#fuel economy improvement

[carserviceworkshop]

Stay Safe and Save Money with Regular Car Maintenance

In today’s fast-paced world, our cars are more than just a means of transportation; they’re an integral part of our daily lives. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, a well-maintained vehicle is crucial for both safety and financial reasons. Regular car maintenance isn’t just about keeping your vehicle looking good; it’s about ensuring its longevity, performance, and most importantly, your safety on the road. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why staying on top of your car’s maintenance schedule is essential and how it can save you money in the long run.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Safety First

The primary reason for regular car maintenance is safety. A well-maintained car is less likely to break down unexpectedly or malfunction while you’re driving. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures. Regular checks on crucial components like brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems ensure that your vehicle responds correctly when you need it most.

Cost Savings

While it might seem counterintuitive, spending money on regular maintenance can actually save you money in the long term. Small issues, when left unchecked, can escalate into major problems that are much more expensive to fix. For instance, regularly changing your oil (which is relatively inexpensive) can prevent engine damage that could cost thousands to repair.

Improved Performance and Fuel Efficiency

A car that receives regular maintenance runs more efficiently. This means better performance on the road and improved fuel economy. Simple tasks like keeping your tires properly inflated, changing air filters, and using the right grade of oil can significantly impact your car’s fuel consumption, saving you money at the pump.

Extended Vehicle Lifespan

Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your vehicle. By addressing wear and tear proactively, you’re preventing premature aging of your car’s components. This not only means you can keep your car longer but also that it will have a higher resale value when you decide to upgrade.

Essential Maintenance Tasks

Oil Changes

One of the most critical maintenance tasks is regular oil changes. Oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated, losing its effectiveness. Regular oil changes (typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your vehicle and driving conditions) ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

Tire Maintenance

Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road, making them crucial for safety. Regular tire maintenance includes:

Checking tire pressure monthly

Rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles

Aligning wheels as needed

Replacing tires when tread depth is low

Proper tire maintenance improves handling, increases fuel efficiency, and extends tire life.

Brake System

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety feature of your car. Regular brake maintenance includes:

Checking brake fluid levels

Inspecting brake pads and rotors for wear

Replacing brake components as needed

Don’t ignore warning signs like squealing or grinding noises when braking.

Fluid Checks

Your car relies on various fluids to function properly. Regularly check and top up:

Engine oil

Coolant

Brake fluid

Power steering fluid

Transmission fluid

Windshield washer fluid

Low fluid levels can lead to poor performance and potential damage to your vehicle.

Battery Care

A dead battery can leave you stranded. Regular battery maintenance includes:

Cleaning battery terminals

Checking for corrosion

Testing battery charge

Most batteries last 3–5 years, so be prepared to replace yours when it shows signs of weakness.

Air Filter Replacement

Your engine’s air filter prevents debris from entering the engine. A clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance. Replace it according to your manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance

While some maintenance tasks can be done at home, others require professional expertise. Here’s a general guide:

DIY Tasks

Checking and topping up fluids

Replacing windshield wipers

Checking tire pressure

Replacing air filters

Basic battery maintenance

Professional Tasks

Oil changes (unless you’re comfortable doing it yourself)

Brake system maintenance

Tire rotation and alignment

Major fluid flushes (transmission, coolant)

Engine diagnostics and tune-ups

Always consult your owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules and recommendations for your vehicle.

The Cost of Neglect

Neglecting car maintenance can lead to serious and expensive consequences:

Engine Failure: Skipping oil changes can lead to engine seizure, potentially costing thousands to repair or replace.

Transmission Problems: Ignoring transmission fluid changes can result in transmission failure, one of the most expensive car repairs.

Tire Blowouts: Neglecting tire maintenance increases the risk of blowouts, which can cause accidents and require costly replacements.

Brake System Failure: Worn brake components can fail catastrophically, leading to accidents and expensive repairs.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Poor maintenance leads to decreased fuel efficiency, costing you more at the pump.

Conclusion

Regular car maintenance is not just about preserving your vehicle; it’s about ensuring your safety, saving money, and contributing to a more sustainable approach to car ownership. By staying proactive with your car’s care, you’re investing in your safety, your wallet, and the longevity of your vehicle.

Remember, every car is different, so always refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules and recommendations. Develop a relationship with a trusted mechanic or dealership for tasks beyond your expertise. With consistent care and attention, your car will serve you well for years to come, keeping you safe on the road and your finances in check.

By prioritizing regular maintenance, you’re not just caring for your car; you’re investing in peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. Stay safe, save money, and enjoy the ride!

Thank you for reading this blog and searching for a Skoda Workshop. Maintaining your Skoda with regular service and repairs ensures its reliability and performance. This content provides helpful tips for keeping your vehicle in top shape. For expert solutions and professional care, visit the Service My Car website and trust the specialists to handle your Skoda with precision.

