Response to the latest Barbie doll justifies its existence
Mattel’s new doll has Type 1 diabetes, marking another inclusive step for the brand. But response to the launch highlights a persistent lack of education around the disease – and the need to dismantle stigma. Mattel’s latest addition to its Barbie lineup, a doll with Type 1 diabetes, might seem like...
Current in Companies
Easyjet’s bag bonus scheme causes outrage
A leaked email shows the budget airline has been rewarding staff for catching oversized luggage. We all have a love/hate relationship with budget airlines. From Ryanair to easyJet, these low-cost alternatives to pricey air-travel have saved more of my girls' holidays than I can count on one hand. But they’ve...
French senate pass bill regulating ultra-fast fashion
Are the environmental tides of the industry turning? On Tuesday the French senate adopted a bill that will regulate the fashion industry and place ultra-fast fashion brands under the microscope. The news comes after France first mentioned plans to crackdown on e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein earlier this year. In...
KFC plans large expansion across UK and Ireland
Popular fast food franchise KFC has announced plans to create 7,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland. It comes as emerging competitors pose a threat to the chain’s dominance. Chicken shop franchise KFC is planning to expand significantly across the UK and Ireland in the next five years, the...
EU plans extra fee on small parcels often sent from China
The European Union has proposed a new fee on billions of small parcels that are sent directly to people’s homes. This extra two-euro charge would largely affect parcels sent from China on fast-fashion platforms like Shein and Temu. A new tax has been proposed by the European Union that...
Universal Music Group’s ties to abuse scandals in West Africa
West African nonprofits allege that major Universal Music Group stakeholder Vincent Bolloré has built his fortune through abusive practices in the region. They’re urging the label’s artists to do their research before making charitable donations. Universal Music Group (UMG) represents some of the world’s biggest artists today, including Kendrick Lamar,...
Spain to block 65,000 properties on Airbnb in tourism crackdown
Following intense public pressure to regulate the short-term rental market, the Spanish government says it will remove over 65,000 holiday rental listings from Airbnb for breaching regulations. The Spanish government is cracking down on short-term property renting and says it will remove 65,000 holiday listings from Airbnb. It comes amidst growing public pressure to provide more regulation and rules over holiday renting. The consumer rights ministry said missing licence numbers, unclear...
European firms reportedly improving climate action lobbying
New research has found that European companies are increasingly engaging with climate change, with a sharp rise in firms lobbying for climate action since 2019. New research suggests that European companies may be more engaged with climate change policies and action than first thought. Analysts say that the share of companies whose corporate lobbying is ‘aligned’ with plans for global climate goals increased from 3% in 2019 to an impressive 23%...
Dutch climate campaigners vow to take Shell to court again
Originally arguing that Shell should reduce its emissions by 45% in line with the Paris climate agreement, Dutch climate non-profit Milieudefensie has vowed to take Shell to court for a second time in quick succession. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again. Abiding by this mantra, Dutch climate non-profit ‘Milieudefensie’ is hoping that getting Shell back in court will prove more fruitful than the last time out. Initially...
UK investigation finds companies greenwashing despite warnings
An investigation by Greenpeace UK’s ‘Unearthed’ journalism unit has found that several companies are still greenwashing despite warnings from the UK’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA). Greenwashing is still ongoing in the UK, an investigation by Greenpeace UK’s journalism unit ‘Unearthed’ has found. According to a report by The Guardian, various companies have continued to publish unfounded claims about the environmental cost of their services or products over the last...
