEPENDENC Keep Older Drivers Saf
“Our team is very excited to push the science to make it happen,” he said.
To see the superworms in action, head to YouTube.com and search “superworm plastic.”
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