Sangha of Auspicious Companions

This Mumbai Couple Is Crafting Furniture From Mushrooms

At a time when most furniture is made from fiberboard, laminates, and plastics that end up in landfills, Bhakti Loonawat and Suyash Sawant, founders of Anomalia, are growing furniture from mycelium that is totally biodegradable. They incorporate agricultural waste with the mycelium to create stools, tables, shelves, or partitions. “Farmers often burn agricultural residues, worsening air pollution. Instead, we repurpose that waste into something valuable. It’s a win-win.” Other uses now include vegan alternatives to leather in fashion, seating, and upholstery. They even dream of growing entire houses from fungi. “They hold a simple yet radical belief: materials should live their purpose and then return to the soil. As they put it, sustainability begins at home — in what we choose to use and what we choose to grow.”

Be The Change

Make it a conscious habit to choose biodegradable or compostable products.

Scotland’s Tiny Forest Revolution

Picture this: a ‘wee forest’ that transforms urban Scotland, sprouting hope and greenery in tennis court-sized plots. Schoolchildren get their hands dirty, learning why “a hedge matters,” and how tiny forests, inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, become biodiversity havens for butterflies and bees. These mini forests, cramped with 600 trees, thrive on speed to make a difference — maturing in 10 years instead of 100. The movement is gaining traction. Beyond carbon absorption, they offer cooler microclimates, flood protection, and a playground for curious minds. Could your city be next on the list?

Be The Change

Plant a small native tree or a handful of native plants in your community and watch it become a mini oasis for local wildlife.

Unsubscribe from this email

Unlocking Connection: Asking Right Questions

Could 14 carefully crafted questions change the way your children feel loved? In a heartwarming experiment, psychologists discovered that when parents engaged their 8 to 13-year-olds with deep and meaningful questions, rather than the usual chit-chat, the children felt more loved and supported. This “fast-friends procedure”, originally a method for budding closeness between adults, found new life in nurturing familial bonds. It’s not just about asking questions, but adopting “a position of equality and trust,” encouraging genuine self-disclosure. The ripple effect of these connections, as shown in numerous studies, could bridge gaps between diverse groups, reduce prejudices, and strengthen existing relationships.

Be The Change

Initiate a deep conversation with someone close to you by asking a meaningful question and encourage them to ask you one in return.

This Week’s DailyGood Digest

The past week has unveiled stories that remind us of the power of change and the unexpected heroes that shape our world.

In the heart of Africa, two former presidents champion female leadership, urging the world to tap into the transformative power of women in governance. Meanwhile, in India, the ancient art of infant massage gains scientific recognition, revealing how tradition and modern science can merge to enhance early human development. Advocate Varsha Deshpande’s fearless battle against female foeticide disrupts societal norms, proving that justice and courage can reshape destinies. From Hyderabad, Yunikee empowers the deaf community, transforming silence into a symphony of opportunity and skill. In Assam, Sarbeswar Basumatary’s innovative farming transforms barren land into bountiful fields, embodying resilience and a commitment to nurturing the earth. On the shores of Cape Cod, a rescue effort saves twelve dolphins from stranding, a testament to human compassion and the delicate balance of nature. Lastly, in the forests of China, Professor Yang Jingyuan’s devotion to the golden snub-nosed monkeys brings a species back from the brink, exemplifying the profound impact of dedication and coexistence.

Join The Community

If you enjoy good news stories and want to help change the media landscape, join our volunteer team to curate, edit, spread the good! Login and get started.

Dear Mrs. Doyle

Two days before Christmas in 1958, John Cruitt’s mother died after being seriously ill with multiple sclerosis. Cruitt was in third grade in Cecile Doyle’s class. When Doyle was eleven, she lost her father, and understood what it felt like to lose a parent at a young age. In a simple act of kindness that left a mark on Cruitt decades later, Doyle waited until all the students left the room at the end of the day, and told Cruit that she was there if he needed her. The simple act of kindness from a caring teacher was stamped in his memory. Fifty-four years later, he wrote her a letter to thank her. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

Be The Change

Write a note of gratitude to someone who has touched your life in some way.

Stranger Runs Into Burning Apartment Building, Saves Bedridden Woman

Zachary Battle was driving in his neighborhood in Washington, D.C., when he spotted smoke pouring from a senior apartment complex. He knew first responders were on their way, but also knew people were still inside. Zachary did not hesitate. He pulled over and ran into the smoke. On the third floor, he heard a cry for help. A guy said, “I need help. My wife is stuck. My wife bedridden; she’s stuck. I need help.” The two of them managed to move her to the stairwell, and D.C. firefighters arrived and helped carry her to safety. The resident expressed deep gratitude to the man who helped save his wife. The community praised Zachary’s effort as well: “Thanks to Battle’s courage, one family was spared a devastating loss—and a community gained a hero who acted without hesitation.”

Be The Change

Find a way to express appreciation for someone who simply does the right thing.

School Meals Spark Global Change

The World Food Program (WFP) is ushering in a new era of change with school meal programs now reaching 80 million more children than in 2020, especially in low-income countries where the need is greatest. School meals, described as “pathways out of poverty,” are not only feeding young minds and bodies, but they’re also nurturing sustainable local economies and reducing carbon footprints. The remarkable investment, which now surpasses $84 billion, showcases the commitment of over 100 governments in making education and health top priorities. “School meals are so much more than just a plate of nutritious food,” highlights WFP’s Executive Director Cindy McCain. Advances are particularly notable in Africa, with Kenya and Madagascar joining the ranks of those making significant improvements. The School Meals Coalition, under Brazil, Finland, and France’s leadership, is a beacon of what’s achievable when nations prioritize the well-being of future generations.

Be The Change

Support efforts to feed children: volunteer at a soup kitchen, anonymously pay school lunch debts at a local school, or simply learn more about school lunch programs.