Good News Notes: “In a battle against Poland’s constant smog, scientists are testing out a new “cannon” that uses soundwaves to push toxic particles higher into the atmosphere to allow residents to breathe. Installed on top of a metal container, the experimental device consists of a large upside-down cone that makes a loud sound every…
Tag: EU
Xampla launch trial for plastic-free seed coating
Good News Notes: “Today (1 February), Xampla has announced a partnership with chemical company Croda International to begin trials into plastic-free seed coating. The project, supported by the UK Government and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, will see a £640,000 investment into the company’s biodegradable coating. Used throughout agriculture, coatings protect seeds from pests,…
Companies race to stem flood of microplastic fibres into the oceans
Good News Notes: “From filters to bags to balls, the number of products aimed at stopping the torrent of microplastic fibres being flushed out of washing machines and into rivers and oceans is increasing rapidly. Grundig recently became the first appliance manufacturer to integrate a microfibre filter into a washing machine, while a British company…
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…
Here’s a cool green way to upcycle millions of old tires
Good News Notes: “If you’ve ever seen a tire graveyard piled high with trashed rubber, you can easily understand that Israeli company EcoTech Recycling has a green gem of an idea. EcoTech’s nontoxic process produces a unique material, Active Rubber (AR), from end-of-life tires. With1.6 billion tires manufactured annually, and 290 million tires discarded each year in…
Barcelona installs Spain’s first solar energy pavement
Good News Notes: “Barcelona city council has installed Spain’s first photovoltaic pavement as part of the city’s drive to become carbon neutral by 2050. The 50 sq metres of non-slip solar panels, installed in a small park in the Glòries area of the city, will generate 7,560kW a year, enough to supply three households. …
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…
Liverpool Becomes Cleaner With New ‘Living Green Wall’
Good News Notes: “Spanning 65 metres in length, the living green wall is one of the longest in the UK and has been installed as part of a project which seeks to increase green space in urban areas, improve air quality and support health and wellbeing. The project is being led by The Mersey Forest…
Shell Sets Net-Zero Target for 2050, Emphasizing Power and Renewables
Good News Notes: “Shell on Thursday announced a net-zero emissions target for 2050, becoming the second major European oil company after BP to embrace such a goal. An expanded power business will make the biggest contribution to the shift but renewables investment will play a major role. The British-Dutch firm will also target ‘Scope 3’ emissions, which encompass the end…