In a significant environmental milestone, India has managed to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by a remarkable one-third since 2009, according to officials who spoke with Reuters.

This remarkable achievement has been pushed by a combination of increased renewable energy production and expanded forest cover, positioning the world’s populous country firmly on course to meet its existing emissions targets, as highlighted in a report from The Guardian.

The primary metric used to assess these emissions reductions is known as “emissions intensity.” This metric offers an insightful measure of greenhouse gas emissions in relation to the country’s economic output, typically measured as a ratio of GDP. India’s progress, as revealed in the third official report submitted to the UN’s Convention on Climate Change, is undeniably encouraging.

The Reuters report highlights that India has substantially amplified its annual reductions of emissions, particularly during the period of 2016-2019, where emissions fell by 3% annually. This stands in stark contrast to the preceding period of 2014-2016 when reductions hovered around a mere 1.5%. This accelerated pace of emissions reduction demonstrates India’s increasing commitment to combating climate change.

One pivotal factor in India’s success story is its augmentation of forest and tree cover. According to India’s 2019 State of the Forest report, the country saw an expansion of forest cover by an impressive 2,000 square miles between 2017 and 2019. This substantial growth has not only acted as a carbon sink but also boosted the total carbon stored in Indian soils by an estimated 42.6 million tonnes. This reaffirms the importance of reforestation efforts in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Another instrumental component of India’s emission reduction strategy is its promising renewable energy sector. Recent estimates reveal that renewable energy sources now contribute to 25.3% of India’s total power generation, in conjunction with nuclear power. It is worth noting that India has historically been reliant on coal for its energy needs.

Importantly, the Reuters report also shares how India’s officials stress that India’s ability to reach its emission targets does not require a widespread shutdown of coal-fired power plants. Rather, they contend that a comprehensive strategy encompassing efficient traffic management can jointly contribute to the attainment of these objectives.

This strategy is in harmony with India’s continued commitment to future coal projects. Abandoning these endeavors would not only lead to significant financial setbacks for the state but also erode investor trust in the Indian capital markets. Moreover, it could diminish confidence in the ability of state governments to judiciously handle taxpayer funds.

India’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions serves as an inspiration to the international community. It underscores the viability of a multifaceted strategy encompassing renewable energy expansion, reforestation, and prudent resource management to address climate change without causing undue economic disruptions.

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To say that Taylor Swift has taken the music industry by storm is a major understatement. Aside from selling over 200 million records globally, the number of awards and accolades she has won throughout her almost two-decade career has surpassed a number of major artists over the years.

According to a report by CNN, it’s not just her music that is making a difference worldwide. Swift’s The Eras Tour has already transcended the realm of being just a mere musical show, but rather a monumental phenomenon that has far-impacted that of the US economy. Its impact has moved beyond stadium venues, ticket vendors and record labels, but rather making a tangible difference in communities across the nation.

That’s because no matter where Swift’s tour takes her, she leaves a trail of substantial donations to U.S. food banks, allowing them to provide vital assistance to hundreds of thousands of Americans who struggle to eat every day.

The Eras Tour began in the state of Arizona, where Swift presented a substantial check to the Arizona Food Bank Network. This generous contribution was so considerable that it was enough to fill up tractor-trailers with a staggering 40,000 pounds of fresh produce. In addition, it helped bolster support programs for children who rely on school meals, as well as seniors who depend on food stamps.

Meanwhile, Washington state bears the sixth-highest homelessness burden in the country as a percentage of its population, Swift’s philanthropy project likely extended the same amount to the Seattle-based nonprofit, Food Lifeline.

While the exact donation amount was not disclosed, Food Lifeline confirmed its commitment to utilizing the funds to procure fresh produce, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious food options.

However, Swift’s generosity didn’t stop there. In fact, her charitable endeavors reached out to various corners of the country. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley also received donations, followed by the Three Square Food Bank serving Las Vegas and southern Nevada and the Food Bank of the Rockies in Colorado.

Beth Martino, CEO of Three Square, told CNN, “It is really meaningful to get a gift from someone who, like Taylor Swift, has the ability to bring so much attention to our cause and to the work that we’re doing.”

When April rolled around, the Eras tour moved to Houston, where Swift also donated to the Houston Food Bank.

Chief development officer for the charity, Amy Ragan, told TODAY.com, “I’m just so glad (Swift) supports food banks, because the need is high, especially with inflation now. Food banks are working hard every day. And you know, it’s been tough getting food donations at some points.”

In a touching display of gratitude towards the 50 dedicated members of the trucking team responsible for the behind-the-scenes logistics and late-night efforts that make her shows possible, Swift surprised each member with a life-changing bonus of $100,000 each, as shared in a CNN report. This left them incredibly stunned and deeply moved.

Swift’s U.S. tour is still not over, leaving more states open for charity from the 5-foot ten-inch singer. Her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need through her generosity and kindness has gone way beyond the world of music and entertainment.

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Exploration and mapping of deep-sea life have made remarkable advancements in the past two decades, yielding invaluable discoveries, such as this recent revelation by the Schmidt Ocean Institute regarding life thriving beneath undersea volcanic vents.

Located at a well-studied undersea volcano along the East Pacific Rise near Central America, an international consortium of marine biologists and oceanographers has unveiled hidden ecosystems harboring worms, snails, and bacteria beneath the ocean floor.

Leveraging an underwater robotic vehicle, the scientific team uncovered sections of volcanic crust, unveiling these slender subterranean cave systems. These caves serve as passageways for various animals, introducing a novel dimension to hydrothermal vents, demonstrating that their habitats extend both above and below the seafloor.

“On land we have long known of animals living in cavities underground, and in the ocean of animals living in sand and mud, but for the first time, scientists have looked for animals beneath hydrothermal vents,” Jyotika Virmani, the institute’s executive director, said.

“This truly remarkable discovery of a new ecosystem, hidden beneath another ecosystem, provides fresh evidence that life exists in incredible places.”

