Image Credit: tykhyi/123rf.com Lisbon has launched a citywide reusable cup system, making it the first European capital to implement a deposit-and-return scheme aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste in its hospitality and nightlife sectors. This initiative coincides with Plastic Free July and seeks to address the environmental impact of disposable cups, of which about 25,000…
Image Credit: dmitryag/123rf.com A startup in Austin, Texas, is tackling the significant environmental issue of disposable diaper waste with an innovative product that combines biodegradable materials and fungi. Hiro Technologies has developed the MycoDigestible Diaper, which includes a packet of plastic-eating fungi designed to break down the diaper after use. The Environmental Protection Agency reported…
Image Credit: maru1122maru/123rf.com In a world where insect populations are declining at alarming rates, a range of actionable steps can be taken to support these crucial species and the ecosystems they sustain. Research indicates that even in protected areas, insects are struggling, which poses risks not just to their populations but also to birds, bats,…
Image Credit: mungkhoodyo/123rf.com A new study from European researchers has revealed innovative ways to repurpose outdated smartphones, transforming them into functional miniature data centers. This initiative aims to tackle both the challenges of electronic waste and the need for real-time data collection in various fields, including marine research and urban transit systems. The research, conducted…
Image Credit: steveallenuk/123rf.com Urban mining is gaining momentum in Europe as a critical strategy for enhancing resource independence and addressing climate challenges. This innovative approach focuses on extracting valuable materials from discarded electronics and construction waste, a move that aligns with the European Union’s broader goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency. As Europe seeks to reduce…
Image Credit: kamchatka/123rf.com Coral reefs are facing a critical crisis, with over 80 percent of the world’s reef area experiencing heat stress in 2023, marking the most severe global coral bleaching event since the 1990s. In response to this alarming trend, scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a novel solution to aid…
Image Credit: ryosha/123rf.com In a significant advancement towards its net zero targets, the UK government has announced that nearly all new homes in England will be equipped with solar panels by 2027. This policy mandates that housebuilders include rooftop solar installations as standard during the construction of new homes, aligning the housing strategy with the…
Image Credit: serezniy/123rf.com A California-based startup, Savor, has introduced a revolutionary butter alternative created entirely from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen. This innovative product, termed “air butter,” is molecularly identical to traditional dairy butter and aims to provide a sustainable option for consumers seeking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing taste. Savor’s unique process…
Image Credit: gabort71/123rf.com New York City has officially launched enforcement of its mandatory composting program, requiring all residents to separate organic waste as of April. The initiative aims to significantly reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions by channeling organic materials into dedicated compost streams. Under the new program, curbside composting will be collected on…
Image Credit: wollemipine/123rf.com Australian startup Alt. Leather has introduced an innovative plant-based leather alternative that is fully sustainable, containing no plastics and made entirely from natural fibers and agricultural waste. This new material aims to provide a circular, animal-free substitute for traditional leather, with potential applications in the fashion, footwear, upholstery, and automotive industries. The…