[jobyoda-philippines]

Exploring Career and Job Opportunities in Davao City Philippines

Davao City, recognized as one of the Philippines' most progressive cities, continues to experience remarkable economic growth, creating a vibrant job market that attracts professionals from across the country. The city's diverse economy offers numerous employment opportunities, from entry-level positions to executive roles, making it an attractive destination for job seekers at all career stages.

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector stands as one of the largest employers in Davao City, providing thousands of jobs across various specializations. Companies in this sector actively recruit customer service representatives, technical support specialists, and quality assurance analysts, offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. The industry's continued expansion has created numerous opportunities for career advancement, with many organizations promoting from within and providing extensive training programs.

Part-time employment opportunities have also flourished in Davao City, catering to students, professionals seeking additional income, and individuals preferring flexible work arrangements. The retail sector, food service industry, and education field offer numerous part-time positions with varying schedules and responsibilities. These roles often provide valuable work experience and can serve as stepping stones to full-time careers.

The Information Technology sector in Davao has seen significant growth, with many companies seeking software developers, web designers, and IT support specialists. This growth has been fueled by the city's improving technological infrastructure and the increasing number of tech-focused businesses establishing operations in the region. Tech professionals can find opportunities in both established companies and startups, with many positions offering competitive compensation and the possibility of remote work arrangements.

Davao's hospitality and tourism industry continues to expand, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operations. The sector offers positions ranging from entry-level service roles to management positions, with many employers providing training and development opportunities. The industry's growth has also sparked demand for professionals in events management and tourism marketing.

The education sector presents numerous opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment. Educational institutions regularly seek teachers, tutors, and administrative staff. The rise of online learning has created additional opportunities for English language teachers and academic consultants who can work flexible hours from home or teaching centers.

Job hiring  in Davao, the digital economy has opened new avenues for employment. E-commerce specialists, digital content creators, and social media managers are in high demand as businesses increasingly establish their online presence. These positions often offer the flexibility of remote work while providing competitive compensation packages.

Professional development resources are readily available in Davao City, with numerous institutions offering skills training programs and industry certifications. Job seekers can access career counseling services, resume writing assistance, and interview coaching through various employment support organizations. These resources prove invaluable in helping candidates prepare for and secure desired positions.

The financial services sector in Davao has also experienced substantial growth, creating opportunities for banking professionals, insurance specialists, and investment consultants. These positions typically offer attractive compensation packages, including performance bonuses and health benefits, making them highly sought after by experienced professionals.

Davao's agricultural sector continues to evolve, combining traditional farming with modern agribusiness practices. This has created opportunities for agricultural technologists, food processing specialists, and supply chain professionals. The sector offers both technical and management positions, with many companies providing specialized training and development programs.

For those entering Davao's job market, proper preparation is essential. Successful job seekers typically maintain updated resumes, prepare comprehensive portfolios, and stay informed about industry developments. Professional networking, both online and offline, plays a crucial role in discovering opportunities and advancing careers in the city.

The future of Davao's job market looks promising, with emerging industries creating new employment opportunities. The city's commitment to economic development, coupled with its strategic location and robust infrastructure, continues to attract businesses and investors, ensuring a steady stream of job opportunities for qualified candidates.

Whether seeking full-time employment or part-time job in Davao City offers a diverse range of opportunities across multiple industries. Success in this dynamic job market often comes to those who combine proper preparation with continuous skill development and effective networking. As the city continues to grow and evolve, its job market remains a beacon of opportunity for professionals seeking to build meaningful careers in Mindanao's premier business hub.

[hqappliancerepair-blog]

Easiest way to save fuel and prolong engine life. Green Polyion - Engine...

[farmerstrend]

Turning Waste into Power: How Kenyan Tea Farmers are Benefiting from Tea Clippings Gasification

A Deeside-based waste-to-energy company has unveiled its role on a project that will use waste tea clippings to make greener power for Kenyan farmers. l-r: Emily Mutindi Mutua of IITA, Paul Willacy of CSS, Niel Schulz from United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and Aarti Shah of IITA at a tea plantation in Limuru highlands, Kenya. (Photo credit: CSS) Kenya produces £1bn of tea per…

[mpgxtreme-xcaps]

MPGXtreme-X Caps: A Game-Changer for Economical Fuel Management

In a world where fuel prices are soaring and environmental consciousness is on the rise, finding effective solutions to reduce fuel consumption has become a priority. Welcome to the era of MPGXtreme-X caps, a cutting-edge fuel management technology that can revolutionize your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Efficient fuel management with MPGXtreme-X caps are meticulously engineered to enhance fuel combustion and unleash the full potential of your vehicle's engine. By promoting a superior fuel-air mixture, these caps enable more efficient burning of fuel, leading to reduced wastage and improved mileage. The advanced aerodynamics of MPGXtreme-X caps create a vortex effect, optimizing fuel atomization and combustion efficiency like never before.

If you're tired of constantly draining your wallet at the pump, MPGXtreme-X caps are here to transform your fuel consumption habits. By ensuring complete combustion, these caps minimize unburned fuel and Reduce fuel consumption with MPGXtreme-X caps. The result? Impressive fuel savings that can have a significant impact on your budget. Experience the joy of traveling farther on less fuel and witness the difference in your bank account.

