Pause. The world was virtually at a standstill over the last couple months as countries imposed lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential businesses, establishments, and transportation were put on halt and people were told to stay at home. With the pandemic restrictions, the environment was also given a reprieve – our cities...
Whether you’re participating in Plastic Free July, transitioning to a zero waste lifestyle or just writing a report on the environmental impacts of plastic, here are some facts and statistics about plastic that will shock you… and hopefully inspire you towards live a life with less plastic and reduce your plastic footprint. Plastic production 1....
Would you like to be rich? Chances are your answer is: “Yes! Who wouldn’t want to be rich?” Clearly, in societies where money can buy almost everything, being rich is generally perceived as something good. It implies more freedom, fewer worries, more happiness, higher social status. But here is the catch: affluence trashes our planetary...
This month, The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) is launching an urgent national appeal to raise up to $400,000 AUD to continue critical regeneration efforts post bushfires, which left 12 million hectares burnt and over a billion native animals affected. The Appeal will focus on raising funds to continue the long-term recovery process,...
In the last few years, sustainability as a concept, practice and way of life has gained widespread popularity and acceptance. In that time, huge strides have been made in the quest for climate action and general wellbeing of the planet. Climate strikes have been held and multi-billion dollar companies have been publicly called out for...
In 2018, the United Nations nominated May 20 as ‘World Bee Day‘ to raise awareness of the importance of these pollinators in safeguarding food security and protect them from toxic synthetic pesticides and habitat loss due as a result of intensive agricultural practices, and rising temperatures due to climate change. According to Wikipedia, a pollinator...
While many cafes across Australia have been holding off serving coffee in reusable cups for fear of spreading COVID-19, this precautionary measure was not broadly advised against or banned in most state or territory health departments – who confirm there’s no proven benefit for hospitality venues switching to disposables. Responsible Cafes – a network of...
Hong Kong: On May 5 2020, the Hong Kong government announced that it would be distributing special reusable face masks to all residents – free of charge. “This [CuMask] mask can filter viruses,” Edwin Keh, CEO of the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel which developed the specific mask, said in an interview....
Are you feeling anxious or irritated during the coronavirus lockdown? Do you constantly want to get up and move? Maybe you need a moment to engage with nature. Getting into the great outdoors is difficult at right now. But our research soon to be published in Australian Forestry shows you can improve your mood by...
Intensive farming of wildlife creates an unnecessary and unacceptable risk for human and animal health, says Humane Society International/UK Mink on two fur farms with more than 20,000 animals in the Netherlands have been found infected with COVID-19, after exhibiting breathing difficulties. Animal protection charity Humane Society International, which campaigns for a global end to the...
The renewable energy sector is growing astronomically, and wind power is leading the way. In the United States, electricity generated by wind power doubled between 2010 and 2018. It will continue to grow in the next decade, as the energy sector continues to trend away from fossil fuels. Wind power is clean, efficient and easily...
Good news: COVID-19 is not the only thing going on right now! Bad news: while we’ve all been deep in the corona-hole, the climate crisis has been ticking along in the background, and there are many things you may have missed. Fair enough – it’s what people do. When we are faced with immediate, unambiguous...