Maine and Vermont ban plastic bags
Governors in Vermont and Maine signed bills on the same day that will ban plastic bags in their states in 2020.
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Estée Lauder signs onto pledge to end cosmetic animal testing
The Estée Lauder Companies will team with the Humane Society International in efforts to end cosmetic animal testing across the globe.
Zero carbon electricity overtakes fossil fuels for first time in the U.K.
Britain is set to achieve a historic milestone this year, with more electricity generated from zero carbon sources than fossil fuels.
Canada passes legislation ending the import and export of shark fins
“The overhauled Fisheries Act has the potential to be one of the most transformative things that has happened for our oceans in many years,” says Josh Laughren, Executive Director, Oceana Canada.
G20 agree to reduce marine plastic
The agreement promised to “promote a comprehensive life-cycle approach to urgently and effectively prevent and reduce plastic litter discharge to the oceans.”
Nevada become first in the U.S. to ban employers from refusing to hire those who fail marijuana tests
Starting in 2020, Nevada employers cannot refuse to hire a job applicant for failing a marijuana screening test, making it the first state to pass such a law.
Pride flag flies over California Capitol for the first time
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that the rainbow flag would be flown over the California State Capitol through July 1 in recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month.
Costa Rica bans use of Styrofoam containers
Costa Rican legislators approved the law that prohibits the import, marketing, and distribution of polystyrene containers.
Global renewable energy industry now employs 11 million people
IRENA reported that 11 million people were employed in the global renewable energy industry in 2018, up 6% from 2017.
Scientists make ‘landmark’ discovery synthesizing anti-cancer molecules found in sea sponges
Their new strategy has already helped speed up research into these molecules, including a planned clinical trial in humans.