Driving with MPGXtreme-X caps not only saves you money but also contributes to a cleaner environment. By optimizing fuel combustion, experience improved fuel economy with MPGXtreme-X caps. With reduced environmental impact, you can be proud of your choice to prioritize sustainability while enjoying the benefits of improved fuel economy.

If you're searching for an effective and economical solution to enhance your vehicle's fuel efficiency, look no further than MPGXtreme-X caps. With their easy installation and compatibility with various vehicles, these caps provide a hassle-free way to optimize fuel consumption. Say goodbye to excessive fuel expenses and hello to a greener future. Upgrade your driving experience today and witness the remarkable transformation that MPGXtreme-X caps bring to your fuel management.

[seat-safety-switch]

Everyone knows the basics of getting great fuel economy. Coast going downhill. Don't floor it leaving the light. And always say "glug, glug, yum yum" in a baby talk voice while filling your car up. Sure, some crazy people might think that keeping the car in a higher gear will also save fuel, but honestly if you believe that shit, you deserve to be bored behind the wheel.

Yes indeed, driving around the entire city at 5000 rpm is great. You're always in the right gear to make a quick acceleration away from the haters, which improves safety. The tachometer gets valuable exercise. Pedestrians also avoid your vehicle, thinking you are engaged in some sort of The Fast and the Furious street race instead of just being too lazy to switch up to third gear when driving at residential road speeds.

If there can be claimed to be a downside of racing the car around without ever shifting up, it's the noise. A gasoline engine being revved to the moon will make a delightful sound, but it can make it difficult to perform common everyday tasks.

For instance, just last week, a lot of people got super cranky that I was throwing out an old engine in the Tim Hortons dumpster (I overrevved it) because they heard me coming. Even with this hassle, I'd rather deal with the angry citizen's mob of storekeepers than to use my clutch unnecessarily, quieting the din. I just ended up driving away quickly – there's that low-gear advantage for you – and chucking it out in the Home Depot dumpster instead, where nobody gives a shit and they're half deaf from people setting off the anti-theft alarm all the time anyway.

All this is to say that, the next time you go out, rev that engine proudly. We don't have much longer left when 6,000-rpm seems like a lot, with the proud new future of 20,000-rpm buzzing RC-car motors coming up. Hey wait, those things don't even have gears. It's like I'm driving in first gear all day. Maybe they've got something here...

[tanadrin]

I think Democratic complaints about the media are in some sense correct. Even the Democratic media ran endless stories casting every positive economic indicator under Biden in a negative light, and I think that helped fuel discourse about how the economy was Bad, Actually, which helped fuel anti-Biden sentiment, even long after the economy started to improve in a substantial way for most people. I think the “liberal” media has been harangued for decades into doing this weird both-sidesism that, even while they explicitly endorse and support Democrats on their editorial pages, forces them to try to symmetrically cover people like Harris and Trump, though they are not symmetric candidates (e.g. “sanewashing”). It is indeed possible to report on somebody like Trump in ways which are substantively not totally incorrect but which are tonally deeply misleading, you know?

And yet I don’t know about the viability of trying to build Liberal Fox News to counter this; the liberal/Democratic coalition in the US just isn’t constructed in the same way as the conservative one. Fearmongering and paranoia, which have made conservative media commercially successful, are inherently activating of conservative politics, not liberal politics. Democratic messaging just doesn’t function in the same way as Republican messaging, especially these days. There may be things the Democrats can do to improve their media game—and I think Stancil is right that they have not sufficiently grappled with the implications of the fragmented media environment and social media in particular!—but it can’t be to try to make a mirror image of conservative media. I’m not sure that will work.

[blackhistorystoryteller]

Black history is not slavery

Slavery is not the only history of black Black history goes deeper than slave trade

This is a message for my black brothers and sisters

Today I will be talking about the people of benin

The historical kingdom of Benin was established in the forested region of West Africa in the 1200s C.E. According to history, the Edo people of southern Nigeria founded Benin. They no longer wanted to be ruled by their kings, known as the ogisos. They asked a prince from Ife, an important West African kingdom, to take control. The first oba, or king, in Benin was Eweka. He was the son of the prince from Ife.The kingdom reached its greatest power and size under Oba Ewuare the Great. He expanded the kingdom and improved the capital, present-day Benin City; the city was defined by massive walls. The height of power for Benin’s monarchs began during this period. To honor the powerful obas, the people of Benin participated in many rituals that expressed their devotion and loyalty, including human sacrifices.Artists of the Benin Kingdom were well known for working in many materials, particularly brass, wood, and ivory. They were famous for their bas-relief sculptures, particularly plaques, and life-size head sculptures. The plaques typically portrayed historical events, and the heads were often naturalistic and life size. Artisans also carved many different ivory objects, including masks and, for their European trade partners, salt cellars.The success of Benin was fueled by its lively trade. Tradesmen and artisans from Benin developed relationships with the Portuguese, who sought after the kingdom’s artwork, gold, ivory, and pepper. In the early modern era, Benin was also heavily involved in the West African slave trade. They would capture men, women, and children from rival peoples and sell them into slavery to European and American buyers. This trade provided a significant source of wealth for the kingdom.Benin began to lose power during the 1800s, as royal family members fought for power and control of the throne. Civil wars broke out, dealing a significant blow to both Benin’s administration as well as its economy. In its weakened state, Benin struggled to resist foreign interference in its trading network, particularly by the British. A desire for control over West African trade and territory ultimately led to a British invasion of Benin in 1897. Benin City was burned by the British, who then made the kingdom part of British Nigeria (which became Nigeria after the country gained independence in 1960). After that time, the kingdom no longer played a governing role in West Africa. However, even today, the oba still serves in Benin City as a government advisor.

