A round-up of this week’s environmental, green and ecofriendly news and updates.
Last week I wrote about the efforts being made by the Queen, the BBC and other institutions including the Church of England, to reduce single use disposable plastic.
This week sees the launch of the first supermarket to have a completely Plastic Free Aisle. Dutch organic supermarket chain EkoPlaza has launched the concept in Amsterdam, saying it’s the first of its kind in the world.
Now I must say at this point that I’m not totally convinced by this concept, because some of the products are wrapped in what looks like plastic – it’s actually a film made from plants which is biodegradeable and compostable. Of course this has the massive benefit of saving marine and other animal life – but it uses precious land to grow the plants. I’m inclined to think a Bulk aisle is still a better concept. But there’s no denying the convenience of the bio packaging, and if that is what it takes to get more people away from plastic, perhaps it’s a good thing.
What I do like very much about the store however, is that not only do they offer goods packaged in items like glass (which is infinitely recyclable), but you can also bring your own packaging from home to the store and they will reuse it or have it recycled. Plus, inside the store plastic light fittings have been replaced with reclaimed lampshades, the shelving is made from metal and wood, and the signage is all in cardboard.
You can see a fun, short video about the Plastic Free concept here.
And here’s a quote that I really, truly agree with – and I’m sure you do too – from the launch: “There is absolutely no logic in wrapping something as fleeting as food in something as indestructible as plastic“.
Do you ever wonder which are best countries in the world to live in?
Wonder no longer.
The UN (United Nations) has again evaluated countries and decided upon its top recommendations. Which countries made the Top 10? Find out here.
In keeping with the lead story this week about plastic-free shopping, my recommendation is that you try to source your favourite goods in plastic-free or reduced-plastic versions. It is possible, even on Amazon!
If you’re shopping online, search for plastic free. You might be surprised at what you find there!
And remember that generally, farmers’ markets and the like will normally have much less packaging than supermarkets, so bring your reusable bags and do your bit for the planet – and marine life.
What’s the link between China’s heavily-polluting factories, and the rest of the world?
Do YOU have an impact (even though you may be far away)?
This Guest Post has some fascinating insights.
Global Green News:
Advance planning – March 24th at 8:30pm is Earth Hour. It’s when you switch off all non-essential lights for just one hour, to show support for protecting the planet and slowing climate change.
More details here. You can also get a text reminder on the day.
The upmarket brand of Lacoste is easily recogized by its crocodile. But now they’ve changed it, for a 3-year long Save Our Species campaign. Instead of the crocodile, you’ll see 10 different endangered animals emblazoned on a series of classic — and very limited edition — Lacoste polo shirts. They produced just 1,755 shirts, and they ALL sold out within minutes, despite costing 150 euros (about $183) each! Proceeds went to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Read more and watch a short video here. So, if you see someone wearing a Lacoste polo shirt with a different animal than the crocodile, you’ll know they care about Nature!
China is grappling with its pollution – but now it’s making good use of its own resources to try to solve the problem. Over 60,000 members of the People’s Liberation Army have stopped patrolling the northern borders and are now planting trees! By the end of this year, the troops will have planted trees in an area roughly the size of Ireland. Of course this won’t stop all the air pollution in Chinese cities, but together with banning coal, swapping to electric cars and solar energy, it will definitely help.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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And if you’re on Twitter, get a daily green tip by following me – @EcoExpert1 . See you there!
I’m ready for less plastic in so many places. I know we will still need some in places but my gosh there is way too much going into landfills that cannot be recycled. I get most of my meat from the butcher so they wrap it in paper. I use my own cloth bags and carry my own take out tubs if I’m going to eat out. It’s not enough. I am still using the original box of straws I bought 8 years ago and take them to restaurants too. But there are still so many places that we have no choices. Time for a change. Some places are getting the message like the biodegradable plastic. Some restaurants are offering paper take out or biodegradable. A good start but still a day late and a dollar short.
I wish there were more people like you Marlene, taking such care of the plastic problem! You’re right of course, it is indeed a good start and hopefully the ideas will spread, but it definitely is “a day late and a dollar short” (I haven’t heard that expression in years, it’s wonderful!). Thanks!