Fern McErlane, Author at Positive News Good journalism about good things Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:43:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.positive.news/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cropped-P.N_Icon_Navy-150x150.png Fern McErlane, Author at Positive News 32 32 Think society is in decline? Research gives us some reasons to be cheerful https://www.positive.news/society/think-society-is-in-decline-research-gives-us-some-reasons-to-be-cheerful/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:38:02 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=562569 An expert on why people think that society is in decline, when research suggests that the opposite is true

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]]> A season of solidarity: eight projects empowering people this Christmas https://www.positive.news/society/a-season-of-solidarity-8-grassroots-ideas-powering-christmas-2025/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:56 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=558470 From lending libraries to children’s charities, grassroots community groups are stepping up this Christmas

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]]> Flat-pack washing machine spins a fairer future https://www.positive.news/society/flat-pack-washing-machine-spins-a-fairer-future/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:26:48 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=554172 A former Dyson engineer is rolling out a revolution for household chores in deprived communities after inventing an off-grid washing machine

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]]> A real recharge. Five ways to get more – and better – rest https://www.positive.news/society/a-real-recharge-five-ways-to-get-more-and-better-rest/ Tue, 06 May 2025 08:57:46 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=524639 From thinking beyond the obvious, to trying mini ‘sabbaticals’, here are five suggestions for really slowing down

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]]> Rewilding the curriculum: natural history GCSE to be introduced in the UK https://www.positive.news/society/greening-curriculum-new-natural-history-gcse-introduced-uk/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:21:08 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=520790 One of the first fresh GCSEs in a decade will teach students about the climate crisis, sustainability and the natural environment

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]]> A masterpiece in the making? Movement aims to unite artists from every country in the world https://www.positive.news/society/masterpiece-in-the-making-project-artists-every-country-world/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:15:49 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=517261 Project 195 is built around the premise that art is global society’s ‘only true universal language’

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]]> Eleven photographs that capture our world’s beauty in close up https://www.positive.news/society/eleven-photographs-that-capture-our-worlds-beauty-in-close-up/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:54:39 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=513858 From clashing stag beetles to a resting damselfly, winners of the latest Close-up Photographer of the Year competition

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]]> Clothes destined for landfill become capsule wardrobes for domestic abuse survivors https://www.positive.news/society/clothing-tailored-capsule-wardrobes-for-domestic-abuse-survivors/ Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:57:54 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=513368 A good coat and a pair of shoes can be key to rebuilding the lives of women in crisis, says charity founder Rachael Bews

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]]> Braving the frozen wilderness: the researchers working to protect Antarctic penguins https://www.positive.news/environment/the-researchers-working-to-protect-antarctic-penguins/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:54:11 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=512099 Natacha Planque is working to understand how the climate crisis is impacting emperor and Adélie penguins in Antarctica

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]]> A new way of tackling homelessness is showing promise. Will it catch on? https://www.positive.news/society/new-way-of-tackling-homelessness-showing-promise/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:15:13 +0000 https://www.positive.news/?p=505303 Mexico, Canada and now the UK are among those offering direct financial support to homeless people. The results are encouraging

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