[probablyasocialecologist]

A paper published in the world’s largest science journal, Nature, in March 2020 — ironically hidden behind a paywall (you can buy the article pdf for £29.95) — by D’Alessandro et al find “several drawbacks to green growth”. By modelling what would happen in France over the period 2014–2050, green growth was indeed found to reduce emissions to just 23% of the 1990 baseline level; degrowth got it down significantly further to 17.8%. But presumably the degrowth model came at a greater social cost? In fact, unemployment went up to 11–13% in the green growth scenario; under degrowth, it came down as far as 2%. The Nature paper also looked at labour share, “defined as the fraction of post-tax value added that is paid to employed workers as wages”. In other words, a higher labour share means that employees, as a group, are getting a bigger slice of the income pie. Under green growth, inequality continues and labour share suffers. Under degrowth and associated policies for social equity labour share greatly benefits. We finally enjoy the full fruits of our labour, wealth is more evenly distributed, and emissions approach zero. And yes, GDP is negative. But if we are wealthier, healthier and happier — is that a bad thing?! In Jason Hickel’s influential 2020 book Less Is More (which has since become something of a degrowth bible), he asks: “once we have 100% clean energy, what are we going to do with it? Unless we change how our economy works, we’ll keep doing exactly what we’re doing with fossil fuels. We’ll use it to power continued abstraction and production at an ever-increasing rate, placing ever increasing pressure on the living world, because that’s what capitalism requires. Clean energy might help deal with emissions, but it does nothing to reverse deforestation, over fishing, soil depletion and mass extinction. A growth-obsessed economy powered by clean energy will still tip us into ecological disaster.” Hickel is not, to be clear, advocating against green tech. “Technology is absolutely essential in the fight against ecological breakdown”, he writes. “We need all the efficiency improvements we can get. But scientists are clear that they will not be enough on their own to fix the problem. Why? Because in a growth-oriented economy, efficiency improvements that could help us reduce our impact are harnessed instead to advance the objectives of growth, to pull at a larger swathes of nature into circuits of extraction and production. It’s not our technology that’s the problem. It’s growth.” Hickel calls green growth “a comforting fantasy… and in an era of ecological emergency, we can’t afford to build policies around fantasies.”

15 November 2024

[gammija]

usa people of voting age. i dont have to tell yall all the ways harris sucks, and i dont have to tell yall how trump sucks in all the same ways and more, but there's one area in which they do differ greatly and demonstrably: their attitude to climate change. the current administration has shown that the democrats believe climate change is real and are making efforts to improve. are they doing amazing? of course not. yall love cars and oil. but things are being done!

now please consider what will happen when the usa, #1 contributor of CO2 in the world historically and still at the top currently, completely stops doing anything to improve that; in fact increases their investments in fossil fuels greatly. Consider not just its literal effects on the climate, but in particular its secondary effects on every sliding-ever-rightwards government right now, looking for any excuse to do nothing.

i know yalls politicians like to point to chinas emissions as a reason to stay inactive - but for basically everyone else, you guys are china. so please... try to make sure that the leader of the biggest economy in the world will be doing something, anything, to reduce global warming for the next four years

[vren-diagram]

What are the great positive effects of automated freight handling that longshoremen are denying you? What would become so much cheaper?

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/transport/why-ports-matter-global-economy

Efficient port infrastructure has also been identified as a key contributor to overall port competitiveness and international trade costs. Unfortunately, ports and terminals, particularly for containers, are too often main sources of shipment delays, supply chain disruptions, additional costs, and reduced competitiveness. The result far too often is that instead of facilitating trade, the port increases the cost of imports and exports, reduces competitiveness, and inhibits economic growth and poverty reduction. The effect on a country or the countries served by the port can be severe. Inefficient ports can slow the circular system of container shipping, thereby reducing capacity, and reducing costs. Ships have to wait unnecessarily incurring additional fuel costs, additional emissions, and additional costs.

Improving container port performance lowers the cost of trade, contributes to food security, improves resilience, and reduces unnecessary emissions from vessels. The role of ports as the linchpin in the global economy is a major reason why the World Bank and S&P Global Markets are tracking port performance for nearly 350 global ports in the Container Ports Performance Index (CPPI).

