Turning tree bark and compost into aircraft wings and plastic bags

Good News Notes: “Trees, crops and even organic waste can be transformed into a bewildering array of plastics to use in products ranging from single-use bags to heavy-duty airplane wings. These so-called biopolymers could play a vital role in weaning us off petroleum plastics—which will help cut greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure plastics come from…

In Jordan, female engineers lead the way in sustainable agriculture

Good News Notes: “Under the hot Aqaba sun, an all-female team of recent Jordanian university graduates took turns planting lettuce and bok choy seeds in the desert soil. Just minutes earlier, they had prepared a special compost blend — a mix of peat moss and ground coconut shell — which allowed them to turn the…

Uganda is Getting 3 Million New Trees

Good News Notes: “Human settlement, agriculture, and logging have not been kind to the world’s trees, and in turn, have been nothing short of disastrous for the animals that call those trees home. Reforestation efforts seem like a natural fix – planting trees is good for the climate and good for wildlife – but it’s…

Starbucks Just Committed to the Environment in a Huge Way

Good News Notes: “They’ve developed a 5-point plan to make this goal a reality: Expanding plant-based options, migrating toward a more environmentally friendly menu. Shifting from single-use to reusable packaging. Investing in innovative and regenerative agricultural practices, reforestation, forest conservation and water replenishment in Starbucks supply chain. Investing in better ways to manage waste, both in Starbucks…

Robert Downey Jr. is Going Plant-Based for the Planet!

Good News Notes: “In great news for animals and the planet, Hollywood appears to be going plant-based! At this year’s Golden Globes, the menu was plant-based for environmental reasons. Animal rights and environmental activist, actor Joaquin Phoenix praised the decision and used his acceptance speech as an opportunity to remind everyone about the effects of animal…

Goodbye herbicide, hello weed-zapping farmbot

Good News Notes: “Farmers may soon have an alternative to spraying their fields with chemicals.” Two startup companies are combining “to develop a high-precision robot that can kill weeds with a zap of electricity.” “Dick, a weeding robot, can already remove unwanted plants with either a micro-dose of pesticide or by physically crushing them, but…