Hydrothermal vents are captivating submerged hubs of biodiversity. While corals serve as the cornerstone organisms of reefs, tube worms play a similar role in the hydrothermal vent ecosystems. Interestingly, despite their vital importance, the reproductive activities of young tube worms have remained enigmatic, prompting some scientists to speculate that they might navigate beneath the vents for this purpose.

To investigate whether these worms or other marine creatures traverse through the vent fluids, a team of researchers employed the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s underwater robot, ROV SuBastian, to conduct experiments. They affixed mesh boxes securely over crevices in the Earth’s crust and introduced a harmless red pigment into the mesh enclosure, which colored all the resident animals.

After several days, when the boxes were removed along with the crust, observers witnessed the emergence of uncolored animals residing beneath the surface in hydrothermal cavities. This discovery bears resemblance to other explorations of life in the ocean’s profound realms, which remain largely uncharted due to their remote locations.

Recently, an expedition off Australia’s Cocos Keeling Islands delved into the undersea volcanoes, revealing a remarkable array of exotic and fascinating species.

The mysteries of deep-sea coral reefs continue to elude comprehension. A recent discovery unveiled a thriving ecosystem 2,000 feet below the surface in the marine protected area of the Galapagos Islands.

In 2020, the British Antarctic Survey embarked on a submersible mission beneath the Antarctic shelf, where they promptly documented 36 previously unknown species in a single boulder, marking a significant scientific breakthrough.

“The discoveries made on each Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition reinforce the urgency of fully exploring our ocean so we know what exists in the deep sea,” Wendy Schmidt said. She is the president and co-founder of Schmidt Ocean Institute. “The discovery of new creatures, landscapes, and now, an entirely new ecosystem underscores just how much we have yet to discover about our Ocean–and how important it is to protect what we don’t yet know or understand.”

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In response to a strong sense of civic duty within the technology-centric hub of San Jose, Apple Inc.’s CEO, Tim Cook, established a corporate fund aimed at promoting affordable housing initiatives in the city four years ago.

Fast forward to today, where an impressive $1.5 billion has already been allocated, leading to the development of numerous housing units throughout the city and its surrounding county, with even more positive outcomes on the horizon.

Unsurprisingly, given its status as the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization and revenue, Apple’s funding efforts have been both targeted and strategic. This success can be attributed to a well-conceived plan that focuses on addressing crucial gaps in existing housing projects and adapting innovatively when necessary.

“We really look for projects and programs where not only do we have a deep impact, but we actually see the impact fairly quickly,” Kristina Raspe told Fast Company. She’s Apple’s vice president of worldwide real estate and facilities.

“That’s why we’ve chosen to focus on funding projects that need that last tranche of funding in order to be built, as opposed to projects that are still in the conceptual phase.”

Raspe and Apple have successfully addressed the pressing issue of affordable housing by forming strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations like Housing Trust Silicon Valley. These partnerships have allowed Apple to access crucial resources, such as lists of apartment and housing units that have already undergone planning and approval processes but have encountered last-minute obstacles.

One remarkable example of their collaborative efforts is the transformation of a 94-unit apartment complex known as the Villas at 4th Street in San Jose’s Japantown. This initiative, backed by Apple’s housing fund, played a pivotal role in making this housing option available to chronically unhoused senior citizens. Housing Trust Silicon Valley’s impact extends beyond this project, as they have also successfully facilitated the completion of an 82-unit building on 333 Page Street in San Jose and a 30-unit building in the neighboring city of Pittsburgh.

In the Bay Area, Destination: Home, another key partner of Apple, has harnessed the funding provided by Apple’s housing initiative to make significant strides in addressing the affordable housing crisis. This includes the construction of “extremely-affordable” homes within the county and extending limited financial support to approximately 24,000 individuals who are at the highest risk of losing their homes.

Furthermore, Apple has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the housing issue in a more tangible way by engaging in land exchange agreements. For instance, Apple traded 5 acres of its own land in Cupertino, where the company is headquartered, with the county. This exchange facilitated the construction of affordable housing units specifically designed for teachers working near the schools in the area. In return, the county provided Apple with a smaller parcel of land elsewhere.

These initiatives underscore the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative solutions in tackling the affordable housing crisis, particularly in regions like the Bay Area, where housing affordability has been a longstanding challenge. Through collaboration and creative approaches, Raspe and Apple have made meaningful strides in providing housing opportunities and support to those in need, including vulnerable populations and essential workers like teachers.

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Polyethylene happens to be one of the most commonly used plastics in today’s world. It also shares a strikingly similar chemical structure with the primary fatty acid in soap.

At Virginia Tech, a breakthrough has emerged, revealing a long-sought method to transform polyethylene into this soap-like compound, opening the door to innovative upcycling possibilities.

This transformative compound, referred to as a surfactant, is now recognized as a potent means to repurpose polyethene plastics into valuable products, such as soap and detergents.

The brain behind this ingenious concept happens to be Guoliang Liu, a researcher at Virginia Tech. He believed that there was probably a way to divide the long polyethylene chains into shorter, but not too short, fatty acid chains that could possibly be used to make soap.

He also felt that there was potential for a new upcycling approach that could elevate plastic waste into high-value, practical commodities.

After thinking about this for quite some time, Liu experienced a moment of inspiration during a rather cold and wintery night sitting by the fireplace. While watching the smoke rise from the burning wood, he also thought about how the smoke was made up of tiny particles generated during the wood’s combustion.

While plastics should never be burned in a fireplace, for both environmental and safety reasons, he also began to wonder what would happen if polyethene was burned in a safe laboratory setting. Would it also yield a form of “smoke” that was the same as that produced when burning wood? And if someone managed to capture that smoke, what exactly would it be made of?

Liu explained, “Firewood is mostly made of polymers such as cellulose. The combustion of firewood breaks these polymers into short chains, and then into small gaseous molecules before full oxidation to carbon dioxide.”

“If we similarly break down the synthetic polyethene molecules but stop the process before they break all the way down to small gaseous molecules, then we should obtain short-chain, polyethene-like molecules,” he added.