When the cost of things goes up, that makes almost everyone worse off. I don't know how this could be clearer. You don't like it when you pay more money for things. Almost nobody likes paying more money to get the same things.

The US currently has some of the worst performing ports in the world. Because of resistance to modernization and make-work programs. Driven by dockworkers unions that use their monopolization of government-granted monopolies on infrastructure to....extract large amounts of money for themselves. This literally causes everything to be a little more expensive than it has to be. This to benefit dudes doing the equivalent of digging up holes just to fill them in again.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Mother Jones:

Oil and chemical companies who created a high-profile alliance to end plastic pollution have produced 1,000 times more new plastic in five years than the waste they diverted from the environment, according to new data obtained by Greenpeace.

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) was set up in 2019 by a group of companies which include ExxonMobil, Dow, Shell, TotalEnergies, and ChevronPhillips, some of the world’s biggest producers of plastic. They promised to divert 15 million metric tons of plastic waste from the environment in five years to the end of 2023, by improving collection and recycling, and creating a circular economy.

Documents from a PR company that were obtained by Greenpeace’s Unearthed team and shared with the Guardian, suggest a key aim of the AEPW was to “change the conversation” away from “simplistic bans of plastic” that were being proposed in 2019 amid an outcry over the scale of plastic pollution leaching into rivers and harming public health.

Advertise with Mother Jones

River Buriganga, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Suvra Kanti Das/Zuma Press

This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Oil and chemical companies who created a high-profile alliance to end plastic pollution have produced 1,000 times more new plastic in five years than the waste they diverted from the environment, according to new data obtained by Greenpeace.

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) was set up in 2019 by a group of companies which include ExxonMobil, Dow, Shell, TotalEnergies, and ChevronPhillips, some of the world’s biggest producers of plastic. They promised to divert 15 million metric tons of plastic waste from the environment in five years to the end of 2023, by improving collection and recycling, and creating a circular economy.

Early last year the alliance target of clearing 15 million metric tons of waste plastic was quietly scrapped as “just too ambitious”.

The new analysis by energy consultants Wood Mackenzie looked at the plastics output of the five alliance companies; chemical company Dow, which holds the AEPW’s chairmanship; the oil companies ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies; and ChevronPhillips, a joint venture of the US oil giants Chevron and Phillips 66.

The data reveals the five companies alone produced 132 million metric tons of two types of plastic, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), in five years—more than 1,000 times the weight of the waste plastic the alliance has removed from the environment in the same period. The waste plastic was diverted mostly by mechanical or chemical recycling, the use of landfill, or waste to fuel, AEPW documents state.

The amount of plastic produced is likely to be an underestimate as it only covers two of the most widely used polymers: polyethylene, which is used for plastic bottles and bags; and polypropylene, used for food packaging. It does not include other major plastics such as polystyrene.

The new data was revealed as delegates prepared to meet in Busan, South Korea, to hammer out the world’s first treaty to cut plastic pollution. The treaty has a mandate to agree on a legally binding global agreement to tackle plastic pollution across the entire plastics life cycle.

But the talks, which have been subject to heavy lobbying by the alliance and fossil fuel companies, are on a knife-edge in a row over whether caps to global plastic production will be included in the final treaty.

Will McCallum, a co-executive director at Greenpeace UK, said the revelations had stripped off the thin layer of greenwash hiding the growing mountain of plastic waste oil companies were producing.

“The recycling schemes they’re promoting can barely make a dent in all the plastic these companies are pumping out,” he said. “They’re letting the running tap flood the house while trying to scoop up the water with a teaspoon. The only solution is to cut the amount of plastic produced in the first place.”

[solarpunkbusiness]

Musana Carts: Solar-powered business in Uganda opts for open source IP over patenting

Taking its name from a Ugandan word for ‘sunshine’, the Musana cart uses an in-built solar panel to power an eco-friendly stove and a small refrigerator. By removing the need for charcoal burning, the Musana cart produces far less smoke than other food vendor carts, ensuring a cleaner and safer experience for both workers and customers. Other innovations include light bulbs, to allow the vendor to work at night, and phone chargers, so that they can offer mobile money services.

The decision not to patent the Musana cart could have been seen by Nataliey and the team as a setback, but it instead encouraged them to return to their original vision and mission of social innovation: making the livelihoods of Africa’s street food vendors cleaner, safer and more sustainable.

They realized that the more people who had access to their cart designs, the better, and that patenting their invention could restrict access. On this basis, they decided to open source their IP so that vendors across Africa were free to improve their lives through their innovation. When IP is open source, it means that other people and groups can freely use, modify and share it.

After several years of selling to vendors, Musana Carts is already having a positive impact in Kampala. The solar-powered food carts have proved to be cleaner, more hygienic and more sustainable than traditional charcoal-fueled food carts. The Musana cart’s in-built lighting allows vendors to work at night if they choose, giving them an opportunity to earn more. Musana carts can be purchased in installments, making them more accessible to poor workers. The company has also teamed up with Kampala Capital City Authority to ensure that Musana carts are legally recognized, freeing vendors from the risks and uncertainties of working in the informal economy.

