Latest Stories from Jessica
Italian brand Candiani is making fully biodegradable denim
In terms of environmental impact, most jeans are on par with clothing made from plastics. One European denim supplier is changing this, and you might be pleased to find that you own a pair of their jeans already. You’re likely aware that one of the most environmentally taxing industries is fashion, with clothing production responsible for 10 percent of all greenhouse emissions. And while decent quality jeans can last for years,...
How science labs are building the future of food
Climate change is holding a sharp knife to the agricultural industry. From espresso and pasta to sushi and fish fingers, your daily bread could disappear from local menus, if not for a huge effort from scientists around the world. The agriculture industry – which has contributed massively to climate change – is getting a serious helping of karma these days. Unfortunately, this has resulted in global food prices skyrocketing to...
Opinion – It’s time to talk about the toxicity of traditional gender roles
Despite an increase in gender fluidity, traditional narratives of what it means be male or female persist. At their most extreme, both ideals have potential to be extremely damaging. We tend to refer to toxic masculinity as displays of aggressive, dominant behaviours by men who make considerable efforts to become the archetype of a hyper-macho alpha. In our patriarchal society, instances of this can be found everywhere. From dads who tell...
Could your skincare regime be endangering sharks further?
One ingredient in popular skincare items is regularly sourced from endangered, deep ocean dwellers. Shark fin soup has racked up serious blame for the depletion of shark populations around the world. But even if you aren’t eating sharks, there’s still a possibility that your daily habits are contributing to the great endangerment of the species. Inside the liver of sharks is a sought-after oil called squalene. Known for its hydrating and...
Relaxed attitudes towards cosmetic procedures are dangerous
Cosmetic surgeries have become commonplace in our society, but even non-evasive procedures are never without risk. What can we learn about self-acceptance from one top model’s botched experience? The year is 2021, and you’d be hard pressed to find a celebrity who hasn’t undergone a nose job, brow lift, or sculpted their face with derma filler even slightly. In terms of body modification, female rappers and others in the spotlight have...
Parasocial relationships: Gen-Z and celebrity
The way we interact with celebrity has been irreversibly changed by how and how often we consume media. If you’ve ever felt like you ‘know’ a celebrity – you may want to keep reading. Don’t let the theoretical terminology leading this topic fool you into believing it’s complex. A parasocial relationship is simply a one-sided relationship, where an individual exerts time, interest, and emotional energy into another person who is...
London’s historic blue plaques still neglect Black icons
Despite a five year effort to diversify London’s famous blue plaques, minority communities remain vastly underrepresented, but why? Dotted around the city of London are over 900 bright blue plaques, inscribed with names belonging to outstanding historical figures who have lived, worked, or temporarily lodged in buildings across the capital. The scheme began in 1866 under the Society of Arts and is continued today under the English Heritage organisation, which grants...
How Gen Z is pushing beauty to be more diverse and accepting
Leaning into a natural skin aesthetic while still leaving room for makeup experimentation, Gen Z is changing the way we approach beauty products. We already know that Gen Z is the driving force of pushing boundaries, both in terms of social change and creating new trends. This is especially evident in the beauty industry, which has had to adapt itself to earn the respect and trust of younger consumers. A core ethos...
Chemical ‘cocktails’ found in fruits and vegetables
Approved pesticides are used in the agriculture industry to keep insects and other animals at bay during growing stages. But are these pesticides truly safe when combined? A fully vegan or vegetarian diet has been promoted as the most healthy and sustainable way to obtain optimal nutrition while being kinder to the planet. While this is true - removing meat and dairy products from your diet can reduce an individual carbon...
Can artificial clouds save the Great Barrier Reef?
In 2018, a study reported that half of the world’s largest coral reef system had died. Research teams in Australia are testing ways to alter clouds in hopes to salvage what remains. Australia’s $300 million Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program is investigating and developing new technologies that will prolong the life of the Great Barrier Reef. One of its newer methods involves a repurposed ferry, a gigantic mist machine, and...
