Gaza cafe complex serves up lessons in recycling alongside drinks

Good News Notes: “As a model of creative recycling in one of the most densely populated places on earth, a Gaza Strip cafe is serving up a healthy dose of environmentalism alongside its signature morning coffee. The beachside venue is part of the “Sea is Ours” co-operative, a complex built of reused wooden poles, plastic…

Study suggests bacteria in cow’s stomach can break down plastic

Good News Notes: “Bacteria found in one of the compartments of a cow’s stomach can break down plastic, research suggests. Since the 1950s, more than 8bn tonnes of plastic have been produced – equivalent in weight to 1 billion elephants – driven predominantly by packaging, single-use containers, wrapping and bottles. As a result, plastic pollution is all-pervasive, in the…

OKC Zoo launches Plastic Free EcoChallenge in July

Good News Notes: “The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is encouraging consumers to shift away from single-use plastic dependency and make a change for the benefit of the world’s ecosystems by participating in the Plastic Free EcoChallenge during July. The premise for the EcoChallege is that disposable plastic items like grocery bags, straws and bottles are…

Timberland Launches Upcycling Program to Extend its Products’ Lifecycles

Good News Notes: “Timberland will launch ReCircled, a recycling and upcycling program that will fuel the retailer’s circular design and development cycle. The initiative is a major step in Timberland’s goal of having a net positive impact on nature by 2030, through reuse and promotion of regenerative farming practices. Starting in August 2021, ReCircled will let…

Singapore online retailers go green by merging fashion with sustainability

Good News Notes: “There are rising concerns about packaging waste as internet shopping takes off — but some online retailers say they won’t let sustainability take a backseat. Singapore-based online fashion retailer Zalora says it’s pushing ahead with its green commitment and trying to reduce its environmental footprint. “We decided that the best way to…

Trek’s updated bike packaging saves 433,000 pounds of plastic

Good News Notes: “Trek Bicycle announced its first-year results from incorporating lower-impact and recyclable materials in its bike packaging. Targeting plastic waste, Trek said it removed 433,600 pounds of plastic from bike boxes and Bontrager accessory packaging. The goal is to make all bike boxes from Trek, Electra, and Diamant 100% recyclable and all packaging…

Canada Goose to end use of animal fur by 2022

Good News Notes: “Canada Goose has pledged to completely phase out the use of animal fur in its products by next year, following a series of other apparel companies that have unveiled similar plans after years of criticism from animal rights groups and activists.  The Toronto-based winter clothing company, whose most popular products include its…

Hygienist fights plastic pollution with sustainable products

Good News Notes: “A Portland dental hygienist is not only keeping people’s mouths clean but is also trying to help the environment. Ingrid Adeogun realized a few years ago just how much plastic waste comes from the dental industry. Many research companies show that approximately 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in…

Target sets sustainability goals: Net-zero emissions by 2040

Good News Notes: “Target is known for its exclusive merchandise, with private label brands for everything from arts and craft supplies to apparel. Now, the retailer is pledging to make all those products more environmentally sustainable. It said Tuesday it will design items that are more durable and will eliminate waste and encourage reuse by 2040….