Goodable

Blueberries may be even better for your gut health than previously thought, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults who consumed about 1 1/2 cups of blueberries daily experienced significant health benefits.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved participants over the age of 60 who were overweight or had obesity. They were divided into two groups: one consumed blueberry powder equivalent to 1 1/2 cups of blueberries each day, while the other received a placebo. Both groups also followed an exercise routine.

After 12 weeks, those in the blueberry group showed lower cholesterol levels and beneficial changes in blood markers related to heart health. Additionally, they had higher levels of gut bacteria that aid in digesting antioxidants.

"The polyphenols in blueberries can positively influence the gut microbiome," said Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC. "This is crucial for overall health."

The study also noted an increase in specific gut bacteria among those consuming blueberry powder—bacteria known to help break down and absorb beneficial compounds from blueberries.

While the findings are promising, researchers caution that the small sample size limits broader applicability. The study was funded by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

For those looking to support heart and gut health, incorporating blueberries into daily meals is a simple step with potential benefits. Whether added to smoothies or enjoyed as a snack, these berries offer an accessible way to enhance well-being without drastic lifestyle changes.

<div>Blueberries may be even better for your gut health than previously thought, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults who consumed about 1 1/2 cups of blueberries daily experienced significant health benefits.</div><div><br></div><div>The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved participants over the age of 60 who were overweight or had obesity. They were divided into two groups: one consumed blueberry powder equivalent to 1 1/2 cups of blueberries each day, while the other received a placebo. Both groups also followed an exercise routine.</div><div><br></div><div>After 12 weeks, those in the blueberry group showed lower cholesterol levels and beneficial changes in blood markers related to heart health. Additionally, they had higher levels of gut bacteria that aid in digesting antioxidants.</div><div><br></div><div>"The polyphenols in blueberries can positively influence the gut microbiome," said Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC. "This is crucial for overall health."</div><div><br></div><div>The study also noted an increase in specific gut bacteria among those consuming blueberry powder—bacteria known to help break down and absorb beneficial compounds from blueberries.</div><div><br></div><div>While the findings are promising, researchers caution that the small sample size limits broader applicability. The study was funded by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.</div><div><br></div><div>For those looking to support heart and gut health, incorporating blueberries into daily meals is a simple step with potential benefits. Whether added to smoothies or enjoyed as a snack, these berries offer an accessible way to enhance well-being without drastic lifestyle changes.</div>

Scientists Just Uncovered a Big Health Perk in Blueberries

Science Alert

When we hear the word “twins,” we usually picture two identical people who share physical traits and maybe a few quirks. But in technology, the word has a very different meaning — one that could change medicine forever.

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real system, a kind of dynamic model that uses real-time data to mimic and predict how that system behaves. Think of it as a smart mirror — one that doesn’t just reflect, but learns, adapts, and forecasts what comes next.

For years, digital twins have been used in engineering and industry. They’ve helped predict aircraft faults before they happen, fine-tune factory performance, and even design cars that adapt based on how thousands of drivers use them.

Now, the same idea is moving into medicine — and even the human brain.

In cardiology, for instance, researchers are already developing digital twins of individual hearts. These virtual hearts can simulate how a specific patient’s organ might react to an arrhythmia or a new treatment — without putting the person at any risk. It’s a leap toward safer, more personalized healthcare, where doctors can test options virtually before making real-world decisions.

But what if we built digital twins of our minds?

Cognitive and mental health remain some of medicine’s toughest frontiers. Depression, anxiety, dementia, and age-related decline continue to affect millions worldwide. A team of scientists from Duke University, Columbia University, Nebrija University, and the neurotech company CogniFit believe that digital cognitive twins could help change that.

These cognitive twins combine data from brain activity, behavior, habits, and emotions into a virtual model that learns and evolves over time. By feeding it continuous data from wearable devices — like smartwatches, fitness trackers, or sleep monitors — artificial intelligence can detect subtle shifts in a person’s health long before symptoms appear.

