Latest Stories from Jessica
UN member states fail to pass Ocean Treaty on fifth attempt
The high seas are arguably the last lawless place left on the planet. A UN member state meeting in New York hoped to finally create a policy that prevents the overfishing and mistreatment of our oceans – but it has failed. Coastal waters (and all life within them) may belong to the closest nearby nation, but the remaining two-thirds of the world’s oceans are treated as international waters, otherwise...
Four accomplishments in gender equality in the 21st century
Only one hundred years ago, women finally received the right to vote in the United States. On National Women’s Equality day, we’re taking a look at how various sectors have become more gender inclusive and where they have room to improve. Achieving true gender equality is an ongoing fight that has lasted throughout generations. Since the turn of the 21st century, women have begun to take up space in places they...
The River Oden wildlife killer case may have been solved
Mass fish, bird, and mollusc deaths were reported in Germany’s River Oder over the months of July and August. Germany’s Liebniz Institute of Freshwater Ecological and Inland Fisheries think they have figured out what could’ve caused it. Golden algae – scientifically known as Prymnesium parvum’ – is a rare and invasive microorganism. It thrives in brackish water, usually where flowing rivers meet the sea. In rare conditions, golden algae can grow...
Why cycling has to be the future of travel
Getting people to switch from cars to bikes won’t be an easy feat, but if achieved, it would create positive change for the planet, our health, and overall quality of life. In certain parts of the world, cycling is the norm for the majority of the population. The city of Amsterdam has more bikes than people, with residents cycling an average distance of 2.6km every day. After living there for two...
Forest Green Rovers lead charge on eco-friendly football
Based in Gloucestershire, the Forest Green Rovers have become the world’s greenest football club. Their latest goals are reducing CO2 emitted during travel to and from games and to build a modern stadium made entirely out of timber. It’s unfortunate that most of the things we enjoy emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Whether it’s flying out on holiday, going on road trips, or eating a delicious burger – our knowledge...
The Love Island to fast-fashion influencer pipeline is far from over
This summer, the UK’s favourite reality dating programme clothed its stars in second-hand threads from eBay to promote circular fashion. But following their exit from the villa, contestants have already secured record-breaking deals with fast-fashion companies. Love Island season presents the opportunity to witness good-looking people argue, neck each other, and regurgitate lines like ‘you’re my type on paper’ on national television while wearing multiple outfits a day – all...
This eco-friendly pregnancy test is made entirely from paper
Each year, over 12 million plastic pregnancy tests are thrown out in the UK alone. In a bid to reduce waste caused by single-use plastic items, one company has designed an at home test made entirely out of paper. When listing personal care products that generate unnecessary plastic waste, items like toothbrushes, tampons, or flossing sticks might first come to mind. Bamboo toothbrushes, MoonCups, and water picks have helped us reduce...
What is the environmental impact of bright clothing dyes?
Just like all fabrics are not created equal, neither are the dyes that give them their colour. Achieving bright whites and neon hues are resource and labour intensive, causing some items of clothing to have a greater social and environmental impact than others. We’re now nearing the end of August and although most of us would like to believe in a never-ending summer, the fact is… winter is coming. Around this...
Instagram’s new tool allows users to block weight loss ads
The option for Instagram users to customise their targeted ads was introduced in early June, with a ‘body weight control’ category only added this week. Is this enough to stifle the toxic culture that festers within the appearance-obsessed platform? Amidst the rise of body positive values in marketing tactics and amongst the general public, you’d think we’d no longer have to deal with inadvertently being shown weight loss adverts on...
This no-waste body wash comes in dissolvable packaging
The beauty industry is a top contributor to plastic production and water waste. Helping us get closer to fully sustainable self-care is PLUS, a brand that delivers its products in fully biodegradable, waterless pouches. Unless you tend to use bars of soap or have already started buying solid shampoo, half of the toiletries sitting in your bathroom are likely housed in single-use plastic bottles. The beauty industry is a major contributor...
