Latest Stories from Flo
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...
Kate Middleton’s cancer battle highlights chasm of health privilege
Princess Kate’s return to public life has been met with gracious applause. But hers is a tremendous privilege. When the Princess of Wales emerged from her carriage at Trooping the Colour on Saturday, the rain-sodden crowds cheered in support. After revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, news which explained a retreat from public duties, Kate’s appearance at Buckingham Palace held more weight than usual. For onlookers, and the country at...
Dior comes under fire for labour conditions
A recent investigation into factories in Italy found the luxury brand guilty of exploiting contractors. Like most luxury fashion brands, Dior is renowned for their elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. The company has long prided themselves on the savoir faire required to make their products – particularly their handbags, widely considered Dior’s most coveted pieces. A recent investigation by the Comando Carabinieri per la Tutela del Lavoro, however, has threatened to dismantle the...
Why are fast fashion brands scrapping free returns?
Pretty Little Thing is the latest fast fashion retailer to start charging customers who make returns. But is the decision down to concern for the planet, or profit? UK customers have been left disgruntled after popular online fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing (PLT) announced it was scrapping free returns. Consumers will now be charged £1.99 to return clothes, an amount that will be deducted from their refund. For a generation accustomed...
England players call out media treatment of Black footballers
The continued scapegoating of Black players has drawn backlash from sporting giants, and set a worrying precedent for a summer of football. Hopeful Brits will be firing up BBQs and filling pubs over the next few weeks, as the Euros kicks off another summer of football. Despite the general camaraderie that accompanies our nation’s favourite sport, this year’s games have already triggered the same vile media coverage that defined 2020’s Covid-delayed...
Developed world responds oddly to Starlink’s integration in Brazilian tribe
The negative response inadvertently reveals long-standing ideals of an ‘untouched’ culture from an outside perspective. Hundreds of isolated tribes across Brazil are now accessing the internet, thanks to Elon Musk’s satellite service Starlink. It hasn’t gone down too well where the Western media’s concerned, however. Musk’s Starlink antennas, which have enabled high-speed internet to reach villages like those of Brazil’s Marubo tribe, were first introduced to locals in 2023. And despite the...
