Spring cleaning

Chapter 1

New York: subway

New York’s subway is in the midst of its most severe cleanliness crisis since the 1970s. Henry Rees-Sheridan takes a closer look at how the city tackled the problem then – and what it’s doing now.

Chapter 2

Calgary: snow

Cleaning snow and ice from the roads is a significant challenge for Canadian cities. But rather than using salt for de-icing, Calgary is turning to beetroot brine instead.

Chapter 3

Alberta: going green

Oil and gas have fuelled Alberta’s economy for decades. But now the provincial government has created a carbon tax and put a focus on making the region greener.

Chapter 4

City icon: the ‘garis’

A look at the charm, grace and hard work of Rio de Janeiro’s famous street-sweepers.