Thread revival: Old clothes are being turned into brand new ones in the town of Sundsvall in Sweden. They're not just being reused as rags or stuffing, but made into fresh fabric. Inside a former paper factory, machines shred used clothing, remove the plastic and press the fibres into sheets that can be used to craft new garments. With rapid-turnover apparel creating huge amounts of waste, this kind of recycling offers a way to close the loop. More companies across Europe are using chemical processes to break fabric down and reuse it again and again. Big fashion brands are starting to join in, helping to expand these efforts. As clothing waste keeps growing, this approach may help the industry clean up its act.

Transit boost: Eliminating bus fares has done more than help people get around Kansas City, Missouri USA. It also has improved health. Free transit means more people walking to and from bus stops which boosts daily movement and supports better outcomes for heart health and stress levels. For many, the change has made trips to food shops, jobs, and clinics more affordable and frequent. Studies show that riders feel better, report lower financial strain, and use the system more often than before. Across the USA other cities are following suit, especially where fare collection never covered much of the cost anyway. As more research unfolds, free public transit may prove to be one of the simplest tools for community well-being.

Shared sightseeing: Across the world, blind and sighted travellers are taking on bold adventures - together. Guided by a travel model that pairs each blind guest with a sighted travel companion, tours like these include bungee jumping, sailing, hiking, and even skydiving, with experiences described out loud in real time. Companies like Traveleyes are leading the way, ensuring both accessibility and equality without relying on family or paid helpers. The setup encourages independence while opening up richer travel experiences for everyone. From group meals to volcano treks, each pair shares the moment side-by-side. The memories go beyond sightseeing; they build a connection that lasts far longer than the trip.

Grazing solution: In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA, herds of goats are tackling invasive weeds with enthusiasm and without chemicals. Brought in by local organisations, these animals chew through knotweed, ivy, and other destructive plants that crowd city parks and wild areas. Surefooted and curious, goats are ideal for steep slopes and dense brush, reaching places where people and machines struggle. The process helps reduce the need for herbicides, while also mimicking the benefits wild animals once brought to meadows. In other cities, pilot projects are exploring this natural method as part of a broader land care approach. For now, the goats eat, climb, and clear, earning their keep one mouthful at a time.

If we are unduly absorbed in improving our lives we may forget altogether to live them. ~ Alan Watts

People radiate what is in their minds and in their hearts. ~ Eleanor H. Porter

Wriggle & Rhyme, Manukau Library, every Tuesday during school-term. Join us for a programme that promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers. For ages 0-2 years old.

Live Stronger for Longer: Community strength and balance classes are a great opportunity to complete regular exercise whilst socialising and having fun with like-minded people in your community - www.livestronger.org.nz

Free notices for not for profits papakura@coffeenews.co.nz

1. Who wrote The Old Man and the Sea?

2. She was George Washington's wife.

3. Is mitochondrial DNA inherited from a father or mother?

4. Cape Breton is located in this Canadian province.

5. Did Chopin compose music mostly for viola, piano, or flute?

Ocean inspiration: Before creating the animated show SpongeBob SquarePants, Stephen Hillenburg was a marine biology teacher who used cartoons to teach. His blend of science and humour gave birth to one of TV's most beloved underwater worlds.

Twinkle, twinkle: Stars appear to twinkle because their light bends as it passes through Earth's constantly shifting atmosphere. Layers of moving air cause tiny changes in the light's path, creating the flicker. It's beautiful for stargazers, but frustrating for astronomers.

Smart score: IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient, a number meant to reflect a person's thinking ability compared to others their age. Once considered a measure of intelligence, IQ is now understood to represent a range of abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving.

Desert surprise: A desert isn't defined by heat or sand, but by how little rain it gets. That's why even Antarctica, the coldest place on Earth, is considered a desert. Antarctica averages less than 50 ml of precipitation a year.

Carrot crunch: To voice the Bugs Bunny cartoon character, actor Mel Blanc had to chomp real carrots for the sound effect, but then he'd spit them out. They were too tough to chew while speaking, but nothing else sounded the same.

A large hole has appeared on Main Street. Town workers are looking into it.

Eggs and ham: A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for the pig.

Son: Dad, I woke up laughing this morning. Dad: You must have slept funny.

What do brooms say to each other at bedtime? Sweep tight!

1. Ernest Hemingway 2. Martha Washington 3. Mother 4. Nova Scotia 5. Piano