Good Idea: Choose Safer Sleep Surfaces

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/15/health/child-mattress-bedding-toxins-wellness

A new study reveals that many children's mattresses and bedding release toxic chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants, which are linked to developmental and hormonal disorders. These chemicals are emitted more when a child sleeps on the mattress due to body heat and weight, and are found in both expensive and budget brands across North America. Experts recommend opting for mattresses and bedding made from natural materials, using neutral colors to avoid added UV filters, washing bedding frequently, and minimizing extras in the crib to reduce exposure. Ultimately, parents can't shop their way out of the problem—systemic regulation is needed to ensure safer products for children.

The bed linens have an effect as well: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2648.1991.tb01807.x

#ChildSafety #Sleep #Parenting #health

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115723234680148426

Good Idea: Drink some Coffee?

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2841253

A world-first clinical trial found that drinking at least one cup of coffee daily significantly reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat linked to stroke and heart failure, challenging long-held medical advice to avoid caffeine for heart health. The study, involving 200 adults with AF, showed coffee drinkers had a 39% lower risk of recurrent AF events compared to abstainers, suggesting coffee may be protective rather than harmful. Researchers propose that coffee's benefits may stem from increased physical activity, lower blood pressure, and anti-inflammatory properties. While coffee isn't a cure-all, the findings indicate it can be safely enjoyed by AF patients and may even warrant consideration for non-drinkers.

#HeartHealth #CoffeeBenefits #MedicalResearch #AtrialFibrillation #HealthyHabits

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115728899069611529

Good Idea: Teach Climate Awareness

https://subjecttoclimate.org/

SubjectToClimate offers free educational resources, lesson plans, and professional development tools to help educators teach about climate change effectively. The platform supports teachers with guides, activities, and news tailored for students, while also providing opportunities to get involved through volunteering, donating, or partnering. It serves as a hub for climate education across various states.

Thanks to @alxd

#ClimateEducation #TeachSustainability #FreeResources

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115734559961229824

Good Idea: Giving Forests a Voice

https://aifornature.substack.com/p/the-forest-is-listening-how-ai-and

Rainforest Connection is using artificial intelligence and acoustic monitoring to protect rainforests by detecting illegal logging and poaching in real time, turning recycled smartphones into solar powered listening devices that alert rangers when threats are detected. Their technology not only helps stop environmental crimes quickly but also supports biodiversity research by identifying animal species and tracking ecosystem health. By partnering with local communities and indigenous groups, they empower people to safeguard vast forest areas and combine traditional knowledge with modern tools, proving that technology can be a force for conservation rather than exploitation.

https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/9006e1b6731d81dd18567415ea871851-0320052022/original/poaching-rainforest-connection.pdf

https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/how-ai-is-protecting-trees-from-illegal-logging-in-real-time

#Conservation #AIforGood #RainforestProtection #TechForNature #Biodiversity

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115740220312263527

Good idea: corridors for southern Africa's growing elephant population

https://news.mongabay.com/2025/12/corridors-not-culls-offer-solution-to-southern-africas-growing-elephant-population/

In Southern Africa overall, populations of elephants are stable, or even growing, but space for them is not. This pressure has increased human-elephant conflict and fueled calls from some for elephant culls. Z16’s epic trek underscores a quieter, more hopeful solution to the region’s so-called “elephant problem”: keeping the routes that connect fragmented ranges open through the creation and protection of wildlife corridors.

#elephants , #WildlifeProtection , #coexistence

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115745886047171509

Good idea: congestion pricing

https://www.webpronews.com/nycs-2025-congestion-pricing-slashes-traffic-11-pollution-22-in-manhattan/

New York City’s bold experiment with congestion pricing, implemented in January 2025, has quickly proven its worth not just in easing gridlock but in significantly improving air quality. The program, which charges drivers a fee to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours, was designed to reduce traffic volume and fund transit improvements. But its environmental benefits have emerged as a standout success, with recent studies showing a sharp decline in harmful pollutants. This initiative marks a pivotal shift in urban policy, blending economic incentives with public health goals in one of the world’s densest cities.

#traffic , #LessCars , #cleanair

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115751546235013427

Good idea: subsidize care work

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9ez3kzrdo

In a village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, a woman receives a small but steady sum each month - not wages, for she has no formal job, but an unconditional cash transfer from the government.

