Scientists test revolutionary plastic-eating enzyme in bid to fight pollution
It is a world first in an effort to find a solution for the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced every year.
Good News Links
U.K.’s Costa Coffee to recycle equivalent of all its takeaway cups each year
U.K.’s largest coffee shop chain has pledged to recycle up to 500m cups a year by 2020 — a fifth of the total used in the country
World shipping industry agrees to halve carbon emissions by 2050
Members of the UN International Maritime Organisation on Friday struck a deal to halve carbon dioxide emissions from shipping by 2050 in a deal that will force the industry to redesign fleets.
Trinidad & Tobago decriminalizes homosexuality In landmark court case
A judge ruled that the country’s buggery laws were “not reasonably justified” in regards to adult consensual acts.
New Zealand bans new offshore drilling, citing climate change
“When it comes to climate change, our plan is clear,” said Ms. Ardern, a member of the center-left Labor Party. “We are committed to the goal of becoming a net zero emissions economy by 2050.”
NY City Council passes workplace anti-harassment bills
The New York City Council has passed 11 bills designed to strengthen workplace sexual harassment protections.
Decline in plastic bags on seabed near U.K. suggests measures to tackle waste are working
The number of plastic bags found on the seabed has plummeted, suggesting efforts to combat plastic pollution are working.
U.K. supermarket Waitrose to stop using disposable coffee cups
Waitrose, with more than 350 stores in the U.K., will stop using disposable coffee cups in a move the supermarket says will save 52 million cups a year.
Apple says it’s now powered by 100 percent renewable energy worldwide
The iPhone maker has been working toward for years through the purchase of green energy bonds and other renewable investments in its supply chain and physical infrastructure.
Iran raises minimum wage in concession to workers
Following intense tripartite negotiations, the Iranian government, employers and unions agreed to increase the country’s minimum wage by 19.8%, from 9.29 million rials ($245) per month to 11.14 million rials ($294.50).