Although she sees the value in patent protection in more economically developed countries, where the legal framework is in place to ensure that an individual can be remunerated for the use of their innovation or invention, she knows first-hand that this is much harder to establish in African markets. Consequently, Nataliey encourages female inventors not only to monetize their innovations in their markets, but to share them outside of their capacity as well.

Equally importantly for Nataliey, however, is the philosophy behind open source IP. When there are so many challenges facing the world, she argues, no one individual or organization can satisfy every market need. She feels that there’s room for many to thrive. Furthermore, Nataliey believes that open sourcing can incentivize further innovation by allowing people to build on each other’s inventions. It’s the concept of cooperation, codependence and community at the heart of the African philosophy of ubuntu: ‘I am, because you are.’ Nataliey’s hope is that her company’s use of open source IP will help make this concept a reality for street food vendors across Africa.

A case study on open source innovation from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

[reasonsforhope]

Across New York City, delivery drivers are a ubiquitous sight: congregating outside big restaurant chains waiting to collect orders, zooming through the city streets with orders in tow. “The most chaotic time for deliveries is easily during lunch time,” says Elijah Williams, who delivers food for both Uber and DoorDash. “I’ve had up to four orders at one time.” 

Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a major change that will deeply impact busy workers like Williams: app-based delivery workers will be paid $17.96 an hour starting July 12th — and nearly $20 an hour by 2025 — marking the nation’s first minimum pay for such workers.

“Our delivery workers have consistently delivered for us — now, we are delivering for them,” he said. “They should not be delivering food to your household, if they can’t put food on the plate in their household.”

The Background

Mayor Adams made the announcement at City Hall, surrounded by delivery workers as well as members of the nonprofit organizations, Workers Justice Project (WJP) and Los Deliveristas Unidos.

Ligia Guallpa, executive director of WJP, expressed her excitement and gratitude.

“This first of its kind minimum pay rate will uplift working and immigrant families,” said [Ligia Guallpa of Workers Justice Project (WJP)] alongside Gustavo Ajche of Los Deliveristas Unidos. “[It will] ensure that workers who keep New Yorkers fed, are able to keep also their families fed too.”

WJP was founded in 2010, and coordinates numerous worker-led programs, including Los Deliveristas Unidos, that aim to improve conditions for low-wage immigrant workers across the five boroughs.

The Details

The current minimum wage in New York is $15 an hour. On average, service workers are paid $7.09 an hour, excluding tips. The new wage is in keeping with a law passed by the City Council in 2021, which requires the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to set a standard minimum rate for delivery workers.

App-based delivery workers are classified as “independent contractors,” which means they’re not entitled to the standard minimum wage that applies to salaried employees’ pay. Instead, delivery workers who work for the big food delivery services, like Uber Eats and Relay, are entitled to just $2.13 an hour before tips — a so-called “tipped sub-minimum wage.”

Research has shown that getting rid of tipped sub-minimum wages benefits not just the workers getting the raise, but the economy as a whole. A 2021 analysis found that states without a tipped sub-minimum wage saw 29 percent growth in their leisure and hospitality sectors, compared to just six percent in states that used the federal tipped sub-minimum wage of $2.13.

...For many of the workers who face hostile roads and unpredictable weather conditions to get New Yorkers their ordered goods, this is a life-changing development.

“This is my full-time job. I get up every day and do this,” says delivery driver Justin Martinez outside the Chick-Fil-A in Washington Heights. 

Martinez, 30, is originally from the Dominican Republic. His commitment to completing deliveries, he explains, is fueled by his love for his family.

“This is my way to contribute. I go out, 9, 10 hours a day, do deliveries, and then I can come home,” he says. Martinez first started driving for Uber in 2019 before transitioning to delivering food for Uber Eats and other apps in 2021. He’s excited for the pay wage increase: “Maybe now, I only [have to] go out for 6 hours.”

-via Reasons to Be Cheerful, June 30, 2023

[hirocimacruiser]

Subaru REX

Let's go to Rex.

REX 660

In 1990, the engine grew to 660cc, ushering in a new era for minicars. The Rex decided to use this new spaciousness as "high-quality spaciousness" that would energize all its occupants and make daily life more comfortable. It is fun, gentle, and makes you want to drive it every day. It is a car that is more appropriately described as "good performance" than high performance. Although it is small, the "660 Rex, a sedan-made car" offers the comfort of a full-fledged passenger car. This is the kind of shape that the future Mini should have.

660 REX 3DOOR SEDAN

Photo: 3-door sedan Feria!! ECVT Noble Cute Metallic

We love people. That's why the 660 Rex is designed to be "perfect for everyday life."

660 REX

Amazingly smooth. 3 valve 4-cylinder "CLOVER4".

660cc CLOVER4

A representative example of the Clover 4. It has the quietness and smoothness that only a 4-cylinder can offer. The smoothness at high revolutions is something that can only be achieved with a 4-cylinder. The ease of use in the practical range has also been further improved with the 660cc engine.

