Civet Coffee: Inside the Controversial World of Poo-Coffee

If you’ve traveled to Southeast Asia, you might have noticed a recurring offer on menus.

A pricier version of coffee called civet coffee (or ‘kopi luwak’, as it’s known in Indonesia). Or maybe you’ve heard of these uniquely processed coffees in a more informal sense… possibly as monkey-dropping coffee.

Regardless of the name, the drink is the same.

Civet coffee comes from the droppings of civets.

Civets are small mammals that resemble a blend between a cat and a raccoon. (My apologies for the description, I’m not a biologist.) These timid, nocturnal creatures live in the tropical forests in East Africa and across South Asia and Southeast Asia.

I think you might know what happens next.

If you don’t, let’s explore what civet coffee is and why you should be very discerning about where you drink it. (If you drink it at all.)

Straight from the civet: alternative processing at its finest

Coffee plants have bright red berries, sometimes called cherries. Inside are delectable seeds that humans have been roasting, grinding, and steeping for centuries.

The civet also likes the coffee plant. These little guys are known to eat its berries, along with the seeds inside.

Here’s the short of how civet coffee came to be: Dutch traders brought Ethiopian coffee beans to Indonesia, where locals began growing coffee in spades.

Local palm civets went to town on these coffee bushes. Some ate so many berries that their scat was almost entirely composed of beans and berry remnants.

Someone noticed and made a really big decision. That decision involved cleaning and roasting those digested beans. And then drinking the coffee from that yield.

‘The Holy Grail of Coffee’

Why—why—why—would someone drink coffee that coffee, you might ask?

Well, it tastes good. (Allegedly.)

A civet’s digestive tract changes the composition of amino acids in the coffee beans, which in turn leads to a slight malting process. That malting process yields a softer taste.

Coffee drinkers around the world have developed a serious taste for this softer variation. It peaked in the early 2000s, at which point civet coffee was dubbed the ‘Holy Grail of coffee’ thanks to its commanding price in coffee markets.

It’s considered a novelty amongst hardcore coffee fans—but let’s dig a bit deeper here.

During my research, I was stunned to learn that actual coffee connoisseurs don’t usually enjoy this unusual brew. Critics seem to believe what’s on sale here is the commodity—not the actual taste.

According to one expert coffee drinker, civet coffee tastes like Folgers.

Why you should twice about drinking civet coffee

Fast forward to 2024 and civet coffee has put a bad taste in the mouths of many drinkers… but not for the reason you might be thinking.

From the outside looking in, harvesting a few coffee bean-rich animal droppings isn’t bad. Humans have odd tastes, after all.

The problem here is the drink’s rise in popularity has led to substandard animal treatment in countries where it’s produced. At worst, civets are placed in battery cages and force-fed coffee beans. At best, they’re kept in regular cages.

Even if you’re not into animal welfare, this should immediately raise some questions.

Civet coffee is pricey, costing upwards of $20 a cup for a subpar variation. If you’re going to pay that amount, then you might want to invest in a cup that’s ethically sourced and more mindfully produced.

My point: the coffee will taste better if the civet isn’t distressed and unhealthy.

Unfortunately, finding ethical civet coffee is a struggle. In fact, civet treatment is such a problem that the businessman who brought civet coffee to the Western world has since backtracked on the industry.

Not only for its cruelty but also for the increasingly blurred lines of finding legitimate civet coffee.

Is it really off-limits?

I’d heartily advise you to avoid this delicacy unless you’ve done your research.

That being said, civet coffee can be ethical and sustainable.

Interestingly, the man who brought civet coffee to the world (Tony Wild, linked in the article above) has since backtracked on that first backtracking. Ethical civet coffee production does exist.

So, what does an ethical cup look like?

Well, the roasters should be harvesting the poo rather than keeping civets captive. To support healthy civets, harvesters should be supporting their immediate habitat.

In my research, I’ve located one civet coffee company that openly discusses its civet bean sourcing. Here’s why I think The Poop Coffee is a solid choice if you want to order and sample civet-processed beans.

The Poop Coffee abides by three important ethical and sustainability standards.

First, no civets are held in captivity. They’re wild, coffee berry-eating fiends.

Second, coffee beans are harvested naturally by scouring the forest floor.