With the help of two other Ph.D. chemistry students from his lab, Liu built a laboratory oven specifically designed for this experiment. Inside the oven, a process known as temperature-gradient thermolysis was used. The oven’s lower region maintained a sufficiently high temperature to break down the polymer chains of polyethylene, while the upper portion of the oven remained cool to prevent further breakdown.

Following the thermolysis process, they gathered the residue, which was very similar to cleaning soot from a chimney, and found that Liu’s inkling was right from the beginning. It consisted of “short-chain polyethylene,” which more precisely, happens to be waxes. This marked the initial step toward developing a method for upcycling plastics into soap, said Liu.

Building upon this breakthrough, the team introduced additional steps, including saponification, ultimately achieving the remarkable feat of creating the world’s first soap derived from plastics. To continue this process, the team even enlisted those with expertise in computational modeling, economic analysis, and other specialists.

Lead author of the paper published in Science and one of the Ph.D. students, Zhen Xu, said, “Our research demonstrates a new route for plastic upcycling without using novel catalysts or complex procedures. In this work, we have shown the potential of a tandem strategy for plastic recycling. This will enlighten people to develop more creative designs of upcycling procedures in the future.”

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If we took a journey beneath the surface of the earth 500 million years ago, it would be filled with loads of ancient creatures that looked like trilobites or shrimp-like sea animals with giant lobster claws.

However, you’d also find that some creatures would be pretty recognizable, like the jellyfish, specifically one that looked a lot like a lampshade called the Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, which was recently identified by scientists as the oldest free-swimming jellyfish ever discovered.

This newfound revelation opens a portal to a treasure trove of insights into the intricate web of life during the Cambrian Explosion, which was considered a highly pivotal era in the planet’s history. This particular era was considered a time when there was a lot of experimentation to see which creatures could adapt to their new environment and which ones wouldn’t survive.

The Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, which was considered the star of this ancient spectacle, had a cube-like head that stretched nearly 8 inches in length. The hood was adorned with approximately 90 stubby tentacles, reminiscent of their modern-day jellyfish counterparts. Their tentacles, very similar to their modern relatives, probably served as instruments to paralyze their prey with stinging venom.

This new fossil was discovered in one of the most renowned geological formations tied to paleontology, called the Burgess Shale of British Columbia. It is thought that this formation came into existence when a colossal undersea landslide entombed a section of the seafloor, preserving even the soft-bodied jellyfish for eons, preventing them from decaying into nothingness.

Jellyfish belong to a phylum called Cnidaria, whose name was derived from a defining feature called cnidocytes, which are specialized cells primarily responsible for ensnaring prey. These ethereal creatures possess bodies composed of mesoglea, a non-living jelly-like substance that characterizes their unique physiology.

Cnidaria, which is believed to be among the earliest animals to grace the planet, face an intriguing challenge in the fossil record due to their lack of substantial hard body parts. Within the vast diversity of jellies that have inhabited Earth, the clade known as Medusozoa stands out, encompassing all the various jellyfish species that have existed. These creatures exhibit a captivating life cycle.

Beginning life as immobile, solid entities akin to sea anemones, and close relatives of jellyfish, these organisms undergo a remarkable transformation as they reach sexual maturity. This transformative phase sees the once stationary polyps metamorphose into free-swimming predators. It is speculated that this transition occurred in the common ancestor of all Cnidaria but was substantially lost in some of its descendants.

In terms of unearthing the past and exploring the past, Burgessomedusa phasmiformis seems to be the furthest anyone has ever gone.

Found by Joseph Moysiuk and his team at the Royal Ontario Museum, discovering these fossils provides amazing evidence. These fossils showcase the preservation of trilobites within the jellyfish hoods, implying that these ancient jellyfish possessed the ability to engulf their prey whole. While they may not have reigned as apex predators, they certainly ruled the seas alongside the Anomalocaris, the earlier mentioned giant clawed shrimp.

Co-author on the discovery, Jean-Bernard Caron, told Science Magazine, “There’s more work to be done with this fossil. Who knows who was eating what?”

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In a groundbreaking discovery that was recently unveiled by South Korean physicists on a pre-print server, the world of applicable physics may be on the cusp of a revolutionary breakthrough.

This revelation, if substantial through replication, has the potential to usher in a new era of technology and science. The scientists involved propose the existence of materials that exhibit the remarkable property of being “room-temperature, ambient pressure superconductors.”

In simpler terms, this discovery borders on the utopian, resembling a concept straight out of science fiction. And moreover, it has the potential to become a milestone to mark the 4^th technological revolution, which could possibly change the world as we know it.

Of course, these two revolutionary papers have received a lot of skepticism, even from the authors themselves. One of the co-authors, Sukbae Lee, expressed his concern that Professor Kwon published their experiments on the pre-print server Arxiv without consulting the other authors. Worse, it was published before the paper was even properly written, which they believe led to the skepticism in the broader scientific community in the first place, which is what led many to call their data both “sloppy” and “fishy.”

Regardless of the lack of confidence in the paper, the findings are still worth looking at. The team managed to identify a lead-based compound known as LK-99, which supposedly possesses superconducting properties.

In conventional conductors like copper wire, as electricity flows through them, electrons collide with one another, resulting in a net loss of energy and an increase in heat dispersion within the materials. This phenomenon is precisely why electron devices, such as laptops, tend to heat up when operated at full power.

Superconductors, on the other hand, are materials that enable electrons to move freely without any disruption, allowing them to transmit huge amounts of energy. These materials, like niobium-titanium or niobium-tin, are known for their ability to conduct electricity without resistance.

Superconducting magnets, powered by these materials, possess the strength to levitate trains and confine plasmas within nuclear fusion reactors.

But the issue that comes with traditional superconductors is their dependence on extremely low temperatures, often as low as -100°C, to maintain their superconducting state. What makes the LK-99 remarkable is its capacity to operate at room temperature. LK-99 is synthesized through a baking process involving the minerals lanarkite and copper phosphide.

The researchers further claim that this material can induce magnetic levitation even at pressures equivalent to those at sea level.

If these claims are verified, this discovery could revolutionize transportation. Imagine cars, trains, skateboards, and bicycles levitating through the air, all via the power of magnetism, making wheels basically obsolete.

