Latest Stories from Jessica
Scientists believe live bacteria could be eating ocean plastic
It’s hard to believe any living thing could survive on a diet consisting of plastic, but new research has revealed that certain bacteria have found a way to ingest ocean pollution – making it disappear altogether. If you’ve been visiting Thred for a while, you’re likely well-versed in how serious our global plastic pollution problem is. We have written a ton about how the 12 million tons of plastic dumped into...
Why ‘debt-for-nature’ swaps are the future of climate finance
Many developing countries are deep in financial debt. More often than not, however, they are rich in biodiversity. An increasingly popular climate agreement could enable them to minimise the debt they owe to wealthy nations – as long as the money saved is placed into environmental protection and adaptation projects. Levels of debt in low-income and developing nations are steadily rising. This is a result of regularly borrowing money from wealthy...
These shoes are made from upcycled sex toys
Finding fresh ways to use old materials will be the challenge that defines our generation. We need to drastically reduce the constant production of virgin plastics and polymers, especially in fashion, which is why one sustainable clothing brand started turning sex toys into shoes. When it comes to upcycling in order to get closer to our sustainable living goals, no material can be off-limits. That includes materials previously used to make...
New York’s notorious prison could be transformed into a green hub
The local council has planned to close New York’s most notorious prison by 2027. In efforts to decarbonise the state, designers have put forward ideas to turn Riker’s Island into a green energy hub. Over the years, Riker’s Island – a 400-acre piece of land located between the Bronx and Queens – has gained a reputation for being home to one of the world’s most brutal prisons. Most people know about...
Should banning phones at live shows become the norm?
Artists and comedians are using new technology to prevent fans from video-recording at concerts. Aside from keeping the performance exclusive to ticket-buyers, the goal is to encourage attendees to enjoy the moment without distraction – but is it a good idea? Going to a live show is a privilege, not just because it can cost upwards of £100, but because actually securing a ticket is difficult when the demand and...
Analysis says most carbon ‘offsets’ by big companies do nothing
Many prominent brands have started buying carbon credits in order to offset their corporate emissions. Scientific analysis shows these are largely worthless. As big companies attempt to appear more eco-conscious in the eyes of their customers, many have started to boast partnerships with rainforest conservation organisations around the world. For example, major brands like Gucci, Shell, and Disney buy carbon offsets/credits that ‘cancel out’ the number of emissions spewed into the...
More than half of Brits are worried about the warm summer ahead
After the hellish heatwaves of last summer, which soared to a record-breaking 40C, two-thirds of people living in Britain are experiencing anxiety about climate change. It was 2 degrees below zero when Londoners woke up this morning. No doubt, some would’ve uttered anticipatory wishes for the warmer winds of spring and summer as they stepped out for school and work. But as it turns out, the majority of us are still...
Procrastination has been linked to poor mental and physical health
Avoiding certain responsibilities might feel rewarding in the moment, but it’s likely worse for our mental and physical well-being in the long run. A breadth of studies have shown that chronic procrastination isn’t just bad for our to-do lists, but also for our mental and physical health in the long term. While most of us give into procrastinating every now and then, the consequences become a lot different when we make...
Why Gen Z is ditching their smartphones on nights out
Death to the drunk Instagram story? Well, maybe. Young people are starting to swap their smartphones for simpler mobile devices on nights out. The benefits extend well beyond dealing with embarrassing social media posts from the night before. A new trend is emerging amongst Gen Z members old enough to hit the club at the weekend. Rather than pocketing an £800 smartphone with their debit card and ID before going...
The problem with Sainsbury’s latest campaign and why it went viral
A new marketing campaign released by Sainsbury’s has gone viral for being completely tone-deaf about women’s safety. The adverts' timing makes its sentiments even more ridiculous, as a culture of violent sexual misconduct by serving Metropolitan Police officers is brought to light. Here we go again. You’d think that with great efforts to improve inclusivity at big corporations, especially inside marketing departments, copywriting oversights like the one spotted in Sainsbury’s latest...
