Good News for the Environment

We have more than enough bad news to pay attention to. Let's focus on some awesome eco-news to uplift your spirits! We're sharing some positive updates in the environmental world that we've come across, feel free to pass them along and share some with us too. We all need more nature, love, and positivity.

1. Certainly nobody wished for a pandemic during their New Year celebrations, however one positive thing that has come from this period of slowdown is the affect its had on our air: Air pollution and carbon emissions have rapidly fallen during this time of economic slow down. Read the full BBC article.

2. People are realizing now more than ever that protecting and restoring our the Earth's natural forests is essential to not only stop the averse affects of climate change, but also for the health and happiness of humans. The government of Wales announced a nearly 6 million dollar plan to build a national forest that expands its entire country! Read the full GREENMATTERS article.

3. You can't forget about the soils when speaking of the importance of forests in the fight against environmental degradation, and a study published by Nature Sustainability Monday revealed that restoring the world's soil could remove 5.5 BILLION tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere PER YEAR. Read the full EcoWatch article.

4. Not one, not two, but THREE oil and gas pipeline projects in the United States have been stopped within the last month: the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Keystone XL pipeline, and Atlantic Coast pipeline. We optimistically question whether this must be the glorious and long-awaited end to the building of new unwanted pipelines. Read the full New York Times article.

5. There's one thing that makes all of us warm inside: the return of animals during this slowdown of human activity. There's been many examples of new animal sightings in our backyards and in our mountains - but they are also making appearances in our seas. North Atlantic right whale sighting are going up as the whales make their annual migration into New England. Read the full U.S. News article.

We hope this short list has given you a spark of warmth or hope. There's so much more out there and we encourage you all to keep your eyes up and ears peeled for good news. What have been your favorite Eco-stories that you've come across?

"Ocean-friendly Tips for a Plastic-Free July" by 4Ocean

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to ocean plastic pollution. This year is the 10th anniversary of this movement, so here are 10 tips to help you say no to single-use plastic this month and all year long.

1. 1. Continue to avoid the worst offenders like single-use plastic bags, straws, bottles, and utensils by choosing reusable and sustainable alternatives.

2. 2. Shop in bulk to avoid excess single-use plastic packaging.

3. 3. Shop your local farmer’s market for produce and meats that don’t come pre-packaged in plastic.

4. 4. Plan meals in advance to avoid single-use plastic associated with convenience foods like microwavable meals and fast food.

5. 5. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, commit to using bar soaps and washable face masks.

6. 6. If and when you do go out to dine, bring your own reusable containers to bring home leftovers instead of letting them package in plastic.

7. Use baking soda or bar soap and washable cloths to do your dishes. For extra scrubbing power, opt for a copper scrubber instead of a plastic-based one.

8. If you already own a Swiffer mop, make the swap to a washable reusable pad.

9. Give up hair products in plastic bottles and opt for shampoo bars and salves and pomades in metal tins and glass jars.

10. Avoid disposable plastic pens when possible by investing in a refillable fountain pen or reaching for a pencil instead.

Read more tips on how to be plastic-free on 4Oceans' website.

Replacing Plastic Packaging with Banana Leaves!

"Rimping is the Supermarket that is trying to break out of this norm of using single-use plastic and trying to find an innovative and alternative solution to this growing problem.

This alternative way is albeit interesting as a packaging material that can very well replace plastic. Enter Banana leaves. Being situated near the equator, Thailand is a haven for Banana plantation. So, this new method is using banana leaves to wrap up the packaging and prevent the use of plastic in excess. It is definitely not a complete foolproof method just yet as a very small amount of plastic is still required in this new technique of packaging. But this is definitely a very viable and efficient first step in the reduction of plastic waste and plastic packaging."

Click here to read the full article on TruthTheory