Category: Positive News

Last May, parents and teachers in Greystones, County Wicklow, launched a town-wide ‘no-smartphone code’ to tackle the rise of smartphones being used by primary school students. The concept stemmed from conversations between parents who were regularly feeling pressure from their children to purchase a smartphone. By setting up the code, the town removed the peer… Continue reading As Ireland’s smartphone school ban is approved, the town where it all began

Climate change, endangered species, and LGBTQ+ rights saw some positive developments this week. China, the world’s biggest polluter, is set to experience a drop in CO2 emissions. Carbon Brief analysed the country’s low-carbon energy infrastructure to conclude that the decline is likely to begin next year with fossil fuel use set to enter structural decline. This… Continue reading What went right this week: the good news you should know about

In an attempt to show their appreciation for clients and employees in a more meaningful and memorable way, companies are becoming more creative with their Christmas gift choices. While traditional gestures such as gift vouchers and Christmas food hampers remain popular, more values-led companies are opting for gifts with a positive, socially conscious message. Wholegrain… Continue reading All I want for Christmas is: Positive News

Packaging created by Finnish startup Sulapac is leading the way in use of bio-based materials and low carbon footprint. Co-founders Laura Tirkkonen-Rajasalo and Suvi Haimi, biochemists, were inspired to act after noticing endless rows of plastic cosmetics pots. In 2016, Sulapac was established using recycled and byproduct materials to make plant-based biopolymer and natural material… Continue reading This company makes cosmetics packaging materials that leave no microplastics behind

Rewilders in the United Kingdom are reintroducing previously extinct species to the nation in the absence of leadership from the government. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted nations globally. Recently reintroduced species include the beaver, which has reappeared in areas across England and Scotland due to a combination of official trials and unofficial… Continue reading Making a comeback: the ‘lost’ species returning to Britain

Trauma-informed design (TID) is an emerging architectural movement that aims to create sanctuaries for those who are vulnerable due to traumatic events. TID has gained popularity because dehumanising designs in prisons and homeless shelters can create additional stress for vulnerable people. According to the Trauma-informed Design Society (TiDS), buildings are designed in a way that… Continue reading The buildings that heal

As the world continues to grapple with the numerous environmental challenges caused by widespread pollution and waste, several European startups are working on innovative solutions to reinvent difficult-to-recycle items.They are part of the 2023 cohort for Green Alley Award, an esteemed prize that recognizes Europe’s most outstanding circular startups that aim to shift to a… Continue reading The startups reinventing notoriously hard-to-recycle items

Professor Michael Mann, a renowned climatologist, has recently penned a book titled Our Fragile Moment, in which he elaborates on surviving the climate crisis. Explaining why he remains optimistic despite the looming crisis, he cites “four billion years ago, when our sun was only 70% as bright as it is today, climate models indicate that Earth should… Continue reading ‘We’re not doomed yet’: five reasons for climate hope, by a climatologist

As society moves away from the “take, make, dispose” model, new policies are being introduced across Europe to support the principles of a circular economy. Initiatives range from proposals around textiles to plans for sustainable packaging and e-waste recycling. Ongoing discussions about recycling textiles and reducing waste over the next seven years will be a… Continue reading The circular economy is coming to Europe. Here’s how

The black poplar, once found across the UK, has become increasingly rare. Tree enthusiasts across the country are working to restore its population by increasing its genetic resilience. The Barnes black poplar in London is widely considered to be one of the best of its kind in the country, and it was saved from being… Continue reading The race to save Britain’s rarest native tree