Moreover, nuclear fusion rectors, which currently rely on extensive amounts of conventional superconducting wires and expensive cooling systems, could potentially be engineered more efficiently.

One perfect example is the ITER fusion reactor in France. This happens to be a flagship project for nuclear fusion research, utilizing a staggering 124 miles – or 200 kilometers – of superconducting cables, maintained at an astonishingly frigid temperature of -252°F (-269°C) inside the world’s largest cryogenic freezer.

To address all the skepticism surrounding their claims, Singularity Hub created a short but amazing report that raised some very intriguing questions. It notes that if LK-99 genuinely possesses magnetic levitation capabilities, a video published by the researchers should demonstrate the entire sample levitating above the magnet, secured in place by the “quantum lock” of the Meissner Effect.

Despite that, the video only shows a portion of the sample exhibiting this behavior, leaving room for doubt.

In light of these uncertainties, the authors have extended an invitation for independent peer review and replication of their findings. This step is essential to restore their scientific credibility and determine whether their discovery truly holds the potential to revolutionize the word of physics and technology as we know it. The coming days will undoubtedly by captivating as the scientific community endeavors to unravel this intriguing mystery.

As per Dr. Mark Ainslie, a superconductors expert from King’s College London, in an interview with Sky News, “We’re cautious about these kinds of claims. It would be fantastic, but extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. We’re waiting to see what happens with the replication efforts going on at the moment.”

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Researchers in the Netherlands have unveiled findings that significantly challenge what we believe to be the plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. This means that it’s not as dire as we originally believed it to be.

This groundbreaking research offers a host of encouraging highlights and revelations. First of all, it shows that the abstract scientific modeling that has been used can be more than just wrong, but actually completely wrong. Secondly, it sheds light on the amazing efforts of a large number of organizations dedicated to cleaning out the oceans and rivers and the incredible efforts and differences they are making to the planet’s ecosystems.

The Netherlands Times has reported that estimates of plastic entering the oceans over the past two decades have ranged from a staggering 50 million to an alarming 300 million tons. However, the actual figure appears to be in the vicinity of a much more modest 3.2 million tons.

Oceanologist Mikeal Kaandorp and his team based their calculations on a large amount of “reliable” data, encompassing an impressive 20,000 measurements. Among the noteworthy findings are that rivers contribute considerably less plastic to the oceans than previously assumed, and microplastics constitute a substantially smaller proportion of plastic waste than previously estimated.

According to The NL Times, these large models on the amount of plastic going into the oceans are based on how much plastic has been made, as well as how much has been recycled, how much has been buried or incinerated, and how much is unaccounted for.

Environmental organizations have positioned that an annual influx of 10 million tons, primarily through river systems, ultimately reaches the oceans. However, Kaandorp cautions against presuming that every piece of unaccounted-for plastic invariably ends up in the ocean.

The research also shows that a lot of the plastic isn’t making it into the earth’s waters, but of the amount that does, an even more substantial amount than previously thought becomes trapped in the river systems.

The Netherlands-based non-profit company, The Ocean Cleanup, has actively engaged in the cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which has also referred to studies estimating that “millions of tons” of plastic enter the oceans annually.

Kaandrop’s conclusions suggest that since 2000, approximately 3.2 million tons of plastic have entered the ocean, averaging around 130,000 tons annually. While still a significant concern, this figure is considerably lower than previously assumed.

These discoveries are quite vital, mostly because they can help lessen the feeling of hopelessness of people wanting to try and make a difference in plastic pollution. Even nations with the strongest environmental commitments had no feasible strategies to address the Great Pacific Garbage Patch until The Ocean Cleanup took the initiative.

Should the 30 wealthiest nations unite to remove 4,333 tons of debris annually from oceans and rivers, it would align with Kaandrop’s model of the actual yearly plastic influx – a goal well within reach and entirely manageable at that.

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During an excavation in Malta, a research team from the University of South Florida made an amazing discovery. They round an incredibly well-preserved 2,000-year-old house that once belonged to an affluent family.

This exciting find sheds light on life in Malta 2,000 years ago when the Romans ruled over the island, which served as a pivotal hub for military operations and maritime trade.

Situated in the heart of the ancient city of Melite, this opulent mansion, commonly referred to as a Roman Domus, had been concealed beneath layers of soil for centuries.

Davide Tansai,  professor and director of the University’s Institute for Digital Exploration (IDEx), who led the team of six students, said, “In use between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE, the Domus was elegantly decorated with mosaic floors, wall frescoes and marble decorations. During the Roman Empire, it was certainly used as a residence by a representative of the emperor or some very wealthy individual very close to the imperial court.”

Following a summer of painstaking excavation, artifact processing, and cleaning, the team unveiled a portion of an adjacent house, previously unknown, boasting walls that reached an extraordinary height of nearly 10 feet. This was quite uncommon from the typical Roman residential units normally found in the Mediterranean region.

In their quest to uncover the identity of the house’s owner and gain insights into what life was just a block away from the domus, the team scrutinized the artifacts they unearthed. These artifacts provided interesting clues, hinting at an opulent interior adorned with terracotta floor tiles, frescoed plasters, and an ancient waste disposal system brimming with fragmented pottery, glass vessels, animal bones, and charcoal.

“It was literally the garbage disposed by whomever lived in the house. By studying this deposit, we will learn a lot about the life of who lived in the house. It is surprising how much you can learn about people from their garbage,” Tanasi said.

Meanwhile, Angela Costello, a USF doctoral student who has been uncovering “amazing Roman structures” in the Melite Civitas Romana, said, “Malta is critically understudied despite being a wealth of fantastic archaeology and history from antiquity.”

And as for Sarah Hassam, she shares that another person’s trash has indeed proven to be a treasure. “The most exciting moment for me was during our third week, while cleaning pottery, a small fragment I had been scrubbing revealed the engraved letters D-A-O-I, a possible hint for somebody’s name. Everyone was pumped and shared theories,” she said. Hassam is also a USF ancient history graduate student.