Third, their coffee ‘farm’ is located near the civet’s natural habitat, letting them source truly wild coffee-bean-laden droppings while also supporting the local community.

Airbnb is Launching a Polly Pocket Stay—Here’s What You Need to Know

Airbnb keeps on upping the ante when it comes to imaginative stays.

Want to explore some zany, alter-ego-caliber rentals around the world? You have options—from Brazil to Indonesia.

And what about famous stays from world-renowned architects? That’s also on the docket—from Spain to Mexico.

Even if you’re on the hunt for a singularly effervescent and unforgettable stay, I could point you to one immediately. (It’s a magical villa stay in France.)

So, what’s behind the uptick in unique Airbnbs? From the outside looking in, I’d say competition.

Airbnb has solid competitors on the market, giving travelers the option to choose between a standard hotel stay, a home exchange (even international exchanges), and alternative rental platforms like VRBO.

This has led to a proliferation of designer Airbnbs—as in, apartments, homes, and other projects that were constructed and decorated specifically with a niche Airbnb demographic in mind.

Many of these options are design-centric and extravagant, focused on crafting the perfect atmosphere for influencers, avid travelers, and those on the hunt for something truly novel.

Then there are projects like the brand-new Polly Pocket’s Compact—an official launch from Mattel, the same company that brought your Barbie.

Polly Pocket? And Airbnb?

In case you weren’t a child in the 1990s, Polly Pocket is a bite-sized version of Barbie. I was a Polly Pocket girl until my dad got tired of paying the vet to fish the doll’s rubber clothes out of our lab’s belly. (Fair enough.)

Polly’s shtick is her tiny size.

She lives in a plastic house that can be folded up like a bubblegum-pink briefcase—officially known as a ‘compact’. She wears tiny clothes and does herself up with tiny accessories and goes on tiny adventures. It’s cute!

And now—thanks to the powers of Airbnb and Mattel—Polly has unveiled a human-sized compact house in her scenic hometown of Littleton, Massachusetts. And you can experience what it’s like to live in one of Polly’s famous compacts.

There’s even a birthday angle. Officially, Polly’s Airbnb is launching in celebration of her 35^th birthday.

Enter the Slumber Party Fun Polly Pocket Airbnb

This two-story stay is packed full of nostalgic reminders of the 1990s—those that are Polly Pocket-themed and beyond. It’s also constructed in compact fashion. The home literally looks like it could be folded for easier handling.

Also, the chairs, the staircase, the couch, the fireplace, the picture frames all look to be made from stiff, thick plastic.

So, what can guests plans on doing here?

According to the doll herself, “There’s adventure to be had from my closet full of nostalgic fashion fun to the surprises I’ve left hidden around the compact. The fun is endless!”

As far as I can tell, the ‘fun’ involves staying at the compact-themed two-story home that’s chock full of Polly-themed supplies.

There are ‘nostalgic hair and nail accessories’ for guests to enjoy, along with a kitchen stocked with 90s-themed snacks and enough tiny charms to make dozens of friendship bracelets.

That being said, guests won’t actually be sleeping inside the compact. Instead, they’ll be heading to a plastic tent-room just a few steps away, which sleeps five. No word on the bathroom.

What does a booking include?

Starting on August 21, you can request a one-night stay at the Polly Pocket Compact.

The request period closes in late August. I’m not sure how the property will be managed afterward, but I imagine its Airbnb calendar will be chock-full for months.

Given the limited number of one-night stays available, Airbnb is also launching a daytime experience called the Polly Pocket Play Date.

A select few (only 21 experiences total) will be welcomed into the Polly Pocket House for a makeover that includes cute outfits, glamorous makeovers, and other blonde doll-adjacent activities.

Caught your interest?

If you’re interested in landing a one-night stay at Polly Pocket’s Compact, I suggest checking in on August 21 to book a room. It looks like this Airbnb is launching with a limited number of one-night stays, plus the play date experiences.

After that, who knows?

New England Recs: Best Breweries in New Hampshire & Vermont

The United States has a serious love of beer.

Over the last two decades, the number of independent brewers across the country has skyrocketed. They’re launching new IPAs and Pilsners, opening new breweries and tasting rooms, and treating locals to delightful new drinking experiences.

They’ve even taken over cities, as with San Diego—the US’s craft beer capital.

