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Happy Eco News: May

Beat the Blues with Some Happy Eco News! Let's start June on a high! We know that tackling climate change can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but don't fret! Brace yourself for a delightful dose of Happy Eco News that will keep your eco-spirit alive! May was packed with exciting eco-happenings that will put a smile on your face. From rises in animal populations to new recycling programmes, it's time to celebrate our wins, no matter how big or small! Seals are becoming a more common sight on the beaches of Belgium. After vanishing from the scene at the end of the last century, numbers are now rising again, according to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. They aren't the easiest to count, but estimates sit at around 100 to 200 individuals from two species: grey seals and harbour seals. Belgium has introduced 'seal only' zones, ensuring people stay at least 30 metres away and don't feed them, as seals that are given food don't learn to hunt properly. In 2021 there was a spike in seal deaths due to a type of fishing net called a gillnet or trammel net. The good news is that these findings changed the rules on this kind of recreational fishing, and half as many dead seals washed up in 2022. According to Kelle Moreau, this is proof that we can keep improving the harmony between humans and these lovely marine animals! Learn more This sighting of dolphins in the Bronx River is rare and significant, and offers hope for the health of the river's ecosystem. It's the result of years of collaborative work to improve water quality and restore habitats. The Bronx River Alliance, a non-profit committed to restoring the river through education, advocacy and community engagement, has been leading the charge, working with organisations such as the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Riverkeeper. Removing pollutants and adding green infrastructure, rain gardens and permeable paving have improved the water quality enough to welcome these visitors. Learn more More than 6 billion plastic payment cards are produced and shipped worldwide each year. Most contain several layers of PVC, around 5 grams of plastic per card, and they're thrown away every 4-5 years, usually ending up in landfill. Since 2018 Mastercard has been developing more sustainable options, including recycled post-consumer plastic (just like our Kind Bags!), bio-sourced plastic made from corn or sugar starch, and recycled PVC. They aren't stopping there either! They're also exploring what happens to cards at the end of their life, since chips and magnetic strips make them hard to recycle. New chemical recycling techniques alongside traditional mechanical processes could improve this over the coming years, and hopefully inspire other companies to do the same! Learn more Some electrifying news: repurposed underground mines could store enough energy to power the entire earth for a day! On sunny and windy days, solar and wind farms often generate more power than the grid can use, and scientists at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) think abandoned mines could store it. They estimate that turning decommissioned mines into vast gravity batteries could provide up to 70 terawatt-hours of storage, enough to match the world's daily electricity consumption. Mines suit these batteries because gravity storage needs deep shafts, and the projects could also bring revenue to former mining communities. Learn more eBay has launched a Certified Recycled programme selling recycled vehicle parts from certified sellers. According to eBay's own survey, recycled parts can be up to 70% cheaper, and all parts are vetted and warranted. With parts delays, rising costs and a growing focus on sustainable choices, it's a win for everyone! Parklife festival in Manchester is leading the way in sustainability, using biofuel in generators, banning single-use plastics and using eco-friendly "clean glitter". The festival is also sending unused food to a local project that turns it into meals for vulnerable people, requiring vendors to use compostable cutlery, plates and cups, and encouraging festival-goers to travel by public transport. Having faced littering issues in the past, the festival says it's committed to continuous improvement! Learn more