In Finland, it's a tradition that all soon-to-be mothers are offered a baby box, full of basic supplies, that also doubles as a sleeping place for the baby. The tradition started there back in 1938, and as Yes! Magazine reports, it’s catching on in the U.S. as well, including Seattle. Baby boxes have a lot going for them. They’re safe for babies to sleep in, and have been credited with reducing infant mortality. They can provide material and psychological support to new mothers whatever their situation. They’re even recyclable!
"Baby boxes cut infant mortality in Finland — U.S. cities give them a try," Yes! Magazine.
Jimmy Carter, former president and former Baptist Sunday school teacher, is encouraging the Baptist community to fight racism. An Atlantic writer delves into Carter's efforts to bring together a coalition of Baptist groups to work for social justice. The article also touches on the challenges: Progressive Christian movements, unlike those on the right, haven’t always had much political influence, and young people are increasingly turning away from the church. But Carter hopes that the church’s efforts on racial justice will mobilize more young people.
"Jimmy Carter makes one final push to end racism," the Atlantic.
Renewable energy jobs are on the rise — in fact, they’ve outpaced both the growth and numbers of jobs in conventional energy. Grist reports on a study from the International Renewable Energy Agency, which found that while renewable energy employment increased 6 percent in 2015, jobs in oil and gas decreased 18 percent. Many of these green jobs are in China, Brazil, Japan, India and Germany, in addition to the United States. The report also found that renewable energy employs more women than energy as a whole.
"There are more jobs in renewable energy than in oil, gas and coal combined," Grist.