Along with places like Pittsburgh, Portland (in Maine and Oregon), and Asheville, San Diego is helping steer the future of microbreweries. Not only do locals really like beer, but they’re also interested in sampling daring new blends.

But what about the actual beer drinkers?

San Diego takes the cake as the most craft brew-centric city in the US because of the sheer number of independent breweries. Places like Pittsburgh and Portland, by contrast, are on the map thanks to their longstanding history with craft brewing.

But when it comes to cold, hard numbers, you might be surprised to learn that it’s more remote outposts like the Dakotas, Montana, Vermont, and New Hampshire that take the cake in terms of gallons drank per capita.

Back in 2023, New Hampshire locals drank 43.9 gallons of beer per capita according to a study from Beer Info.

Vermont was ranked close behind at 35.3 gallons per capita.

That’s a lot of golden hops.

So here’s the better question—where do locals in Vermont and New Hampshire slam all that beer? According to reviews and ratings from drinkers, food writers, and foodies alike, these are three of the top breweries in both states.

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Explore here

Since 2010, Hill Farmstead Brewery has been concocting some incredibly diverse beers. They offer single-hop options, philosophical options, and ancestral options.

Philosophical options cover beers with unique origins and inspirations. For context, they’re named Beyond Good and Evil, along with Being and Time.

Ancestral options cover the direct history of brewing—including the land, the hops, and the people behind the brewing. That last category makes sense, as this farmstead has been active for 200 years.

The Alchemist

Stowe, Vermont

Explore here

From brewery tours to its outdoor beer garden, it’s easy to see the hype behind The Alchemist.

I’ve found that the world of craft brewing (like many indy-run fields) can be a little gatekeep-y. That’s definitely not the case at The Alchemist.

Even its sustainability initiatives are easy to understand and digest. (Never seen a fully solar-powered brewery before!) It’s real grassroots brewing here—one that’s invested in its community in many ways.

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Burlington, Vermont

Explore here

The vibes are decidedly cool—which I’m not surprised given its location in Burlington. (It’s one of those fiercely self-determining hippie towns.)

The beer menu is extensive and creative, while the actual brewery grounds are very kitschy-cool and focused on sustainability. Want to know how tasty Zero Gravity Craft Brewery releases are? Even the non-alcoholic choice is highly rated by drinkers.

Deciduous Brewing Company

Newmarket, New Hampshire

Explore here

This cozy brewery is located right in the heart of charming downtown Newmarket. As Deciduous Brewing Company enters its tenth year, it looks to have its on-tap and orders down to a science.

I appreciate this dual approach, as it allows drinkers to dive deep into the company’s brewery backlog. But I’m also a fan of the actual bar—and it’s Friday Night trivia games.

White Mountain Brewery

Ashland, New Hampshire

Explore here

Handcrafted and hyper-focused on hops, White Mountain Brewery is a small and humble brewery—one that has a serious love of craft beers.

Like with Deciduous Brewing Company, there’s plenty in the way of dive bar events, from cornhole on the patio to trivia nights. This type of atmosphere is a huge bonus for me—and seems to be a highlight that keeps regulars coming back for more.

Stoneface Brewing

Newington, New Hampshire

Explore here

Stoneface is a pretty big deal—and if you’ve been slamming IPAs on the East Coast for a while, you’ve probably sampled Stoneface Brewing’s beers before.

When you head to their Newington location, you’ll also be treated to a solid menu of dive bar fare—and some brewery-exclusive releases.

Oh, and there’s even seltzer for all those who can’t handle their beer. Plus a long list of events—one of which is called Ol’ Dirty Sunday. No idea how that relates to beer, but I’m going.

Using Your Phone Abroad: Tips on Texting, Calls, Data, & More

Smartphones are equipped with more international features than ever before.

That being said, travelers aren’t solely worried about whether their iPhone or Samsung Galaxy gets a connection abroad. When people travel—especially internationally—smartphones become an important lifeline.

They connect us to our life back home, help us manage our trip while on the road, and keep us close to our favorite social media and news channels.

Those with an international phone plan can get even more out of their device while traveling. They can load maps while out and about, make calls without Wi-Fi, and research new opportunities as they come up.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using phones abroad.