The research team has been granted an extension to continue their excavations in the Roman Domus district until 2025. Next summer, the organization leading the project, IDEx, plans to look deeper into the newly discovered house, hoping to uncover even more information about the identity of the owner.

For students interested in archaeology and history, there are opportunities to intern and volunteer with IDEx, providing a chance to engage in similar projects and gain hands-on experience in the digital aspects of these fields, including 3D capture and modeling.

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Why settle for a 4×4 when you can go all the way to an 8×8?

A Finnish company called 18 Wheels claims to have developed and manufactured a distinctive patented suspension system for what they are called the “eco ATV.”

This innovation employs a total of 18 wheels to minimize soil disruption during operation.

According to the company, “Our ATV does not destroy the soil, is safe for nature, and has a significantly better dynamic performance and cross-country ability than any ATV,” showing those who doubt its capabilities that this machine is more than just a party piece.

The very first prototype device was built last year to test the hypothesis and suspension on different types of soils.

18 Wheels explains that the prototype has a suspension system that gives a special trajectory of movement and even has an independent electric motor inside. This is the same as some of the hybrid or electric performance cars that can calculate how much power it needs to send to each wheel to better both its speed and stability.

The company also reports that, “After six months of testing, we designed the second prototype already in the public design and are now building it.”

18 Wheels plans its “tentative presentation date” for October 2023, while also planning to begin selling it next spring. They also announced that the preliminary price of this new vehicle will be around $20,000.

They add, “We plan to organize a test drive and invite everyone who wants to test drive it.”

Moreover, the 18 Wheels’ website also lists the benefits of the system including ‘the ability to overcome obstacles higher than 8 inches without loss of speed, the ability to apply to different equipment and adapt to different tasks, and the versatility to tackle all soils, temperatures, and seasons.’

See more about this innovative creation in the video below:

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Juno Beach, located in the northern part of Palm Beach County, has already exceeded the previous record for the number of turtle nests observed in a single nesting season.

Despite having three more months of counting ahead, the beach has recorded a remarkable 21,872 nests, primarily from loggerhead sea turtles. This surpasses the final count of 18,132 nests documented last October.

“We are so excited to break this all-time nesting record and can’t wait to see if each sea turtle species breaks its individual record,” Dr. Justin Perrault, vice president of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, said in a recent news release.

Approximately 15,000 nests are predominantly occupied by the loggerhead species, constituting an immense majority. However, the nesting grounds also accommodate green and leatherback sea turtles. Each of these species is categorized as either vulnerable or endangered.

“Ocean conservation efforts that have been practiced for decades are finally coming to fruition, and we need to make sure that we continue to protect these animals and their ecosystems,” he added.

The enumeration was conducted by the Center at Juno Beach, Jupiter-Carlin Park, and Tequesta.

Thankfully, it’s not just Florida experiencing an abundant turtle population.

Along the shores of Baldwin County in Alabama, specialists anticipate a remarkable year. In contrast to Florida, the conclusion of August marks the conclusion of the nesting period, and the 13 nests containing loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, and green sea turtles already exceed the total of nests from both the 2016 and 2017 nesting seasons by 2 nests.

“Those were our benchmarks and being ahead of that already at this point, it’s very exciting,” said the program director for Share the Beach, which is a volunteer organization that stakes and marks out the turtle nests they find in the area.

In the recent past, certain states situated along the US Gulf Coast and the Atlantic have witnessed remarkable surges in the number of turtle nests. This phenomenon paints a vivid picture of the United States assuming the role of a sanctuary for these majestic creatures. The significance lies in the fact that once these turtles hatch in these regions, they establish an intricate connection with their birthplace. This connection prompts them to faithfully return year after year to the very same beach where they first emerged from their nests, with the purpose of laying their own eggs.

This emerging pattern of heightened turtle nest numbers signifies a commendable conservation achievement in these coastal areas. Not only does it highlight the efforts to protect and preserve these delicate ecosystems, but it also underscores the critical role that human actions can play in bolstering the natural habitats of these remarkable creatures. By nurturing an environment that allows turtles to thrive and continue their ancient cycle of life, these states are contributing to the broader global mission of safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the survival of these magnificent species for generations to come.

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Governor Janet Mills has proudly announced a remarkable achievement for Maine, surpassing its 100,000 new heat pump installation goal for 2025 by a full two years. This achievement stands as a significant stride forward in Maine’s efforts to diminish its dependence on heating oil, alleviate heating expenses, and mitigate the detrimental impact of carbon emissions.

In her commitment to sustaining this progress, Governor Mills has unveiled an even more ambitious objective: the installation of an additional 175,000 heat pumps in Maine by 2027. This endeavor would bring the total count of heat pumps integrated into homes, businesses, and public establishments during her tenure to an impressive 275,000, and if realized, the entire state would boast a cumulative count of over 320,000 heat pumps.

Imagine heat pumps as innovative mechanisms for temperature recycling. Fueled by refrigerant fluid and housing a compressor, they excel at redistributing surplus heat. Depending on the external conditions, whether it’s warmth or coldness, heat pumps effectively transfer heat into or out of buildings.

Although commonly associated with warmer weather benefits, the adaptability of heat pumps was evidenced in Maine’s extreme weather conditions. During a severe cold spell in February, some regions experienced temperatures plummeting to a staggering -60°F. Remarkably, Efficiency Maine, a key facilitator in the adoption of heat pumps in the state, conducted a survey among beneficiaries who had received rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. These individuals attested to feeling comfortably warm and content. Notably, they proudly shared their substantial financial savings, which amounted to hundreds of dollars in contrast to traditional home heating systems, including boilers, gas furnaces, and heating oil.

Governor Mills’ visionary leadership has not only propelled Maine ahead of schedule in its heat pump adoption goals but has also charted a compelling course towards a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious future for the state.

“Our transition to heat pumps is creating good-paying jobs, curbing our reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting costs for Maine families, all while making them more comfortable in their homes – a hat trick for our state,” said Mills. “We are setting an example for the nation, and with our new and ambitious goal, we will continue to lead the way when it comes to embracing efficient, climate-friendly technologies that strengthen our economy, protect our environment, and save people money.”

