England set to ban some single-use plastics
In a long-awaited step towards reducing pollution, the British government is poised to phase out certain products and replace them with biodegradable alternatives. Two years ago, the extent of Britain’s plastic waste problem came to light. Though the nation claims to be a world leader in tackling this kind of...
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EU bans the sale of products linked to deforestation
In a move that prevents further devastation of forests around the world, the European Union has agreed to place a legal ban on the sale of products fuelling deforestation. Although the number of people purchasing eco-friendly products is on the rise, many popular brands have continued to sneak environmentally damaging...
Thousands of displaced children in Mali have no legal identity
Since 2012, disruption in Mali has killed thousands who’ve gotten caught in clashes between security forces and jihadist fighters. According to the UN, the war has displaced nearly 500,000 people including children. A new report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) says 148,600 displaced children in Mali do not...
Global pollinator losses linked to excess fatalities
According to a new study, insect declines are resulting in reduced yields of healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, and nuts which is causing an estimated 500,000 early deaths a year. In 2019, the first Global Scientific Review of insect populations was released. It disclosed, to the dismay of the entomological community,...
Africa’s Gen Z demanded COP27 tackle climate emergency
At this year’s COP27, young African climate activists demanded for actions and not words. Africa has been the worst hit by the effects of climate change. This year's Young Africa session revealed adaptation and funding as priorities to curb the climate emergency. According to the UN, more than 30...
Cove creates biodegradable water bottles from food waste
Ecologically inclined start-up Cove has released a new water bottle that appears as plastic to the naked eye – but actually is made from biodegradable food waste called PHA. It is the first of its kind, and the product is commercially available. Amid our current climate crisis, plastic waste is...
Study finds climate change seriously lacking in current college texts
Despite being among the largest concerns for young people, climate change features very little in college textbooks – especially where solutions are concerned. Given it’s a problem we’ve essentially inherited, our generation is more concerned with climate change than any demographic before us. Despite this sad disposition, however, it appears educational institutions aren’t quite reflecting the severity of crisis we face within their teachings – especially where finding solutions are concerned. In-fact,...
The cost-of-living crisis is sparking a rise in sex workers
A UK organisation has flagged that the number of women turning to sex work in order to cope with the cost-of-living crisis is rising. Its services operates in numerous cities across the country, advising women on how to remain safe at work and how to stay within the lines of the law. With the growing popularity of adult content-sharing platforms such as OnlyFans, the definition of sex work has expanded...
McDonald’s introduces reusable packaging in Europe
The world’s favourite fast-food chain has launched reusable packaging in France. After an image of the new packaging went viral online, customers are expressing both excitement and concern. Could this be the future of the McDonald’s experience globally? Take a Saturday morning walk through any city centre and you’re bound to spot McDonald’s carry bags, cups, and cardboard containers littered on the streets or pouring out of public bins. As our...
San Francisco launches income programme for trans community
The city’s GIFT pilot program sets a new benchmark for tangible inclusive legislation. San Francisco has become one of the first cities in the world to launch a guaranteed income program designed to protect trans residents. The Guaranteed Income for Transgender People, or GIFT, will grant trans applicants up to $1,200 per month for 12 months, and will be open to 55 people in total. In order to qualify for the...
