Author: Tom Pattinson

London-based photographer Orlando Gili has launched a compelling new series that honors the skilled artisans working along the Old Kent Road in south London. Capturing individuals who create beautiful handmade objects, Gili’s work shines a light on the manual craftsmanship that continues to define this historic industrial area. One of the central figures in the… Continue reading ‘London still makes things, and the people who make them matter’

The article highlights the inspiring story of Tom Cledwyn, who donated a kidney to a stranger in 2012, an act that profoundly shaped his life and commitment to generosity. Following his donation, Tom created The Free Help Guy blog to offer anonymous assistance to those in need and later co-founded Drop Dead Generous—a social experiment… Continue reading The generosity experiment

A recent study focusing on UK homes outfitted with heat pumps reveals that well-designed, energy-efficient houses can reduce energy consumption by up to two-thirds while also alleviating strain on the electricity grid. This research highlights how such homes contribute positively to managing peak demand and improving overall energy use. In Birmingham, the UK’s pioneering social… Continue reading Heat pumps put less pressure on the grid than expected

New regulations in the UK aim to ensure that newly constructed homes are prepared to reach zero-carbon standards, but a far greater challenge lies in upgrading the country’s vast number of older and often inefficient properties. Most existing housing stock is outdated and poorly insulated, resulting in significant heat loss and higher energy bills for… Continue reading How a 1930s home was retrofit to become carbon negative

Imagine if your everyday footsteps could generate enough electricity to illuminate a public space. Laurence Kemball-Cook has developed a pioneering technology that captures the kinetic energy produced by people walking, presenting a novel way to generate off-grid power in urban settings. His invention transforms people’s movement into a sustainable energy source, addressing the challenges conventional… Continue reading The British company taking many steps to produce power

This text discusses the challenges and innovations related to urban development and new city planning in the context of environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and livability. Key points include: – Criticism of current UK housing patterns that create unattractive new estates near beautiful villages without upgrading infrastructure, leading to congestion and ecological harm. – The Forest City… Continue reading What will urban living look like in the future?

It looks like you’ve shared part of an article or webpage about the rise of outdoor swimming in England, environmental initiatives tied to the sport, and efforts to reduce single-use plastic bottles, including the role of brands like frank green. How can I assist you with this content? Would you like a summary, help extracting… Continue reading Can wild swimming unite communities against single-use plastics?

Beneath the waters surrounding Tokunoshima in Japan lies a remarkable 40-tonne sculpture known as Ocean Gaia, which was revealed toward the end of last year. This underwater artwork serves not only as a striking visual installation but also as a habitat designed to be reclaimed and inhabited by marine life such as fish and coral.… Continue reading In sight: Gaia beneath the waves

Tom Pattinson, editor of Positive News, recently met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to explore the government’s new initiative, Pride in Place, which is aimed at revitalizing communities by investing in neighbourhood regeneration. Starmer highlighted the widespread challenges many towns face, such as shuttered shops and abandoned youth clubs, stressing the urgent need to empower… Continue reading Will Pride in Place put communities back in charge of regeneration?

Spanish artist Almudena Romero is transforming a wheat field in France into a living photographic work of art. In collaboration with INRAE, the country’s national institute for agriculture, food, and environment, she has embarked on a year-long project called Farming Photographs. This creative endeavor involves dividing a two-hectare field into numerous sections, each planted with… Continue reading A field of wheat becomes the world’s largest living photograph