The shift commenced in 2019 with the Legislature receiving bipartisan backing. During that time, Governor Mills put into effect legislation that established ambitious goals for the transition to renewable energy and the curbing of greenhouse gas emissions.

“We know that when a lower-income home can add a heat pump, it helps reduce overall heating and cooling costs and trims our dependence on carbon-emitting fuels. It helps our planet and enhances a home’s affordability and a heating system’s reliability, all at the same time,” Erik Jorgensen, Senior Director of Communications and Government Relations at MaineHousing, said. “MaineHousing is proud of its contributions in helping Maine accomplish our heat pump goal.”

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Spanning nearly 150 acres, the Jardim Gramacho landfill located in Rio de Janeiro earned notoriety as one of Latin America’s largest and most infamous waste disposal sites. However, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, now flourishing as a vibrant mangrove forest that pulsates with diverse life forms.

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As evacuation orders swept across various towns in Canada due to the advancing wildfires, a singular individual stood out among the responders. Hailing from the town of Yellowknife, this man embarked on a courageous mission amid the turmoil – his objective: to rescue any abandoned pets left in the wake of the crisis.

The fires’ relentless march led them directly toward the town of Behchokǫ, situated in the Northwest Territories, a region of Canada. In response to the evacuation mandate received by Behchokǫ, a man named Jason Card took it upon himself to spring into action. He made his way to the nearby SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), where he collected an array of dog crates. These crates, destined for a vital purpose, would aid in the transportation of the animals he was determined to save.

With his steadfast commitment and an unwavering sense of responsibility, Jason Card set out for the heart of the fire zone. Accompanying him on this courageous expedition were his teenage child and his 80-year-old stepfather. Over a journey spanning 63 miles, they traversed the highway that connected Yellowknife to Behchokǫ. Upon arriving at their destination, they were met with a scene of chaos – people in the midst of evacuation, hurriedly seeking refuge from the encroaching flames.

Undeterred by the surrounding chaos, the trio wasted no time. By 8:00 pm, their truck was brimming with a precious cargo – a diverse array of pets that they had managed to rescue. This act of heroism not only symbolized the compassion and resilience of the human spirit but also underlined the significance of protecting and caring for the most vulnerable members of our communities, even in the face of adversity.

“Literally as soon as we got into town and people heard that we were rescuing dogs, we had people coming up to us asking us to get the dogs and if we had room. We filled every kennel that we had,” Mr. Card said when he spoke to the national news.

In the darkness of the night, the team unloaded crates primarily filled with dogs. Swiftly, they reversed their path, making a direct return to Behchokǫ. This time, they completed their journey back to Yellowknife, arriving at 5:00 am.

Dr. Michelle Tuma, affiliated with Vets Without Borders Canada in Yellowknife, caught wind of Card’s compassionate endeavor. She reached out with the aim of securing temporary shelter in Yellowknife for the animals, ensuring their well-being as their owners embarked on a safe evacuation.

In the interim, following a brief period of rest, the trio of rescuers set out once more, only to encounter a closed highway. Initially contemplating the logistics of transporting dogs by air, news reached them that the highway was reopening. Undeterred, they resumed their rescue mission as before, ultimately saving over 30 dogs along with several cats.

Tuma described the Card’s dedication as “insanely heartwarming.”

“It just shows, I mean, the sense of community that is in the North and the lengths that people will go to,” she said.

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A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where researchers have unveiled an innovative, infinitely recyclable plastic that holds the potential to combat the escalating global pollution crisis.

By skillfully manipulating microbes, scientists have orchestrated the production of elements essential for a sustainable substitute to the 90% of plastics that currently remain non-recyclable. This breakthrough is particularly significant as numerous conventional plastics rely on limited and environmentally harmful petrochemicals as their fundamental constituents.

In a remarkable feat, the research team based in California has effectively reengineered microbes to synthesize biological alternatives to the initial components of a revolutionary recyclable plastic named poly(diketoenamine), or PDK for short.

“This is the first time that bioproducts have been integrated to make a PDK that is predominantly bio-based,” Dr. Brett Helms, the project leader, said.

“And it’s the first time that you see a bio-advantage over using petrochemicals, both with respect to the material’s properties and the cost of producing it at scale.”

He clarified that PDK, unlike conventional plastics, has the unique ability to be broken down into its original high-quality components and reshaped into novel products, all without any loss of quality.

In the beginning, PDKs utilized components sourced from petrochemicals; however, these constituents can be reengineered and synthesized using microorganisms.

After a persistent effort spanning four years, the scientists have successfully engineered E. coli to convert plant-derived sugars into key building blocks, specifically a molecule referred to as triacetic acid lactone (bioTAL). This achievement has led to the creation of a PDK variant with an impressive bio-content of approximately 80 percent.

“We’ve demonstrated that the pathway to 100 percent bio-content in recyclable plastics is feasible,” Jeremy Demarteau, a project scientist on the team, shared. “You’ll see that from us in the future.”

He mentioned that PDKs have versatile applications, spanning various products like adhesives, pliable items such as computer cables or watch bands, and even construction materials.

The integration of bioTAL into the material astonished researchers, as it broadened the operational temperature range by as much as 60 degrees Celsius when compared to the petrochemical variant.

This discovery, they believe, unveils the potential of employing PDKs in items necessitating precise working temperatures, such as sports equipment and automotive components like bumpers or dashboards.

“We can’t keep using our dwindling supply of fossil fuels,” said Professor Jay Keasling, senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Biosciences Area. “We want to help solve the plastic waste problem by creating materials that are both biorenewable and circular – and providing an incentive for companies to use them.

“Then people could have the products they need for the time they need them, before those items are transformed into something new.”

The research, which has been published in the journal Nature Sustainability, further expands upon a previous environmental and technological study from 2021. This earlier analysis demonstrated that PDK plastic could achieve commercial competitiveness with traditional plastics when manufactured on a significant scale.

Corinne Scown, positioned as a staff scientist within Berkeley Lab’s Energy Technologies Area, remarked,  how the outcomes of our recent findings are highly promising.