In the near future, everyone could have their own cognitive twin — a personalized model capable of predicting how memory, focus, or mood might change, and suggesting customized activities to strengthen the brain.

“The key lies in integrating the technology we already use,” the researchers say. Devices that track heart rate, sleep quality, or stress could constantly feed data into an evolving system that adjusts advice and mental training in real time.

In this setup, AI acts like a conductor, orchestrating all the signals and turning them into a coherent, predictive picture of our health.

That could also revolutionize “brain training.” Until now, most digital brain-training tools have been little more than games with limited benefits. Cognitive twins go much further — offering an adaptive, scientifically backed system overseen by professionals and tailored to each person’s unique needs.

This marks a shift from a “one size fits all” approach to medicine that’s truly preventive and individualized.

Still, challenges remain. These systems will need strict safeguards to protect personal data, ensure transparency in how algorithms make decisions, and bridge the digital divide so older adults or people without access to technology aren’t left behind.

Even so, the potential impact is hard to ignore. A recent meta-analysis found that technology-based interventions can help delay cognitive decline — both normal and disease-related.

Decades ago, carrying a computer in our pockets sounded like science fiction. Now, it’s routine. In a few years, having a digital twin that helps monitor and maintain our mental health might feel just as normal.

After all, who better to help us understand and care for ourselves than our own digital double?

Could Your Own AI 'Twin' Revolutionize Mental Health Testing And Treatment?

A sharp-eyed California firefighter found a diamond that had fallen out of a motorcyclist’s ring after a traffic incident on Thursday morning, October 16.

Vacaville police said paramedics noticed that the rider’s ring had exposed prongs and that the diamond had gone missing.

Officers and firefighters began searching through nearby dirt and rocks determined to find the missing jewel.

The relief was obvious as one firefighter spotted the missing diamond and returned it to the owner, with the moment being caught on an officer’s body camera.

“A small moment of service that made a big difference,” Vacaville PD said.

<p>A sharp-eyed California firefighter found a diamond that had fallen out of a motorcyclist’s ring after a traffic incident on Thursday morning, October 16.</p><p>Vacaville police said paramedics noticed that the rider’s ring had exposed prongs and that the diamond had gone missing.</p><p>Officers and firefighters began searching through nearby dirt and rocks determined to find the missing jewel.</p><p>The relief was obvious as one firefighter spotted the missing diamond and returned it to the owner, with the moment being caught on an officer’s body camera.</p><p>“A small moment of service that made a big difference,” Vacaville PD said.</p>

Sharp-Eyed Firefighter Finds Diamond That Had Fallen From Motorcyclist's Ring

Talker News

A pair of identical twins from Ohio are thriving today after doctors performed life-saving surgery on them while they were still in the womb.

When Jessica Proudfoot was 20 weeks pregnant, she learned that her unborn sons, Graylen and Chaysen, had developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) — a rare and dangerous condition that affects identical twins who share a single placenta.

In TTTS, one twin receives too little blood while the other gets too much. The imbalance can deprive one baby of vital nutrients and overwhelm the other’s heart. Without treatment, the condition can be fatal.

Jessica underwent a fetoscopic laser ablation procedure at Cleveland Clinic Children's Fetal Care Center on July 10, 2024, a minimally invasive surgery that seals off abnormal blood vessels on the placenta to restore balance between the twins.

“It was scary leading up to the surgery, and we prayed a lot,” she said. “But I put my faith in Dr. Stephenson and this procedure.”

Dr. Courtney Stephenson, the maternal-fetal medicine specialist who led the team, explained the stakes. “The twin that gives blood to the other ends up having low blood volume, which reduces their kidney function and urine production,” she said. “On the other hand, the recipient twin is generally larger with volume overload, placing the heart under significant pressure, which can lead to cardiac dysfunction. If left untreated in severe, early-onset cases, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is associated with high mortality.”

