Latest Stories from Flo
Has swimming in the Seine made Olympic athletes sick?
The billion dollar project to beautify the Parisian river has been dogged with controversy and complications from the start. But the latest bout of illnesses among Olympic triathletes might be the tipping point. You’d be hard pressed to talk about this year’s Olympics without mentioning the river Seine. Since Paris was first announced as 2024’s host city, the famous landmark has become a hot topic amongst Olympic planners, French politicians,...
Mattel’s Barbie makes another major move for inclusivity
The brand just introduced the first blind or visually impaired Barbie doll, and the internet is loving it. Representation matters, and Mattel – a brand who has long championed this belief – isn’t slowing down in their quest to make every person feel seen. The iconic toy company has once again proven its dedication to inclusivity with its latest release: a Barbie doll that is blind and/or visually impaired. Though often criticised for...
Opinion – Nada Hafez just changed the sporting world for good
The Egyptian fencer shocked the world when she revealed she was 7 months pregnant during competitions at the 2024 Olympic games. But the response to her bravery has highlighted a difficult truth. Nada Hafez has just rewritten the rules of the game. At seven months pregnant, the Egyptian fencer is taking on the Paris 2024 Olympics, and with it, a maelstrom of scrutiny that underscores an uncomfortable truth: even in...
Airline allows female passengers to avoid sitting with men
IndiGo is the first major airline to allow female passengers to choose the gender of those seated next to them. Is this the future of air travel? A major Indian budget airline, IndiGo, has made headlines for introducing a unique new policy. Female passengers will now be allowed to view the gender of those seated next to them before boarding a flight, giving them the option to avoid sitting...
What is ‘underconsumption core’ and is it a positive trend?
The latest internet micro trend sees young people celebrating a life of minimalist spending habits. But is this a sign of progress, or proof of overconsumption’s preeminence? Should being frugal be a trend? Well, according to social media, it kind of is. The rapid trend cycle that has come to define the last decade has seen everything from ‘blokette-core’ to ‘brat-core’ dominating our cultural zeitgeist. But the latest obsession amongst young...
What Ribena’s new project means for green AI
The beverage brand has incorporated artificial intelligence into its farming practices, emphasising the potential benefits of new technology within sustainability projects. Making significant strides towards environmental sustainability, Ribena's parent company Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has harnessed AI to uncover biodiversity hotspots on their blackcurrant farms. The groundbreaking initiative has identified various threatened bird species, emphasising the potential of AI in environmental conservation. Using AI to analyse birdsong across five blackcurrant...
The Supreme Court blocks plans to reduce US air pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ‘Good Neighbour’ plan has been scrapped, signalling a dire shift away from green initiatives in US politics. Just weeks after the US presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump omitted any mention of global warming – despite it being a significant concern amongst Americans – the Supreme Court has blocked the EPA’s ‘Good Neighbour’ plan. The ‘Good Neighbour’ regulation aimed to slash ozone emissions by requiring...
Waterstones controversy highlights the power of social media
The popular bookseller has been criticised for transphobic behaviour, after book-tok came out in support of a former employee. Waterstones has been a mainstay of the British highstreet for decades, but the beloved bookseller has sparked significant online backlash over its stance on LGBTQIA+ issues. Over the past few years, Waterstones has been heavily criticised for controversial actions regarding queer staff, customers, and the entire community in general, with the...
Is California’s textile recycling bill a fashion revolution?
The legislation could mark a watershed moment for sustainability in fashion. But can it do enough to change things? California is on the verge of passing a groundbreaking bill that could reshape the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. The Textile Recycling Bill (or SB 707), is currently advancing through the state legislature, and aims to hold fashion brands accountable for the waste they produce. SB 707 has already passed recent California...
How Zurich is paving the way to a sustainable future
The Swiss city is known for its advanced sustainability practices and rigorous recycling system. Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is largely known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving economy, and high quality of life. But ambitious sustainability programs and recycling systems have cemented Zurich’s status as one of the greenest modern cities in Europe – perhaps even the world. Locals are accustomed to signing no-car pledges, and have adapted to life in cooperative housing...
