Scottish authorities successfully test four-day workweek, dogs surfing for a good cause

September 12, 2025

Hello dear Good News community,

The dog surfing competition at Del Mar Dog Beach in San Diego, California, really inspired me today. It’s wonderful to spend time with your dog, create shared experiences—and do something good at the same time. I train my dog in Rally Obedience, and it’s always amazing to see how we grow together as a team. Wishing you a great start to the weekend!

Enjoy reading, Bianca

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Scottish authorities successfully test four-day workweek

For one year, two Scottish authorities successfully tested a four-day workweek with no reduction in pay. Employees reported lower stress, higher motivation, and a better work-life balance. Productivity and service remained stable despite the 32-hour workweek. Source: THE GUARDIAN

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Tiny house made from old wind turbine nacelle

The lifespan of a wind turbine is around 20 to 25 years. About half of the components are reused in other countries, while the rest are discarded. To reduce waste, the company Blade Made is developing tiny houses from old wind turbine nacelles. Source: CNN

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Dogs surfing for a good cause

At this year’s dog surfing competition at Del Mar Dog Beach in San Diego, California, dogs hit the waves with their owners—sometimes alone, sometimes in groups with other four-legged friends. The special thing: all proceeds and prize money go to a local animal shelter. Source: DW

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Tomato stains & sweat: How blue light cleans textiles

Using high-intensity blue LED light against stains: researchers have shown that even stubborn residues from tomato juice, orange juice, or sweat disappear when exposed to the light. Even delicate fabrics like silk were successfully cleaned. The method could revolutionize textile care. Source: EUREKALERT

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Glowing bacteria detect microplastics

Microplastics are barely visible to the naked eye. Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have now developed a method to make the particles visible using glowing green bacteria. When the microbes come into contact with plastic, they start to glow. Initial practical tests have been successful. Source: TECHNOLOGY NETWORKS

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When agriculture retreats, wilderness returns

Since the early 2000s, global agricultural land use has been slowly declining. Farmland is increasingly being replaced by grasslands, trees, and shrublands—and wildlife is returning to its former habitats. Sustainability and food researchers Joseph Poore, Hannah Ritchie, and Charles Godfray are exploring how far this trend could go in the future. Source: BBC

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Best regards,

Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche