News headlines are filled with stories of polar ice caps melting, pollution choking cities and countless microplastics in everything we own and eat. While it is important to stay informed about environmental problems, it is just as important to acknowledge what is going well.
To flip the script, let’s look at some happy news in the world of the environment.
Biodiversity on big bills
Native wildlife species will replace historical figures on U.K. banknotes. Over 26,000 U.K. residents voted for the change, which organizers hope will promote wildlife conservation and prevent counterfeiting through such unique banknotes. Other countries, including Costa Rica, Norway, Switzerland and Scotland, already feature plant and animal species on their currencies. This seemingly small representation of nature in our everyday lives is a good reminder of the importance of nature conservation and will help native species gain recognition.
Oui oui baguette, non non PFAS
As of Jan. 1, France has banned manufacturers and importers from selling products that contain certain amounts of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. French manufacturers are now required to conduct reviews of their production systems to identify and eliminate PFAS sources. This ban is pushing companies whose products, including textiles, cosmetics, waxes and waterproof products, have historically contained PFAS to adopt safer alternatives, such as plant-based water repellents, silicone coatings and more. So far, this ban has been strictly enforced, and it represents a greater prioritization of public health.
N.C. shoutout! Waterway restoration underway
The N. C. Department of Environmental Quality awarded over $1.5 million in grants to help local governments restore streams. The projects will focus on improved stormwater management systems, re-shaping stream channels to decrease flood risk in floodplains and increasing green infrastructure in cities. They aim to increase the public’s enjoyment of recreational areas and mitigate climate change—the effects of which have been increasingly felt by communities around the state, including from the lasting impacts of Hurricane Helene.
