Latest Stories from Flo
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...
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...