“We found that with even modest improvements to the production process, we could soon be making bio-based PDK plastics that are both cheaper and emit less CO2 than those made with fossil fuels.”

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America’s national parks get millions of visitors per year, and for good reason. Aside from serving as more than havens for people to go for relaxation, or to protect the country’s unique and fragile landscapes, they are also strongholds of biodiversity.

A prime example can be found in Big Bend National Park in Texas, where a particular species of oak tree – previously declared extinct – has now been rediscovered.

This remarkable oak, also known as Quercus tardifolia – or the late-leaf oak – is a living relic of a bygone climatic era in Texas. During a time when the Lone Star State was wetter and cooler, this oak species adapted by retaining its leaves throughout the winter and regenerating them usually late in spring.

As a result, it can only thrive in the north-facing canyons of Big Bend National Park Chisos Mountains, where there is ample shade and moisture.

A scientist with the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s Rare Plants and Conservation program, Michael Eason, went into Big Bend alongside his team of botanists in the hopes of finding a late-leak oak.

Eason explained to NPR, “The Tardifolia, the one that nobody could ever find, was sort of a—I wouldn’t say a missing link—but we were trying to figure out ‘where does this sit?’”

Collecting leaf samples from an area called Boot Canyon, Eason sent these specimens to the Morton Arboretum for thorough analysis. When the microscopy results arrived, they confirmed Eason’s suspicions, that Quercus tardifolia still existed.

Scouring the slopes of Boot Canyon, Eason and his team successfully located two of these supposedly extinct oaks. They carefully collected branches and grafted them onto oak rootstock back at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Additional specimens were discovered in canyons situated on privately owned ranch lands in the surrounding vicinity.

He said, “It’s definitely a highlight of the career finding something that was presumed extinct. There’s definitely elation when we found it that first day, I was pretty emotional. I don’t think anyone thought that we would find two, and I don’t think anyone ever thought that we would be looking at other populations on private land.”

Currently, Eason’s greenhouse boasts a considerable number of these oaks, and he is actively distributing seedlings to botanic gardens across the nation to ensure the preservation of this species. This remarkable rediscovery underscores the vital role national parks play in safeguarding biodiversity and the natural heritage of the country.

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A new milestone has been achieved in the field of geothermal energy production in northern Nevada this week, as confirmed by a recent commercial pilot project.

Fervo Energy, a leading player in the sector, proudly announced the successful completion of the well test for its expansive commercial pilot initiative known as ‘Project Red’.

This achievement marks a significant step forward in advancing the utilization of cutting-edge geothermal power technology.

The favorable outcome of the well test serves as a validation of the practical viability of Fervo’s advanced drilling techniques, firmly establishing ‘Project Red’ as an unparalleled enhanced geothermal system in terms of productivity.

During the course of a 30-day well test, a benchmark often used in the geothermal industry, an impressive flowrate of 63 liters per second was achieved at a notably high temperature. This accomplishment enables the generation of 3.5 MW of electric power, shattering previous records for both flowrate and power output from an enhanced geothermal system.

Distinguished by its achievement, Fervo has become the pioneering entity in successfully drilling a horizontal well into thermal reservoirs to extract commercial geothermal energy. This accomplishment not only signifies a major leap forward in energy production but also effectively mitigates the risks associated with drilling operations.

“By applying drilling technology from the oil and gas industry, we have proven that we can produce 24/7 carbon-free energy resources in new geographies across the world,” Tim Latimer, Fervo Energy CEO and Co-Founder, shared.

“The incredible results are the product of many years of dedicated work and commitment from Fervo employees and industry partners, especially Google.”

In 2021, Fervo and Google forged a partnership to create the next-generation power plant. Their aim was to provide an uninterrupted, eco-friendly energy source for Google’s Cloud servers in Las Vegas. This initiative would substantially lessen the company’s dependence on fossil fuels.

As per an official statement, Fervo made notable strides by achieving lateral lengths of 3,250 feet, resulting in a temperature of 191 °C.

Fervo diligently implemented a protocol to mitigate induced seismicity, drawing from the best practices outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Remarkably, the entire project was executed without any untoward incidents. The data gathered during this pilot endeavor will accelerate the progress of geothermal deployment. Fervo’s upcoming horizontal well pair is projected to yield over twice the power output of the current pilot design.

Google’s Senior Director for Energy and Climate, Michael Terrell, also said, “Achieving our goal of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy will require new sources of firm, clean power to complement variable renewables like wind and solar.”

Fervo says their results have shown that geothermal energy may be able to supply over 20% of U.S. power needs and compliment wind and solar in order to attain a fully decarbonized grid. “With Fervo’s breakthrough, no technological barriers to geothermal deployment remain.”

Jesse Jenkins, leader of the Zero-carbon Energy systems Research and Optimization (ZERO) lab at Princeton University, said, “Fervo’s successful commercial pilot takes next-generation geothermal technology from the realm of models into the real world and starts us on a path to unlock geothermal’s full potential.”

Presently operational in 26 nations, geothermal technology generates electricity by circulating cold water into the Earth’s depths. There, the water is naturally heated by the planet’s internal temperature. Upon being brought back to the surface, this water does not release carbon or any detrimental pollutants.

During the ongoing summer season, Fervo initiated construction on its inaugural greenfield project in the southwestern region of Utah. This site is located next to the Department of Energy’s Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE). The proceeds and insights garnered from Fervo’s undertaking in Utah will be channeled into the establishment of additional projects in previously unexplored geographical locations.

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A number of years ago, a dry cleaning establishment located in Connecticut made a very bizarre yet fascinating discovery. Their store happened to be situated right in the heart of a turtle migration route.

As a result, every year, from May through September, the usual duties of the people just cleaning and pressing clothes took on some additional responsibility: rescuing and safeguarding turtles.

This amazing phenomenon happens at Pameacha Pond, a 19-acre body of water found in Middletown, CT. During the spring season, Eastern painted turtles embark on a migration journey that leads them to cross a bustling two-lane road in their quest to reach the pond and lay their eggs.

