New biodegradable, plant-based, spray-on coating offers alternative to plastic food wrap and containers
The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study from Rutgers University.
North & Central America
Canada bans manufacture and import of single-use plastics
The ban includes checkout bags, cutlery, straws and food-service ware made from or containing plastics that are hard to recycle, and will come into effect by the end of 2022.
Many U.S. states now allow mental health absences for students
At least nine states now allow students to take mental health days. Other states using less expensive solutions like in-class mediation, mindfulness exercises, and social-emotional training.
U.S. FDA approves first alopecia drug that restores hair growth in many patients
It is the first approved treatment for alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that affects about 7 million people in the United States.
Seattle offers utility pole EV chargers to city residents
Residents who live within city limits can request to have a public electric vehicle charging station installed in front of their home or residential property. Installations are expected to begin early next year.
Microsoft to begin disclosing salaries, drops non-compete clauses
The new salary disclosure policy makes Microsoft the first “Big Tech” company to take this approach.
University of Montreal to divest from fossil fuels by end of 2025
The total value of the Fund was an estimated $420 million at December 31, 2021, with fossil fuel investments accounting for four per cent of its portfolio.
Joe Biden issues executive order to fight conversion therapy & LGBTQ fostering discrimination
The executive order tells the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue rules that ban the use of federal funds for programs that offer conversion therapy.
Virginia joins 20 other U.S. states banning ticket quotas for traffic cops
The National Motorists Association says that “a speed trap exists wherever traffic enforcement is focused on extracting revenue from drivers instead of improving safety.”
After long decline, eastern monarch butterflies show signs of recovery in Mexico
Eastern monarch butterflies covered 35% more ground in the mountain forests of central Mexico this past winter than they did the year before, according to a World Wildlife Fund survey.