If you want to get more out of your smartphone in terms of texts, calls, and data, then start with the basics here. My advice is based on my experience traveling with a US-based international plan, along with tips from my international friends.

Let’s talk about what you actually need to know about your smartphone’s capabilities while abroad.

Check your carrier for international coverage—the basics are usually covered

Let’s break down the fact that I still use a bare-bones US international plan as a Spanish resident.

I’m on a T-Mobile family plan that includes basic international coverage. Yes, it’s really solid enough that I’ve avoided switching over to a Spanish provider and cellphone number. (I’ve had the same cell number my whole life, and I’m stubborn as hell about keeping it.)

T-Mobile, like other major carriers, makes it easy for travelers to add an international feature to their standard plan. That might be a permanent international plan like in my case—or a temporary one.

What I like about international plans is that they don’t involve changing SIMs. They’re add-ons.

Travel is more commonplace than ever before, and service providers know that. My very basic coverage from T-Mobile includes global roaming, texts, and calls. I don’t often have a 5G connection, which means I can’t use social media, stream videos, and similar activities without Wi-Fi.

That being said, I’m okay with that. Google Maps always loads and I can make calls without Wi-Fi—which is what matters most to me.

What about Google Fi?

If you’re up-to-date on your tech, you might have heard of Google Fi. Google rolled out its suite of wireless plans, which includes an international offer.

My partner used Google Fi for a few years. Though it was a bit pricey, he found it functional and easy to use.

However, he dropped Google Fi because users must be primarily based in the US. We’re fully located in Spain, so the deal no longer applies to him. However, I think Google Fi is a great option for smartphone users who like to stay at the forefront of techy projects.

Their unlimited plan includes data in over 200 destinations around the world, along more unique offers like six months of YouTube Premium for free.

Look into international eSIMs for longer trips

Now—let’s shift back to focus on the old guard of international phones.

Back when I first started traveling around the world, the standard course of action was to arrive in a country, buy a burner phone, get a local SIM card, and start texting with a T9 setup.

This is still a viable option… though it now applies to smartphones.

If you have a smartphone with a physical SIM card, you can easily set up an account abroad and purchase a physical SIM. However, most smartphones use eSIMs, which can be difficult to transfer and otherwise update.

That being said, there are many companies that have simplified this service.

As mentioned up top, my partner no longer uses Google Fi. Now, he uses Airalo to change his eSIM when we travel from country to country. It’s a straightforward app that lets you seamlessly upload a local sim from wherever you wander.

Keep your data safe using the Cloud

This tip isn’t necessarily related to making calls or texts. It’s about maintaining access to important information in case your smartphone is stolen.

I recommend opting to store your data on the Cloud when you travel abroad.

The Cloud simply refers to any type of server that stores data rather than your device. Most smartphones allow users to pay a small fee to have their data (from contact information to photo libraries) saved in a remote, digital place.

Download WhatsApp & WeChat

Most Americans use the chat feature built into their phone to send text messages—which is based on unlimited texting features. Internationally, it’s more popular for people to text and call using apps.

WhatsApp is a famous example, which I highly suggest you download. I’ve used WhatsApp to chat with friends in Europe, Asia, and Central America. WeChat is another popular option, especially for those in East Asia.

Portable Wi-Fi devices & battery packs: Do you really need them?

Recently, there’s more attention on using portable Wi-Fi devices and carrying battery packs as a solution for international coverage.

The idea is that travelers can use their portable Wi-Fi to connect to a network and avoid roaming charges. The battery pack is there to charge up the Wi-Fi device and smartphones as needed.

To be blunt, it sounds heavy, hot, and might even put a target on your back in areas where pickpockets are active. Will the Wi-Fi actually work? I’m not sure. And how long will those battery packs last? Depends on the brand.

But carrying all that tech sounds like it might distract you from feeling a sense of wonder and joy while traveling—and isn’t that the point?

Becoming a Digital Nomad: The Basics

Digital nomadism is one of the standout developments of my generation.

It might also be remembered as one of the fastest-growing career trends post-COVID.

But what are digital nomads? That’s easy. They’re professionals who work entirely remotely—usually on a laptop or via other types of portable technology.

And where do they roam? Wherever their hearts desire—and wherever their passports allow them to go. Around the world, dozens of countries are launching digital nomad visas.