Maximum output (net): 42ps/7000rpm

Max torque 5.3kg-m/4500rpm

660cc EMPI CLOVER4

EMPi (Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection) is used. It realizes more powerful driving that allows you to ride comfortably even on fast-moving highways. Another point not to be overlooked is its good fuel economy.

Maximum output (5MT vehicle, net): 48ps/7200rpm

ECVT vehicle: 46ps/6400rpm

Maximum torque (5MT) 5.4 kg-m/5600 rpm

ECVT vehicle 5.5kg-m/4000rpm

660cc EMPI SUPER CHARGER CLOVER4

Equipped with a supercharger that provides excellent response and mid-range torque. With EMPI and an intercooler, the power is an undeniable 64ps. It has a sports heart that allows you to enjoy driving to the fullest.

Maximum output (net): 64ps/6400rpm

Max torque 8.6kg-m/4400rpm

Subaru is the only light car with a 4-cylinder engine. The Clover 4 is a 4-cylinder engine that is even more attractive now that it is 660cc. The increase in displacement is not a simple bore increase, but an increase in stroke with an emphasis on ease of handling in the mid-range. Experience the greatness of the 4-cylinder 660cc when starting off in the city or driving at high speeds on the highway.

*660cc class as of January 1990

The smooth and powerful four-cylinder engine is best paired with the smooth and easy-to-use super automatic ECVT.

ECVT is a mechanism that automatically changes gears infinitely using a pair of variable diameter pulleys and a special steel belt. There is absolutely no unpleasant gear change shock. With the same easy operation as a normal automatic transmission, you can enjoy an incomparably comfortable ride.

There is no creep phenomenon, where the car starts moving on its own even when the driver is not in the car. Low fuel consumption. The fuel consumption is so good that you would never think it was an automatic. Excellent reliability and durability. The steel belt is guaranteed for 5 years or 100,000 km.

For more reliable operation of ECVT vehicles, the following features are provided: ●Key interlock ●Shift lock ●Reverse alarm ●ECVT select indicator.

●Smooth ride. There are absolutely no unpleasant gear shift shocks, so it's smooth from starting to top speed.

● Sharp start. Powerful driving with direct acceleration. Selecting the Ds range makes it even sportier. ● Safety is also a big plus. When waiting at a traffic light, etc.,

ECVT Electro-Continuously Variable Transmission

Electronically controlled electromagnetic clutch type automatic variable speed transmission

A high-grade mechanism that greatly increases your sense of security.

●In accordance with the new standard of an overall length of 100 mm more, not only the bumper but also the bonnet has been enlarged. The strength of the side doors has also been increased. A highly rigid body that gives a sense of trust in the way it drives. ●High-quality ride comfort, four-wheel independent suspension. ●All vehicles have front disc brakes and radial tires.

Two 4WD options that greatly increase your sense of security.

All Easy Drive ECVT vehicles are equipped with Subaru's original Twin Visco full-time 4WD system, which provides a stable driving experience. Selective 4WD is also available, allowing you to easily switch between 2WD and 4WD with the push of a button.

Subaru REX

Sedan - Made. It's quiet, spacious, safe, and just so comfortable.

A soft texture. A sense of security that wraps you up. Wide windows and a large living space. The interior of the 660 Rex is spacious and open. The spaciousness of the rear seats in the sedan in particular is something to be proud of. Note also the quality that has been carefully crafted down to the last detail. The subtle texture of the seats is so beautiful that you'll want to get up close and touch them. It's an interior that makes you feel extremely high-class.

PIC CAPTIONS

Fully mechanical power steering

Genuine engine speed-sensitive power steering that is light at low speeds and provides firm feedback at high speeds. (Factory option on AX-i CX-i, 3-door sedan/5-door sedan Feria, and Feria ECVT models)

Air conditioning that lets you enjoy fresh air 365 days a year

From cooling in the summer to dehumidifying heating in the winter, you can freely control the airflow to your liking any time of the year. You can enjoy a refreshing drive at any time. (AX-i, CX-i, Feria)

Clear sound at any time, AM FM cassette stereo

It is equipped with a cassette stereo audio system, a one-touch traffic information receiving switch, and a digital clock function.

(AX-i, CX-i, Feria)

Easy mirror adjustment, electric remote control door mirror

The door mirror angle can be adjusted with a single touch from the driver's seat.

(AX-i, CX-i, Feria)

Easy entry and exit with passenger seat walk-in slide

When the passenger seat backrest is folded down, the entire seat moves forward, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear seat. Equipped with a memory device.

(All 3-door sedans)

Rear wiper/washer

Combined with a heated printed rear defogger, rear visibility is always clear. (AX-i, CX-i, Feria, Supercharger, 4WD)

[justalittlesolarpunk]

hi! i have been experiencing The Horrors lately (just general hopelessness about the state of the world and especially in regards to climate change) and i am just wondering - do you have any advice for incorporating climate action into one’s everyday life? i need to do something about this but the problem feels so big that i feel like i can’t, like i am drowning in it and i need to learn to swim

Hi my love, sorry it took me a while to respond, I’ve been quite tired!

