World’s largest copper miner to cut carbon emissions 70% by 2030

Good News Notes:  “Chile’s Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, has outlined sustainability plans in five areas of action for its operations and projects, including goals to cut carbon emissions by 70%, reduce inland water consumption by 60% and recycling 65% of its industrial waste by 2030. The state-owned miner, which in  2017 planned to sell…

EU leaders agree to cut carbon emissions at least 55% by 2030

Good News Notes:  “European Union leaders have agreed to cut net carbon emissions at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030, European Council President Charles Michel announced on Friday. The big picture: The agreement eased concerns among Eastern European countries, including Poland, that rely heavily on coal, while putting the EU on a path toward its goal to…

Government to Invest in Bioplastic Technology R&D

Good News Notes: “The South Korean government is planning to invest three billion won for three years to come in order to help small and venture firms develop and commercialize technology related to bioplastics. These days, white biotechnology is emerging as a solution to plastic wastes and carbon emissions. The technology is to replace existing…

Vodafone targets net zero carbon emissions by 2040

Good News Notes: “Vodafone announced it has committed to reducing the company’s total global carbon emissions to “net zero” by 2040, which cut 10 years off of its original deadline. As part of the Paris Agreement, Vodafone also confirmed that its 2030 carbon reduction targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. By 2030,…

This reusable packaging could help e-commerce waste

Good News Notes: “If you order a sweater or t-shirt from the clothing brand Eliou, you don’t have to get it in a plastic or cardboard mailer. Instead, you can choose to have it sent in a reusable package. When the shipment arrives, you take out the clothing, fold up the empty package, seal it with…

Evian Adds 100% Recycled Water Bottles to Portfolio

Good News Notes: “Bottled water company Evian has reached a new milestone on its journey toward a circular economy: 100% recycled water bottles are now part of the portfolio of the Danone brand. All Evian water bottles are recyclable, and this week’s announcement means that, on average, 40% of its portfolio is now also made from…

How Amazon is using machine learning to eliminate 915,000 tons of packaging

Good News Notes: “Amazon’s 2019 Climate Pledge calls for a commitment to net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040. Since then, the company has reduced the weight of their outbound packaging by 33%, eliminating 915,000 tons of packaging material worldwide, or the equivalent of over 1.5 billion shipping boxes. With less packaging used throughout the supply…

Starbucks Rolls Out Strawless Lid In A Bid To Phase Out Plastic

Good News Notes:  “Coffee giant Starbucks Corp. has rolled out strawless lids for all iced beverages at its stores across the U.S. and Canada as part of its efforts to phase out plastic straws globally to reduce its environmental footprint. It has been testing the new lightweight and recyclable strawless lids in these markets over…

Johnnie Walker whisky to be sold in paper bottles

Good News Notes: “Johnnie Walker, the whisky which traces its roots back 200 years, will soon be available in paper bottles. Diageo, the drinks giant that owns the brand, said it plans to run a trial of the new environmentally-friendly packaging from next year. While most Johnnie Walker is sold in glass bottles, the firm…