The operation was a success. Within days, the twins’ blood volumes and fluid levels began to stabilize. Jessica was closely monitored through the rest of her pregnancy, but several weeks later, doctors discovered another risk — the twins’ legs were in the same amniotic sac, raising the danger of umbilical cord entanglement.

She was admitted to the hospital for continuous observation until the babies could be safely delivered. On September 20, 2024, at 31 weeks and six days, Jessica gave birth via C-section. Both boys cried immediately.

“We were so relieved to hear them both crying,” she said. “I was just thinking those are my boys and thank God they’re OK.”

Born prematurely, Graylen and Chaysen spent 80 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital to gain strength before going home. “The NICU team was amazing,” Jessica said. “It was really nice to have a group of nurses who not only comforted me but were there for the boys day and night.”

Now one year old, both boys are healthy and developing their own personalities. Graylen loves being held and cuddled, while Chaysen is more independent and curious.

“We’ve got some strong boys to make it through everything they did, and I’m so grateful to be able to hold them in my arms today,” Jessica said. “When I was in the hospital, I had to be strong for them because I knew they were feeling everything I was.”

For Jessica, Andrew, and their three-year-old daughter Elliana, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing — a story of science, faith, and two tiny fighters who beat the odds before they were even born.

These Identical Twins are Thriving After Undergoing Life-Saving Surgery in the Womb

The world’s rarest parrot, the Spix’s macaw, made famous by the film Rio, has hatched at a zoo in Belgium, marking a major milestone for one of conservation’s most extraordinary comeback stories.

The chick was born at the Centre for the Conservation of Endangered Bird Species at Pairi Daiza zoo, after more than two decades without a successful wild birth. The species was declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) over 25 years ago.

“This 101st egg is therefore a true miracle of life, the result of years of effort and patience,” the zoo said in a statement. “This exceptional success could be linked to a recent change in the birds’ diet.”

Pairi Daiza has worked for years to breed Spix’s macaws in captivity, but until now, none of the previous 100 eggs had been fertilized. The new hatchling marks the first confirmed success for the zoo’s conservation program.

Thomas Biagi, one of the rare bird keepers caring for the chick, described the experience as both exhausting and deeply rewarding. “Feeding the chick every two hours is exhausting, but also incredibly motivating, because we know we’re literally holding the future of one of the world’s most endangered species in our hands,” he said.

Spix’s macaws are small blue parrots native to Brazil, and their story is one of the most dramatic in conservation. Driven to near extinction by habitat loss and illegal trapping, the last known wild bird disappeared in 2000. Since then, only a few dozen individuals have survived in captivity thanks to global breeding programs.

Pairi Daiza said its ultimate goal is to help rebuild a viable and genetically diverse population, with the long-term aim of reintroducing the birds into the wild.

For now, the tiny hatchling represents a rare moment of hope — and proof that patience, science, and care can sometimes bring a species back from the brink.

World’s Rarest Parrot, Once Extinct in Wild, Hatches at Zoo

Yahoo

Across continents and millennia, ancient civilizations left behind monumental creations whose purpose and construction still baffle modern experts. From colossal stone heads and mysterious underground cities to vast desert lines visible only from above, these sites challenge our understanding of early human ingenuity — and reveal just how much of our past remains hidden.

1. The Nazca Lines (Peru)
Etched between 500 BCE and 500 CE, the Nazca Lines stretch across nearly 200 square miles of desert in southern Peru — hundreds of massive animal, plant, and geometric figures visible only from the sky.
While theories range from astronomical calendars to ritual pathways for rain gods, recent drone and AI mapping has uncovered more than 140 new geoglyphs, including humanoid figures along ancient trails. The mystery endures: why create art at a scale too large for its own makers to see?

2. Cahokia Mounds (Illinois, USA)
At its peak around 1100 CE, Cahokia was a bustling metropolis larger than medieval London. Its centerpiece, Monks Mound, required moving more than 22 million cubic feet of earth — all by hand. Yet by 1350 CE, the city was abandoned. Archaeologists cite drought, resource depletion, and social unrest, but no one knows for sure why North America’s first urban center vanished.

