Today’s Top Good News Story

The first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. just launched

Renewable energy sources are exceeding production expectations (it’s only continuing to grow and set records!), but that sustainable endeaver comes with a dirty downfall: lithium.

It’s a known issue in the clean energy space, as lithium mining has industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and destructive environmental impacts of its own. And lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market.

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. These kinds of batteries provide more power, recharge faster, last longer, and have a “completely safe and stable chemistry.”

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​This tech would make these good headlines even better:

• Solar-powered microgrids, which can produce and store energy independently from the main grid, are helping keep hospitals running uninterrupted in Ukraine.​
• ​Billie Eilish’s headlining Lollapalooza set integrated solar-powered battery systems, indicating a shift toward clean energy in the music sector.
• With one million swappable batteries already in circulation for e-motorcycles and scooters, Gogoro just unveiled 15 new stations powered completely by clean energy sources.​

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More Good News

​A groundbreaking at-home cervical cancer screening test just received ‘breakthrough’ status from the FDA. Self-collect screening methods like the Teal Wand have put Australia on track to completely eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2035.

​A woman-owned startup just launched a line of sustainable PPE products designed specifically for women in STEM. ArmorSui’s products include gender-inclusive lab coats, reusable isolation gowns, and fire-resistant hijabs.

​A South Korean research team created self-cleaning solar panels that maximize efficiency through wind energy. Solar energy is vital for a sustainable future, but dust and other environmental factors dramatically reduce panel efficiency — this tech could fix that limitation.

Good Quote of the Week

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More Good bits

🇵🇸 Honestly the only diss track we care about (and have on repeat).

🎁 Friendly reminder for the procrastination-prone: Mother’s Day is on Sunday!​

🧱 Yet another brilliant way to keep usable would-be waste out of landfills.

🐤 Some bird facts to help you hold on to (and create!) hope for the future.

*Some of these recommendations may include affiliate links, which means if you buy anything from this email, we may get something in return at no extra cost to you. (Thanks for your support!)

What’s good?

I’ve literally got a bird nest right outside my house with four (!!) baby birds chirping away in it right now. We get them every year and I love it!

How do you make your home more bird/insect/wildlife-friendly?

Hit “reply” and tell me your tips!

— ​​Megan