Premila Bhalavi says the money covers medicines, vegetables and her son's school fees. The sum, 1,500 rupees ($16: £12), may be small, but its effect - predictable income, a sense of control and a taste of independence - is anything but.

#carework , #india , #universalbasicincome

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115757210786281122

Good idea: a turtle hospital

https://turtlehospital.org/about-us/

The Turtle Hospital opened its doors in 1986 with four main goals: 1) Rehab injured sea turtles and release them back to their natural habitat. 2) Educate the public by visiting local schools and attending outreach programs. 3) Conducting and assisting with research aiding sea turtles (in collaboration with state universities). 4) Working toward environmental legislation making the beaches and water safe for sea turtles.

#marinelife , #florida , #seaturtles

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115762871225387729

Good Idea: Design some games

https://www.raphkoster.com/2025/11/03/game-design-is-simple-actually/

Game design boils down to creating systems where players solve problems, not just experience random fun or flashy effects. The best games challenge players with uncertainty and evolving goals, encouraging them to learn and adapt through feedback and repeated interaction. By starting with toys or simple systems and layering on goals and feedback, designers can craft engaging experiences that reward mastery and prediction, rather than just mindless repetition or shallow entertainment. #GameDesign #ProblemSolving #LearningByDoing #Creativity #FeedbackLoops

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115768536112642958

Good Idea: Spend time with your family today and tomorrow.

https://health-root.com/how-does-family-time-enhance-mental-well-being.html

Put your phone away and paint together, cook together, play together, hug and cuddle, tickle and play, laugh and talk.

In these times it is important that we are loving to our families and try to bridge the gaps and wounds that might exist.
That we are helping the children grow up in a healthier way than we did. That we are taking responsibility as the next generation. And that we are a driving force for good.

If you come from abusive families i hope that you are safe, and help your siblings and relatives to safety, by inviting them or helping them out. I hope that you can forgive those troubled souls that hurt you and see and forgive their traumas and damages they have.

Love is all we have and we have to love as much as possible to help heal the divide that is being created along so many lines.

Merry Christmas everyone!

We will not post tomorrow!

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115774195487927984

Good Idea: Regrow Tooth Enamel

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64982-y

After the Christmas time, and way too many chocolate Santas, it is time to think about dental health.
Scientists have developed a biomimetic protein matrix that mimics the natural enamel-forming process, enabling the regrowth of dental enamel. This innovative approach uses elastin-like recombinamers combined with calcium ions to recreate the intricate microstructure and mechanical properties of enamel, addressing issues like erosion and hypersensitivity. The technology is stable, clinically practical, and shows promise for restoring enamel in a patient-friendly way.

#DentalHealth #Innovation #Biomimicry

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115785522132292320

Good Idea: Simplify Cookie Consent

https://nednex.com/en/the-internets-biggest-annoyance-why-cookie-laws-should-target-browsers-not-websites/

Cookie banners are a daily nuisance that fail to provide meaningful privacy control, burden small website owners, and frustrate users. Instead of forcing every website to comply with complex consent laws, the solution lies in shifting the responsibility to browsers. By setting privacy preferences once in your browser, users could enjoy a cleaner, faster internet while regulators focus on ensuring browser compliance. This approach simplifies the system, empowers users, and relieves website owners from unnecessary technical and legal hurdles.

#PrivacyMatters #SimplifyTheWeb #TechForGood

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115791175704258715

Good Idea: Understand the effects of a new technology

https://whathappenedin2007.com/

Since 2007, the rise of smartphones has coincided with troubling global trends, including declining mental health, increased loneliness, sleep issues, and stagnating productivity. While not definitively causal, the timing aligns with the widespread adoption of these devices, which have drastically altered how we interact, work, and live. The data suggests that constant connectivity and screen time may be contributing to these societal shifts, urging a closer look at the impact of our smartphone-centric lives.