3. Moai Statues (Easter Island, Chile)
Nearly 1,000 stone figures rise from Rapa Nui’s volcanic landscape, each weighing up to 82 tons. Experiments suggest they were “walked” upright using ropes — as oral tradition claimed. But the mystery deepens: deforestation, famine, and conflict halted moai construction, leaving behind haunting symbols of both reverence and collapse.

4. Göbekli Tepe (Turkey)
Older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, this 11,000-year-old temple complex upended archaeology. Built by hunter-gatherers long before farming, its massive T-shaped pillars are carved with wild animals. The site suggests that spirituality — not agriculture — may have first driven humans to build in stone. Strangely, the entire complex was intentionally buried around 8000 BCE, for reasons still unknown.

5. Derinkuyu Underground City (Turkey)
Beneath Cappadocia lies an underground metropolis stretching 280 feet deep, with room for 20,000 people. Carved from volcanic rock, it includes ventilation shafts, wells, and rolling stone doors that seal from within. While Byzantine Christians later used it as a refuge, its origins may date back thousands of years earlier — a feat of engineering shrouded in darkness.

6. Stone Spheres of the Diquís Delta (Costa Rica)
Hundreds of perfectly round stone spheres, some over 2 meters wide, dot Costa Rica’s southern jungles. Created between 500 and 1500 CE, their precision — within mere millimeters — amazes scientists. Aligned in geometric and astronomical patterns, they may have marked power centers or ceremonial sites. Many were damaged by treasure hunters chasing myths of gold.

7. Puma Punku (Bolivia)
Part of the Tiwanaku complex near Lake Titicaca, Puma Punku’s blocks fit together with machine-like precision — some cut from stone weighing over 100 tons. Without wheels or metal tools, builders shaped perfect right angles and interlocking joints. The site appears intentionally destroyed, its stones scattered like puzzle pieces to a mystery no one can yet solve.

8. Chaco Canyon (New Mexico, USA)
Between 850 and 1250 CE, the Ancestral Puebloans built monumental “great houses” aligned to the sun and stars. Roads up to 30 feet wide stretch arrow-straight for miles across the desert, connecting distant settlements — though no wheeled transport existed. Whether these served trade, pilgrimage, or ceremony remains uncertain, but their astronomical precision still stuns visitors today.

9. Silbury Hill (England)
This 130-foot chalk mound near Stonehenge, built around 2400 BCE, required 4 million hours of labor — yet contains no burials or artifacts. Its purpose is entirely unknown. Some believe it symbolized a sacred mountain or united tribes through collective effort. Whatever the case, it stands as Europe’s largest prehistoric mound — an enormous riddle in plain sight.

10. Great Serpent Mound (Ohio, USA)
Stretching 1,348 feet across a plateau, this earthwork serpent aligns with the summer solstice sunset and possibly other celestial events. Whether built by the Adena or Fort Ancient peoples, its design — a coiled tail and open mouth grasping an “egg” or sun — may symbolize cosmic rebirth or fertility. It’s both a calendar and a masterpiece of Indigenous cosmology.

11. Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni (Malta)
Carved 5,000 years ago entirely underground, this limestone labyrinth housed over 7,000 burials. Its chambers — some resonating at 110 Hz — produce sound waves that can induce trance-like states, suggesting ritual use of acoustics. Whether by design or discovery, the builders harnessed sound and stone to bridge the worlds of the living and the dead.

12. Yonaguni Monument (Japan)
Submerged off Japan’s Yonaguni Island, this staircase-like formation spans nearly 500 feet underwater. Its terraces, columns, and right angles resemble a sunken pyramid — sparking fierce debate over whether it’s a natural formation or a lost city swallowed by rising seas 10,000 years ago. Even if nature made it, the resemblance to human design is uncanny.

