Positive News for a Positive Planet: No 6

This weeks a little late with the inspiration post but with so many incredible sustainability and environmental activities and positive news stories to share, I thought it only best to do a quick mid week round up of things we should all be happy about.

UK Parliament becomes the first globally to declare a Climate Change Emergency 

Probably the best, and most exciting news I will share this week, following weeks of peaceful protests the UK government have declared a climate change emergency. Although this declaration is not legally binding in any form, it is a start to what will hopefully see a wave of positive action across the globe as other countries recognise the need to change our ways before its too late.

London Marathon reduces plastic use

To all those who took part and raised money for incredible causes in the London Marathon a huge well done to you! This year the marathon took a greener turn when instead of water bottles, water in seaweed membrane pouches were handed out to runners. The initiative saved a crazy 200,000 plastic bottles from being wasted and although some plastic bottles were used, that large events in the future may not have to have a gigantic environmental impact as well!

Oxford city council creates a citizen assembly for Climate change

Oxford city council were way ahead of the government as they are getting ready to create the first citizens assembly in the UK regarding climate change. The first meeting will be held in september. Fingers crossed we will start to see this trickle through the rest of the country as soon as possible as well!

Why B Corps are the new way of doing Business

Most people haven't heard of B Corps, in simple terms "Certified B Corps are businesses that are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment" meaning they are looking at far more than profit during every decision that they make. The brands, always ethical and most often sustainable demonstrate that businesses can succeed. Companies already B Corps include Abel&Cole, innocent Drinks, Toast Ale, Propercorn, Finisterre, Rebel Kitchen, Divine chocolate, Pukka herbs, Qbic Hotels and bulb energy supply just to name a few!

The UK can reach net zero by 2050

The Committee on Climate Change released their new report which states that the UK could hit net zero greenhouse gases by 2050. However this is only possible if clear and forward thinking policies are created to reduce emissions across the economy as soon as possible. Funding will also have to be shifted to make this happen. With growing momentum and demand that governments act around carbon emissions lets hope that industry and government come together in time to make this a reality!

New York City introduce a new green Bill

New York recently passes a bill that which will mean all new residential and commercial building across the city will have to have either solar panels, mini turbines and plants (or all three if they fancy), following in the footsteps of San Francisco, Toronto, Portland and Denver. It's hoped that the move will reduce emissions to the equivalent of removing 1 million cars off the road by 2030!

Johnathan Pie explains why protests in London matter

Watch the video, it covers it all, from media portrayal of climate change to fast fashion!

Cycle paths are proof people want to cycle

A new report released shows that when bike lanes are built, people will come and use them. It may sound simple but goes to show that there is demand for the infrastructure and it could also show that people are more willing to cycle when separate lanes are created for them to do so and the numbers of people using these routes are only increasing.

Consent explained with tea

Probably one of the most British videos possible, I recently rediscovered how making a cup of tea can be discussed like consent. It's an oldie but matters just as much now as it did when it was first made. No means no!

So there you have it a round up of news, some big and some small but all of them pretty darn positive.

Now lets all go and enjoy our bank holiday weekend, and hope for some sunshine even if its just for an hour or two!

Love
Erin