During the later portion of the summer, the amount of turtles also changes. Instead of adult turtles entering the front door of Best Cleaners, the shop finds tiny hatchlings the size of a quarter slowly making their way through the back entrance.

Speaking with the Washington Post, the assistant manager of the store, Jennifer Malon, said “Every summer, we’re always looking at our feet because we don’t want to step on them.”

Malon is only one of the many dedicated individuals at Beast Cleaners who regularly venture across the busy road, carrying tiny turtles gently in their hands. The story gained significant attention when it was covered by local news and subsequently featured in the Post, leading local residents to volunteer and contribute to this heartwarming effort.

In a different interview, this time with the Middletown Press, Malon explained, “We have all helped bring at least one turtle across. We’re used to it now; it’s part of the job almost. We put them a good distance toward the water and they usually climb down the bank.”

While these Eastern painted turtles aren’t rare, nor considered endangered, they still hold a special place in the ecosystem as an important indicator species. They serve as a measure of the overall health and balance of the environment.

Interestingly, the residents of Middletown cherish this unique aspect of their town. Witnessing turtles casually making their way through the store as they come to pick up their dry cleaning has become one of the most endearing parts of the local community’s identity.

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In May, Airbnb embarked on an initiative to provide meaningful assistance to its hosts in Massachusetts, enabling them to undertake environmentally conscious and energy-efficient enhancements to their homes. These enhancements encompass a range of improvements such as bolstered insulation, the installation of rooftop solar arrays, and the adoption of heat pumps.

In this endeavor, Airbnb has entered into a partnership with Abode Energy Management, a collaboration that entails a substantial $2,000 rebate for hosts who opt for heat pump installations, as well as an additional $500 rebate for upgrades that enhance weather resistance and energy efficiency within their properties.

The overarching objective of Airbnb’s initiative lies in leveraging recently passed legislation within the state, aimed at rendering the installation of heat pumps financially viable for homeowners. Particularly, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has introduced a pivotal provision: a 30% tax credit applicable to expenses of up to $2,000 expended on heat pump installations.

At present, around half of Massachusetts’ homes rely on natural gas for heating, while a quarter of them depend on costly heating oil for their indoor climate. Heat pumps offer a twofold advantage: they not only boast lower operational costs, but they also emit 3 to 5 times fewer carbon dioxide and equivalent emissions compared to the combustion of heating oil.

To ensure the affordability of these crucial home improvements, Abode has taken the lead in facilitating hosts’ access to rebates that can reach up to $10,000. These rebates are directed towards the transition to air-source heat pumps, and they are augmented by further incentives for weatherization upgrades, contingent upon eligibility criteria.

This financial support is made accessible through Mass Save, a collaborative initiative involving Massachusetts’ electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers. The central thrust of Mass Save is to empower residents, businesses, and communities to undertake energy-efficient upgrades. In addition to the rebates available through Mass Save, Airbnb has committed to providing supplementary grants, extending up to $2,500.

“It’s an opportunity to expose so many guests to these kinds of improvements,” Travis Estes, Abode CEO, said. “It’s really exciting — it means we’re to helping to convert our society as a whole to be more electrified and decarbonized.”

While similar programs were launched by Airbnb in the UK and France during 2022, the Massachusetts venture constitutes the company’s inaugural foray into home energy efficiency programs within the United States. A notable statistic put forth by the company indicates that two-thirds of its hosts rely on their Airbnb earnings to meet their financial needs.

The collaboration with Abode serves the overarching purpose of assisting these hosts in staying ahead of the economic curve, enabling them to introduce energy-efficient attributes that might otherwise remain beyond their immediate financial reach.

Considering the diverse attractions Massachusetts has to offer – whether in Cape Cod, Boston, Nantucket Island, Martha’s Vineyard, or the Berkshire Mountains – it’s heartening to recognize that opting for an Airbnb stay in these locales now represents a more sustainable choice than ever before.

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In the city of Savannah, Georgia, there’s an amazing non-profit organization led by women wearing pink hard hats and high-visibility vests, and they have dedicated their time to deconstruction,  reuse and recycling.

In essence, deconstruction is the careful dismantling of structures where most of the components of the structure can and should still be repurposed. This type of work is normally done on heritage materials, such as wood that is still incredibly high-quality endangered wood, which would sadly get placed in landfills otherwise.

The name of the company is Re:Purpose Savannah, and it’s a 501(c)3 nonprofit that specializes in dissembling old, condemned buildings to salvage valuable materials like bricks, timber, door frames, metalwork, and various other components. These salvaged treasures are then sold to construction companies engaged in crafting new homes for discerning clients. Their portfolio includes the deconstruction of beach houses, diaries, bungalows, cottages, and traditional townhouses.

This endeavor is the classic example of circular economics, regardless of the fact that it demands 6 times more labor hours compared to a traditional home demolition. Moreover, it was actually during the COVID-19 pandemic that the true worth of this niche occupation became evident.

Executive Director for Re:purpose Savannah, Mae Bowley, explained in a mini-doc shot by the Christian Science Monitor, “When COVID happened the price of lumber skyrocketed, all our lumber was coming from elsewhere. My supply, which is local, didn’t dry up, I didn’t have to raise my prices a penny.”

In addition,  what makes their work even more remarkable is the source of the wood they recover. A lot of it comes from trees that are either no longer suitable for traditional lumber production because they are considered to have an endangered status, or there are better options available for mass timber planting.

These types of trees include white and red oak, hickory, longleaf pine, walnut and sweetgum. Longleaf pine, in particular, stands out as an exceptional wood because it boasts of tensile strength that rivals that of steel.

Re:purpose Savannah doesn’t just stop at deconstruction; they also have their own lumber yard. Here, the salvaged boards, beams, joints, and flooring undergo a gentle restoration process to remove decay or any signs of wear and tear which they also sell on their extensive website.

Every historic building they dismantle is meticulously documented, preserving as much of its context as possible. This rich history accompanies the materials and lumber as they find their way to new homes, ensuring that the legacy of Savannah’s architectural heritage lives on through repurposed treasures.

See more about what they do in the video below.

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