These monuments remind us that history is full of unanswered questions. Whether carved from faith, fear, or sheer wonder, each structure whispers the same timeless truth: humans have always built bigger than their understanding — and left mysteries large enough for eternity.

Archaeologists Remain Baffled By These 12 Ancient Monuments

GoodGoodGood

Oscar de la Renta just dropped a luxury collection that proves fashion can have a heart — and a wagging tail.

The New York fashion house has teamed up with Isabel Klee, the social media creator behind Simon Sits, to release a line of couture bows for dogs. Each one sells for $200, comes in bold colors and floral patterns, and is available in three sizes.

It’s a steep price for a pet accessory, but there’s a twist: every cent goes to Muddy Paws Rescue, a nonprofit animal rescue based in New York City.

Muddy Paws runs a network of more than 2,000 foster homes and has saved over 9,000 dogs since launching in 2016. “This is a true pinch me, New York moment,” Klee wrote on Instagram. “I am forever grateful.”

Oscar de la Renta said the limited-edition capsule collection was timed to coincide with Adopt A Dog Month. The photo shoot for the campaign featured several former foster dogs decked out in their Sunday best.

The collaboration came about thanks to a very stylish coincidence. A few months ago, Klee was caring for Itsy, a two-year-old pit bull mix, when she was invited to appear on The TODAY Show. Unsure what to wear, she posted about her “fashion emergency” online.

Oscar de la Renta’s team saw it — and invited her to a private, dog-friendly styling session at one of their showrooms. “It all started a few months ago how most of these things happen: during a fashion emergency,” Klee joked in an Instagram Reel. “It turns out the entire Oscar team is rescue-dog-obsessed.”

While there, the brand surprised her with a few handmade bows designed especially for Itsy. The reaction online was immediate. “There were so many comments from people saying that they would love their own bow for their dogs to wear, so that’s exactly what they did,” Klee said in another Reel.

Now, those custom creations are officially available to buy — and the profits will directly help animals in need. “That means every single dollar will go back to animals,” Klee emphasized.

It’s unclear how much the brand expects to raise, but given the price tag and prestige, the impact could be significant.

“By shopping this special collection, you join Oscar de la Renta’s commitment to celebrating the joy of canine companionship while supporting the work of an organization making a proud difference,” the design house said in a statement.

Muddy Paws Rescue summed it up perfectly in a comment under the announcement: “Rescue has never looked so beautiful.”

Oscar de la Renta launches $200 dog bows — with 100% of profits helping rescue animals

Upworthy

When you think of holidays that bring out generosity, Halloween usually isn’t one of them. But Christophe Waggoner of Austin, Texas, is changing that — one costume at a time.

Through his nonprofit October’s Child, Waggoner gave away more than 2,000 free Halloween costumes this year to kids, parents, and even pets. The annual event, held on September 27, also included free decorations and plenty of community spirit.

“This year we had four 10-by-30 tents and four 10-by-10 tents that we formed in a square,” Waggoner told Upworthy. “It was so crowded, it was so wonderful. As you can tell, I love this program and I am so happy more people get to share in those feelings.”

Families browsed the racks with the help of local volunteers, trying on costumes and taking them home to make Halloween a little brighter. For many, it was an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have.

“While it’s great to see the smiles on the children’s faces, I’m most moved when I see parents get teary eyed or see them happy that they can give their child something they maybe didn’t think they’d have the ability to do,” Waggoner said.

He started the project in 2016, giving away a few dozen costumes from his garage. “When I did it the first year, I didn’t have a lot — half a garage, one shower rod of costumes,” he recalled. “But I was watching the kids, and they were laughing and giggling. It just made me feel good.”

Waggoner grew up in Arkansas, one of six children in a family that valued kindness and community. After a fire destroyed their home in 1976, he remembers how neighbors stepped in to help. “They taught us right,” he said of his parents. “They taught us to do stuff for other people.”