So first off, the Horrors are reasonable, it’s a very sensible human response to the state of things around you and shows you have empathy and that you care. I say this because it’s all too easy to shame yourself for despair, but it’s natural that we fall into it sometimes.

In terms of doing climate action a little every day, there’s so much you can get your teeth into. For starters, there are personal choices, like giving up flying or meat and dairy if you can. Sure, these don’t add up to much, but they can really change how you feel and working with a smaller burden of guilt can be life-changing. Similarly making choices like switching your electricity and heating and getting an electric car (or even better, taking the train, bus, tram, your feet or a bus) can help you get into a more positive mindset as you feel like you are ‘doing your part’. Check if you have any savings or pensions invested in fossil fuels and switch them over. Even buying from zero waste shops can help shift your mood, even if it’s too small to shift the whole economy.

Once you’ve got all these little changes out of the way, it’s time to think systemic. Most places will have a local activist group you can join, which usually only involves a commitment to weekly meetings - can you attend XR, A22, Greenpeace or Friends of The Earth gatherings in your neighbourhood? These will usually allow you to start attending protests and keying into wider campaign networks.

Something else you can do is bring the subject up with people in your life, to contribute to a wider cultural shift where climate conversations are normalised, and you can agitate for changes at your job or university/school that will bring the institution’s emissions down.

Try to consume a more balanced media diet, seeking out what is going right in the world as well as what is going wrong. Sites like Positive News and the Good News Network are helpful for this. Supernova is a purely positive social media app if you’re looking for a more uplifting scrolling experience.

But much more important is to get outside and to make real-life community. If there’s a conservation or gardening volunteer group in your area I’d highly recommend getting involved with it - nothing has helped me as much as getting my hands in the dirt, doing meaningful work to grow food to feed my neighbours. A lot of our climate anxiety stems from fear that we won’t be able to feed ourselves or that natural beauty will vanish, so connecting with crops or landscapes is a great way to soothe some of that. Building relationships with neighbours or affinity groups (such as LGBT, POC or disabled organisations) can help you feel part of a more resilient network of people who can help each other out in a crisis. Plus if you get to plant trees regularly I guarantee that will help you feel like you’re contributing.

Solarpunk content is great for improving your outlook too - whether it’s optimistic sci-fi, utopian cityscapes or anarchist politics, it all uplifts you and reminds you of what’s possible. Check out people’s stories of what they’re doing to make the world a little better to remind yourself you’re not in it alone.

If you can afford to, a regular donation to groups working to reforest, re-wet peatland, re-seed mangroves or combat soil erosion is a pretty tangible way to fight the climate crisis. Be sure to do all the obvious stuff like voting and engaging with other political pathways too.

A fun weekend’s activity could be seedbombing with friends or building a bee house - there’s lots you can do that’s crafty or creative that also helps your local environment, even if it’s just growing food or pollinator friendly plants on your windowsill or letting your lawn rewild itself. Taking an attitude of grateful, affectionate kinship with all the plants and animals around you will aid in building a sense of connection with the ecosystem and reminding you that you’re part of a grand, resilient web of life.

Put together the emergency kit I detail in an earlier post, so you feel prepared for facing extreme weather and taking part in mutual aid. Teach yourself to forage or at the very least recognise the common plants in your area. This counteracts species blindness and makes you more considerate of the non-human.

You could even consider altering your career path, if you’re an adult, and re-training to work in the climate movement, though this will not be accessible for everyone. If you’re a younger person you could look into pursuing an educational path that will allow you to join the green sector.

If you can get some, therapy with an eco-informed professional can be hugely beneficial for channeling your very reasonable feelings of terror into meaningful action that benefits you and the planet, though admittedly there’s only so much individualised therapy can do for such a huge problem - perhaps there’s a support group you can go to?

And finally, make sure you take some time every day, preferably an hour if you can spare it, but certainly at least fifteen minutes, to do something you really love, that brings you genuine joy, and has nothing to do with the climate crisis. You can’t pour from an empty cup and you can’t put out fires if you’re burnt out. Rest, regeneration and self-care are prerequisites for sustainable movement building and you deserve to have moments of unalloyed happiness. You are categorically NOT in this alone, you are part of a huge, ever-growing moment full of people who are working towards the same goal even though most of you will never meet. And so while we need you now more than ever, there’s also enough of us that you can take a few minutes to feel better and it won’t cost us the fight. As an older activist said to me recently, even when we sleep our comrades across the world are waking up ready to face the day’s struggle.

Ultimately, a lot of these are just things that have worked for me, and they won’t all be accessible or appropriate to you. Some of them are more about changing your viewpoint than radically altering the status quo around the climate. But I know I fight better when I feel optimistic and well in myself, so these are my suggestions. I hope some of them help, and I want to commend your strength and bravery in reaching out for advice and connection, because that’s how we keep fighting, and that’s how we win.

The Horrors are real, but so are the Wonders. And one of those Wonders is you.