Europe, in particular, has dozens of offers for American workers.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

In reality, digital nomadism involves quite a few lifestyle decisions—ones that might not be as romantic after you’ve spent a month or two on the road. If you really want to start exploring the pros, cons, and other topics related to becoming a digital nomad, then start here.

I’ve rounded up five of the most pressing questions for potential nomads. These should give you a good idea of what types of challenges and rewards this lifestyle brings.

How do they find new work? Are their clients only from their base country?

Most digital nomads are freelancers.

That means that they’re responsible for finding new work constantly. There isn’t a distinction here between digital nomads and freelancers—both rely on the same platforms and tricks to land new clients.

That being said, not all are freelancers.

An increasing number of digital nomads are employed full-time as remote workers. However, this tends to require digital nomads to respect the normal working hours of their primary office—which might mean waking up for midnight calls or even working through the night.

How do they pay taxes and use banks?

The digital nomad visas mentioned above are an important part of digital nomad culture.

When professionals live and work in a country, they’re responsible for paying taxes there. (Who would have thought?!) Digital nomad visas are designed to make it easier for the host country to regulate and tax remote workers.

That being said, most digital nomads work with a bookkeeper or tax agency in the US that has experience with professionals who work in other countries.

I highly recommend Brass Taxes—they’ve helped me navigate paying taxes in Spain as an American citizen. (I’m not a digital nomad, but my situation overlaps in many ways with their lifestyle.)

That being said, it can be pricey to pay for consultations on when and how to pay taxes. It can also be complicated when you live in a country where you don’t speak the language. (Plus, there’s the perennial joy of bureaucracy.)

The plus side? Banking, by contrast, is usually much easier.

Most digital nomads bank with larger brands like Bank of America and US Bank. These banks have a global reach and many international partners, making it relatively easy for you to use mobile banking apps and take out money. (Depositing is nearly impossible… but given digital nomads don’t usually handle cash, that’s not usually a problem.)

Is it hard to adapt to new places?

Most digital nomads follow a trail to a new place.

In other words, they aren’t just randomly picking out a spot on the map and saying there! The digital nomads who I know tend to make friends and meet up with them later on.

(Or lovers. Seriously—I have a few digital nomad friends who are like modern sailors. A lover in every port.)

When digital nomads don’t know anyone, they’re likely to use a service like Meetup, Hinge, or even find a ‘landing pad’.

A landing pad is like a coworking space blended with the features of a hostel. They’re specifically designed for digital nomads and professional travelers. Not only can you meet other digital nomads, but you can also network with fellow freelancers.

That brings me to my next point. These professionals tend to be extroverted and interested in getting out there. It takes time and effort to get accustomed to a new place—and it takes even more energy to truly immerse yourself in local culture.

While many digital nomads stay inside their ‘bubble’ of English-speaking freelancers, that’s not the end-all of this lifestyle.

Where do they live and how do they find housing?

As mentioned in the previous section, co-living landing pads are taking off across Europe.

My partner stayed in one here in Barcelona while we were apartment hunting (literally called the Landing Pad). As a remote worker, he knew it would have solid Wi-Fi—which is important for trans-Atlantic video calls.

Aside from co-living spaces, digital nomads might also leverage the friends they make. They tend to ask around to see if anyone is renting out a room in their apartment. If not, rental platforms are usually a solid go-to.

However, all the digital nomads that I know wait to receive an invitation or to find a good setup before they move cities.

Additionally, there’s a growing number of resources that take into account digital nomad lifestyles.

For example, Nomad List (from the mind that brought you LuggageLosers) constantly updates its cities and countries based on live data. That live data takes into consideration things like average Wi-Fi power, climate, healthcare, happiness, and more.

How much do they usually make?

There’s no straightforward answer.

However, the minimum that a wandering worker could make and still move around comfortably is estimated to be around $50,000. That being said, digital nomadism is a lifestyle choice.

You could make less money and make it work, especially if you’re planning to stay in the US or head to a very cheap host country. Or you could make upwards of $250,000, bouncing around as you please and renting castles along the way.

Airbnb Help: What Should You Do If Your Rental Is Awful?

Airbnb is constantly expanding its repertoire of features and services.

When the platform first hit the market, it revolutionized the way people travel. Not only did it make lodging more affordable, but it also evolved the traveler experience.