That spirit stayed with him. During grad school, he threw massive Halloween parties, inviting hundreds. But over time, he noticed something missing: “Nobody does anything [charitable] for Halloween,” he said. “So I thought, why not give costumes to kids for Halloween? I feel like I found a niche.”

A self-described “shopping addict,” Waggoner scours local Goodwill stores multiple times a week for costumes and decorations. Over the years, he’s expanded October’s Child into a full-fledged nonprofit, with two storage units — one for costumes, one for accessories — and a website built by a friend, Sam.

This year’s event was his biggest yet, featuring sizes from newborn up to 3X — and, for the first time, costumes for cats and dogs. “I’m very empathetic and very emotional,” Waggoner admitted. “At this year’s event, I broke down multiple times. It’s just overwhelming the way things have gone.”

Word of October’s Child has spread far beyond Austin. People from across the country now send him donations and boxes of costumes. One message, he said, especially moved him.

“I had a man reach out who is 69 years old,” Waggoner recalled. “He shared that he remembered not being able to afford a Halloween costume growing up, and he wanted to make sure other kids never have to feel like that.”

For Waggoner, that’s what it’s all about — giving every child a chance to feel included, confident, and joyful on Halloween. “It’s so much more than costumes,” he said. “It’s about community, kindness, and making sure every kid gets to be part of the fun.”

Why This Generous Texan is Gifting Free Halloween Costumes To Kids In Austin

People

Pop star Benson Boone gave hundreds of Portland students a morning they’ll never forget — by hopping on a bike and joining their commute to school.

The 23-year-old “Beautiful Things” singer surprised elementary school students on Friday, October 3, by showing up for their city’s famous “Bike Bus,” a community event where children and parents ride to school together en masse. Fans had tagged Boone on social media ahead of his Portland concert, inviting him to join the ride — and he showed up.

Photos and videos shared by the Bike Bus Instagram account captured the moment Boone pedaled alongside cheering students, waving to people lining the sidewalks. At one point, his hit “Beautiful Things” played over a speaker as Boone and the kids sang the chorus together, grinning from ear to ear.

“@bensonboone you brought a lot of joy to our community,” Bike Bus co-founder Sam Balto wrote on Instagram the next day. “Thank you for joining the #BikeBus while you were in #Portland. (Also, I love that both my sons got to experience this with me).”

Balto told Upworthy that Boone was “the kindest, most genuine individual I have ever met.” He added, “He was chatting with the kids, asking their name, answering questions, taking selfies and singing along with them. At the end of the ride he stayed and signed hundreds of autographs for the kids. He really gave our children and community such an amazing gift.”

The Bike Bus’s official page shared a video of the event on October 8, writing, “The energy, the smiles, and the singing made it a ride we’ll never forget. Huge thank you to Benson for joining and to everyone who tagged him and helped make this moment possible. Your support keeps the Bike Bus rolling and spreading joy to kids and communities everywhere.”

Later that night, Boone performed at Portland’s Moda Center as part of his American Heart World Tour, one of his final North American shows before heading to Europe.

He’s not the first pop star to join the Bike Bus — Justin Timberlake pedaled alongside Portland students back in January, singing “Can’t Stop the Feeling” during a rainy ride.

Founded to promote health, community, and sustainability, the Bike Bus “is on a mission to transform the wellbeing of children, communities, and our climate through biking together to school,” according to the organization’s website. It helps other communities start their own bike buses by offering guidance, advocacy tools, and funding support.

For Portland’s young riders, though, Boone’s surprise appearance was pure joy — a morning of music, movement, and one unforgettable singalong on two wheels.

Benson Boone Joins Elementary School Kids on Their 'Bike Bus' Commute

One new mom is rethinking the traditional baby shower — and inspiring others to do the same. Instead of asking friends and family to buy brand-new baby gear, she threw a “second-hand baby shower,” where every gift was gently used, thrifted, or repurposed.

