Here at The Citizen, we do problem-solving journalism, looking for ideas and solutions to move the region forward and make a better city. Here are some other great ideas for solving the world’s problems, from media outlets around the globe:
Clothing manufacturer Bombas has a “do good while doing well” business model that includes donating a pair of socks to the homeless for every pair bought. Basically, Bombas is to socks what Toms is to shoes. Socks are such a high-need item for the homeless because they go through them so quickly. But rather than give the homeless the same socks they sell on the rack, they’ve actually designed a high-tech super-sock that’s sturdier and promotes foot health just to give away. (via GOOD)
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are at the root of lifelong negative health outcomes, from heart disease to diabetes, mental health to criminal behavior. In Memphis, TN, “37 percent of adults in the county during their youth had witnessed someone being shot or stabbed; 22 percent witnessed violence between adults.” To combat this, among other things, the city has opened free drop-in centers offering therapy to adults and children alike who have experienced trauma and help them to express difficult emotions. (via PBS)
Northern cities across the country face deteriorating roads every Spring, as the freeze-and-thaw pattern of winter degrades streets and sidewalks. Syracuse, NY is adopting SQUID (the Street Quality Information Device) to help them identify potholes faster—and more equitably. By equipping a sedan with a GPS, camera, and accelerometer, SQUIDs can produce a complete map of road surfaces in a matter of days—leaps and bounds faster than hand-counting and far more equitably than relying on citizen reports. (via FastCo.Exist)
Photo header: GOOD