#SmartphoneImpact #MentalHealthMatters #DigitalWellness

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115796840262345892

Edit an active link: https://web.archive.org/web/20251020175855/https://whathappenedin2007.com/

Good Idea: Supporting open decentralized platforms

https://werd.io/why-the-open-social-web-matters-now/

The article highlights the importance of decentralized and federated social networks as a counter to the increasing centralization of power in commercial social media and authoritarian governments. It discusses the decline of journalism, the capitulation of major social platforms to authoritarian influences, and the global implications of these trends. The author, Ben Werdmuller, emphasizes the need for open social web initiatives to empower communities, protect vulnerable groups, and ensure transparency and accountability in an era of growing surveillance and suppression.

#Decentralization #OpenWeb #DigitalFreedom #SocialJustice

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115802505329895629

Good Idea: Plant trees in cities

https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/67583

Planting trees in urban areas has been linked to significant health benefits, including healthier birth weights, reduced symptoms of ADHD, and lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Research in Portland, Oregon, showed that adding trees to neighborhoods not only saves lives but also has economic benefits, with a single tree potentially reducing mortality costs by $14.2 million. As trees mature, their health benefits grow, making urban tree planting a powerful tool for improving public health and well-being.

#UrbanForestry #HealthBenefits #PlantTrees

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115808170062465213

Good Idea: Embracing Sortition

https://thewalrus.ca/why-we-should-let-a-lottery-decide-our-government/

This article explores the concept of sortition, a system where political representatives are chosen randomly rather than through elections, as practiced in ancient Athens. Advocates argue that sortition could create a more representative and inclusive democracy by reflecting the demographics and concerns of ordinary citizens, unlike current systems dominated by wealthier, older, and less diverse politicians. Examples like British Columbia's citizens' assembly demonstrate that everyday people can effectively engage in political decision making, suggesting that sortition could reduce the influence of money and vested interests while improving political discourse.

#Democracy #Sortition #ElectoralReform #Representation #InclusivePolitics

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115813834331106647

Good Idea: Supporting Community Forestry

https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/66062

Community forestry in Tanzania, supported by partnerships like the USDA Forest Service and Mpingo Conservation & Development Initiative, highlights the benefits and challenges of Forest Stewardship Council certification. While certification can be costly, it brings pride, better administration, and marketing advantages to communities, occasionally leading to higher timber prices. Factors like policy frameworks, forest size, timber volume, and market access play key roles in success. These insights are now being applied to explore how community forests in the U.S. can promote conservation and rural prosperity.

#CommunityForestry #SustainableDevelopment #Conservation

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115819497898566134

Good Idea: Encouraging Positive Reinforcement

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/longing-nostalgia/201705/why-shaming-doesnt-work

Shaming others, whether for their actions or inherent traits, often leads to negative outcomes like social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and even depression. While it may temporarily deter certain behaviors, it can also drive harmful actions into secrecy or worsen psychological distress. Instead of shaming, fostering positive reinforcement and affirming self-worth can guide better behavior and nurture healthier relationships. Rewarding desirable actions is more effective and helps individuals internalize positive attributes.

#PositiveReinforcement #MentalHealth #Empathy #HealthyRelationships

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115825161539793985

Good Idea: Rethink tax systems for automation

https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-11-30/if-ai-replaces-workers-should-it-also-pay-taxes.html

As AI and automation reshape industries, concerns arise about reduced tax revenues due to workforce declines. Nobel laureates, economists, and tech leaders like Bill Gates propose solutions ranging from taxing robots to adjusting capital gains taxes. While AI promises economic growth, experts warn of mixed outcomes: job displacement, inequality, and environmental impact. The debate highlights the need for governments to adapt tax systems to ensure fairness, sustain public services, and foster innovation without stifling productivity.

#TaxAI #AutomationDebate #FutureOfWork

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115830827281718933

Good Idea: Drill for clean energy

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2025/08/18/how-clean-next-gen-geothermal-could-power-the-world-140-times-over/

Apparently we could power the world 140 times over by tapping into geothermal power, the Earth's most abundant clean energy source.
Harnessing Earth's natural heat on a scale that's not just sustainable but transformative. The tech is advancing, costs are dropping, and companies like https://projectinnerspace.org/ are leading the charge. By combining the expertise of the oil and gas industry with climate-conscious philanthropy, they envision a future where drilling for heat, not hydrocarbons, could meet up to 77 percent of global electricity needs and more than 100 percent of global heating demands by 2050.

#Geothermal #CleanEnergy #Earth #climate

https://ieji.de/@MinistryOfGoodIdeas/115836481948822866