“Just wanted to share a second-hand baby shower success!” she wrote in a post shared with other parents online. “I can’t stand all the consumerism around having a new baby and the fact that it seems like every person gets every single item brand new at their baby shower that they’re going to only use for a few months.”

Her guests loved the idea. Using a Google Doc instead of a traditional registry, she listed everything she needed and gave attendees editing access so they could mark off items as they found them — whether through Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, or their own closets.

“Everything is in beautiful condition and honestly way nicer brands than we would’ve gotten if we were buying new!” she wrote. She added that one stroller had already been used by eight children — and was still going strong.

By the end of the shower, she and her partner had everything they needed to welcome their baby without buying anything new. “It was especially fun to hear about how many people had used certain items,” she said. “Just wanted to share in case anyone is interested in something similar!”

The eco-friendly celebration also gave her a chance to help others. “I ended up getting WAY too much stuff,” she said. “I sorted out the extra things and donated to a new mom in need on our Buy Nothing Facebook page.”

Not everyone who’s tried the idea has found instant support. One mom shared that her family “immediately shut down” the concept when she suggested it. The original poster replied with encouragement: “Okay, mine weren’t on board at first but they got there!! Except my grandma but that’s okay haha.”

Others chimed in with praise. “This is such a fun idea! I definitely got a lot more second-hand items when I had my second baby,” one mom commented. Another wrote, “We made a registry and encouraged friends and family to find items secondhand or regift us things they no longer needed. Everyone was so generous — and relieved to get old items out of their house.”

Not every item is suitable for reuse, of course. One commenter reminded parents to always buy new car seats, citing safety concerns. “Even a minor fender bender requires you to purchase a new one,” she wrote, pointing to U.S. safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Still, the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive. Thrift influencers and sustainable living advocates have even started sharing their own tips for gifting second-hand, from nursery décor and books to toys and baskets.

“I hope this inspires you to try thrifting a gift in the future,” one user wrote in a video showcasing thrifted baby shower finds.

In a culture that often equates “new” with “better,” these parents are showing that thoughtfulness and sustainability can be the greatest gifts of all.

New Mom Sparks Trend With Second-Hand Baby Shower To Promote Sustainability

The Cool Down

A supermarket in Ireland has introduced a high-tech twist to recycling — and it’s making it easier than ever for shoppers to cut down on waste.

Spar International announced that its Eurospar Supermarket in Hartstown has installed a “reverse vending machine” that allows customers to feed in their empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans for recycling. The machine automatically sorts and processes the materials, offering a simple, hygienic way to return used containers.

“We are proud to be the first in Ireland to introduce this innovative solution, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and our role as a responsible community retailer,” said Chris Furey, chief executive of Eurospar Group, in a statement.

Developed by recycling technology company Envipco, the machine can handle bottles and cans at the same time — users simply pour their bags of recyclables into it, and the machine does the rest.

These “reverse vending machines” have been appearing around the world as communities look for better ways to manage waste. In Scotland, for instance, Coca-Cola has partnered with an environmental nonprofit to reward students for using similar systems.

The idea is to remove confusion and inconvenience from recycling — a key obstacle behind low global recycling rates, particularly for plastics. In 2019, roughly 86 percent of plastic waste in the United States ended up in landfills, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The problem is even bigger on a global scale. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that about 22 million tons of plastic litter enter the environment each year, polluting waterways, harming wildlife, and breaking down into microplastics that contaminate air, soil, and oceans.

Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency reports that about 30 percent of plastic packaging waste is recycled nationally — but packaging waste generation is rising nearly four times faster than recycling rates.

Since plastics can linger for generations, initiatives like Spar’s are seen as an important step toward keeping communities cleaner and reducing the long-term environmental footprint of everyday products.

For Hartstown residents, it also means an easier, faster way to recycle. Drop off your bottles, let the machine take over, and walk away knowing you’ve made a small but meaningful contribution to a cleaner planet.

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