California runs on 100% clean energy for the first time, with solar dominating

Good News Notes: “For the first time ever, California, the world’s fifth-largest economy, was powered by 100% clean energy on Saturday, April 30. That milestone was driven largely by solar power. California’s 100% clean energy milestone Energy demand statewide reached 18,672 megawatts at 2:45 pm, with 37,172 MW available. (Excess is exported to neighboring states.) 101% of…

Baby bald eagle rescued after parent accidentally kicks it from nest

Good News Notes: “Ecologists came to the rescue of a baby bald eagle after it was accidentally kicked from its nest by its parent. The chick was sleeping Monday on one of its parents’ feet when “the parent took off, and it just accidentally knocked the chick out of the nest,” research ecologist Peter Sharpe,…

Coles introduces own-brand home compostable coffee pods

Good News Notes: “Australian supermarket chain Coles has launched home compostable coffee capsules under its Coles Urban Coffee Culture brand. The compostable pods are made with bio-sourced cellulose and vegetable oils. Coles claims that the sustainable capsules take around as much time to decompose in home compost bins as orange peel does. The pods are certified by…

Vermont brewery installs the largest solar canopy in the state

Good News Notes: “Lawson’s Finest Liquids announced the completion of what it says is the largest solar canopy in the state of Vermont. The Waitsfield Brewery and Taproom was generating about 10% of the electricity to run its operation, but with the addition of 215 kW from 495 solar modules, it expects that 60% of…

How Israel used innovation to beat its water crisis

Good News Notes: “How did Israel, a country that is more than half desert, frequently hit with drought, and historically cursed by chronic water shortages, become a nation that now produces 20 percent more water than it needs? Water demand from Israel’s rapidly growing population outpaced the supply and natural replenishment of potable water so…

California solar bill would extend access, savings to renters and low-income families

Good News Notes: “California has been the clean energy frontrunner in the United States, and it has been particularly strong in deploying distributed, rooftop solar. Distributed generation, especially when paired with energy storage, has numerous advantages in cost savings, efficiency, a lessened carbon footprint, the preservation of land, and more when compared to centralized resources….

Pet food pantry: Free food for dogs and cats

Good News Notes: “Officials with the Iroquois County Animal Rescue said their Pet Food Pantry will be open on the second Sunday of every month. According to officials, there will be free cat food and dog food that are available for pet owners to pick up. County residents who are senior citizens, receiving unemployment compensation,…

Pandas devour ice cake to celebrate 50 years at National Zoo

Good News Notes: “The “cake” was made from frozen fruit juice, sweet potatoes, carrots and sugar cane and it lasted about 15 minutes once giant panda mama Mei Xiang and her cub Xiao Qi Ji got hold of it. The National Zoo’s most famous tenants had an enthusiastic breakfast Saturday in front of adoring crowds…