Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Soap’s Second Life

In a world seemingly awash with waste, the discarded remnants of hotel soap find renewal and purpose through innovative minds like Samir Lakhani, who witnessed a Cambodian mother’s desperate improvisation of using laundry powder to bathe her child. The stark reality that 2.3 billion people lack basic handwashing facilities shines a harsh light on the importance of something as simple as soap, capable of preventing a million deaths per year. Each year, 5 million hotel bars go to waste. Lakhani’s Eco-Soap Bank, along with others like Soap Aid and Soap for Hope, rescues the potential of these tiny bars from landfills, proving that what is often overlooked has the power to restore dignity and health to those in need. Yet, their efforts dance on the delicate tightrope of sustainability and accessibility, highlighting a labor of love that defies skepticism and economic hurdles. Threading through the heart of the story is the realization: “Everyone needs soap,” suggesting a profound truth about human dignity and the small, tangible actions that make a global difference.

Be The Change

Organize a local drive to collect unused soap and toiletries to donate to shelters and community centers.

Senegal’s Triumph Over Trachoma

In a shining beacon of hope for public health, Senegal has been validated by the WHO for eliminating trachoma, a disease that has plagued its citizens for over a century, and was confirmed in the 1980s and 90s as a major cause of blindness. With the implementation of the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which includes surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and improved water access, Senegal reached 2.8 million people in its battle against trachoma. This monumental achievement reflects Senegal dedicated efforts to eradicate the disease, and the nation now joins a growing list of 24 other countries that have overcome trachoma, as well as a wider group of 57 nations that have eliminated one more more neglected tropical diseases. Dr. Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo eloquently noted, “Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united with pride, gratitude, and resolve.” While 103 million people globally still reside in areas needing interventions, Senegal’s victory serves as a powerful testament to what unwavering dedication can achieve.

Be The Change

Learn more about trachoma or other neglected tropical diseases.

Trying to Keep Your Brain young? New Study Finds These Lifestyle Changes help.

A new study has unveiled the ultimate playbook to keeping your brain sharp as you age. The POINTER study, involving over 2,100 US participants in their sixties and seventies with sedentary lifestyles, reveals that a powerful mix of diet, exercise, and brain training can help roll back the cognitive clock. Participants who embraced an intensive regimen including aerobics, a Mediterranean diet, and social activities saw strong improvements. The results are consistent with earlier findings from a small study in Finland, as well as a growing body of research over decades suggesting small interventions like exercise can reduce cognitive changes associated with aging. “This is really showing that we can change people’s trajectories over time,” observed Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Jessica Langbaum, who was not involved in the study. What’s next? The Alzheimer’s Association is gearing up to turn these findings into community-changing initiatives.

Be The Change

Push yourself to work towards a new exercise goal, find a hobby that pushes your brain to think in a different way, or invite a friend or elder to regularly go on a walk or do new activities together.

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A Sequoia Forest Grows in Detroit

David Milarch is proof that one person can make a big difference in the world. He clones redwoods like giant sequoias in unorthodox yet inviting places to save them from extinction. They now grow in 55 U.S. cities. That wasn’t enough for David. His vision is ambitious and global: “I think it could reverse climate change.” He has a special project in his hometown of Detroit teaching kids to become propagators. “We empower the kids. We teach them, we give them the materials, and we check in on them. We’re propagating the propagators. That’s the paradigm shift.” Each child gets to name a sapling, “because kids need to connect with nature.” Milarch believes trees are “sentient beings”: “They understand us, they recognize us, they have feelings and are intelligent. They feel pain and scream when you put a saw to them.”

Be The Change

Sit in the gift of shade under a tree near you, and exchange breaths. Think of one thing you can do to help save a tree? Start today.

This Week’s DailyGood Digest

This past week, we explored stories where everyday heroes transformed challenges into opportunities, showcasing the resilience of communities and individuals.

In the flood-ravaged landscape of Assam, Munmuni Payeng stands as a beacon of hope, planting a million trees to combat erosion while nurturing a future rooted in resilience. Meanwhile, on a gentle Alberta river, two canoers became unexpected heroes, rescuing a drowning foal and weaving a tale of compassion and serendipity. At Austin’s Korea House Restaurant, the owners’ unwavering faith has served more than 15,000 free meals, transforming their culinary haven into a sanctuary of sustenance and spirit. In South Africa, a petrol attendant’s quiet generosity reignited hope for a stranded family, echoing a nation’s spirit of Ubuntu. Across the Sahel, a forgotten water-harvesting technique breathes life back into barren lands, reminding us of the enduring power of ancient wisdom. In the vibrant streets of Soweto, a photography gallery empowers locals through art, merging creativity with community. Lastly, in Pakistan, a breast cancer app is quietly dismantling stigma, proving that knowledge and technology can bridge cultural divides and save lives.

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What Does India’s Jugaad Culture Reveal About Sustainable Living?

In a world moving at breakneck speed, where convenience cuts craftsmanship, there exists a timeless culture of repair, reuse, and reinvention deeply woven into the fabric of India. From the cobblers in Lucknow carefully mending soles with a “hathoda” and “sui,” to Jaipur’s artisanal printing presses leaving a smaller carbon footprint, these timeless trades stand resilient against a tide of disposability. Here lies the spirit of jugaad, a testament to simple resourcefulness, where artisans silently weave sustainability into throwaway culture of the chaotic urban sprawl. Their humble trades embody a profound question for the modern world: in our rush to speed up, what valuable skills and traditions might we lose? By embracing the art of fixing, these quiet custodians remind us: “While the world moves fast, there are still places where traditional methods hold strong.” Traversing Delhi’s backstreets and Jaipur’s vibrant markets, we witness the importance of preserving these community-driven trades that mitigate waste and promote a circular economy.

Be The Change

See if you can fix the next belonging you intend to throw away — mend a frayed seam, replace the broken part of an appliance, or support a local cobbler, tailor, or repairperson.

How Hope Helps Us Build a Meaningful Life

A new study, published in the journal Emotion, underscores the pivotal role hope plays in crafting a meaningful life. Researchers found that more than just a vague sense of well-being, hope is crucial in shaping our perception of life’s significance. Through surveys involving over 900 participants, the study found a strong correlation between feelings of hope and perceived meaning in life, independent of general positive emotions. Interestingly, it appears that the emotion of hope, rather than beliefs about achieving specific outcomes, strongly influences how meaningful one’s life feels. Further studies involving college students demonstrated that feelings of hope could predict future feelings of life meaning over time. Hope fosters resilience, encouraging proactive approaches to adversity by transforming optimistic sentiment into actionable purpose. Megan Edwards, the study’s lead author, suggests that finding everyday moments of positivity and recognizing the impermanence of adversity can help cultivate hope. In challenging times, hope appears to be an essential component in maintaining and crafting a sense of purpose and meaning.

Be The Change

Start a daily gratitude journal to note down at least one thing you’re hopeful about each day, nurturing a mindset that change is always possible.