The average tourist could stay with a local to gain a deeper perspective of the city… or opt for the swaggiest lux rental available.

The choices available today are truly diverse. Whether looking to land a great spot in a big city like New York or uncover a truly zany gem elsewhere, Airbnb connects us to next-level rentals.

That being said, Airbnb guests show up to their rentals sight unseen.

And while the platform is one of the most trusted in the world, avid travelers like me have found themselves rolling up to some… not-quite-up-to-par stays.

I’m thinking of the Oslo apartment I rented that had a dirty sheet as a curtain. (I would have been fine with the sheet if it had been clean.) And the remote A-Frame in the Rockies that curiously didn’t have its doors locked upon my arrival… and all of its lights on. (Horror film stuff.)

So what do you do if your Airbnb stay isn’t up to snuff?

Thankfully, the platform has almost two decades of experience under its belt—which means it’s got a pretty solid range of backup plans for travelers facing dud rentals.

Here’s what you need to know if things go awry.

For basic problems: contact the host

This is going to seem obvious, but always contact the host when something feels off.

If you see a dirty sheet being used as a curtain, kindly reach out via the app or website to let the host know that the cleaning crew might have missed a few spots.

Or if you find your rental unlocked and lit in the depths of a vast forest, feel free to reach out to check that everything is in order.

A great host is one that responds quickly and efficiently. It’s also worth pointing out that hosts usually know when guests are arriving—and the best ones are specifically available during the first few hours of check-in.

So contact your host immediately when you notice something off. The most common problems that guests face are trouble entering the apartment, finding subpar cleaning jobs, difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi, or confusion about how to use appliances.

For ‘major disruptive events’: cancel the reservation & apply for a refund

Airbnb has a specific policy that covers ‘major disruptive events’. If your Airbnb rental is affected by a major disruption, you’ll be able to apply for a refund immediately.

Want to know more about major disruptive events? Here’s what they’re listed as via the Airbnb website:

Public health emergencies—like a global pandemic, for example
Government travel restrictions—like evacuation orders, not simply travel advisories
Military action or other hostilities—like riots and insurrections
Large-scale outages—like a lack of electricity or water
Natural disasters—those that are unforeseen rather than hurricanes in hurricane season

The major disruptive events policy does not cover:

Injury or illness
Government obligations—like jury duty, for example
Travel advisories
Cancellation or rescheduling the reason for travel—like a concert
Transportation disruptions—like an airline strike

If the rental is illegal: report it to the authorities & apply for a refund

Hosts can start using Airbnb as soon as their identity and account are confirmed—but that doesn’t mean they have the correct licensing to host an Airbnb.

For example, one of my friends recently stayed at an Airbnb while visiting me in Barcelona. Upon arrival, her hosts asked her to tell neighbors that she was a friend staying at their place. We checked Airbnb after and realized it didn’t have the correct licensing to run in Barcelona.

If you receive one of these requests or otherwise catch flack from neighbors, report your Airbnb to the local authorities and to the platform’s help center. You should never be expected to break the law when staying at an Airbnb.

*Airbnb doesn’t have a specific policy to report these illegal rentals, but I think it’s important to alert the platform all the same.

If the rental isn’t as advertised (‘baiting’): report it to Airbnb with pictures & apply for a refund

Airbnb has a specific policy for accommodations that don’t appear as advertised. If you arrive to your lodging and feel that you’ve been catfished, then make sure to document the situation and report it to Airbnb immediately.

Here are a few common forms of baiting:

Wrong space listing—like an entire place advertised vs a shared room
Wrong number of rooms listed
Wrong location of accommodation
False disclosure on other guests or pets being present
Special amenities don’t work or aren’t there—hot tub, name-brand appliances, etc.

If you feel unsafe: contact the authorities & Airbnb via phone (…then apply for a refund)

There’s no reason you should ever feel unsafe at an Airbnb.

The company takes a pretty strong stance on its emergency situations. Here’s what you should do:

First, contact the local authorities and get yourself to safety. Remember that you can also use the Airbnb App on your phone to dial emergency services—it’ll go directly to the closest police force. No need to waste time googling emergency numbers in your area.

From there, you can contact Airbnb directly over phone, email, or web chat. The company has a team of specially trained agents who can help you navigate any safety-related challenges.