the ocean cleanup has begun
the ocean clean up, an engineering environmental organization from the netherlands, created the interceptor – a 100% solar powered autonomous machine, capable of operating in the world’s most polluted rivers to ‘close the tap’ of plastic pollution entering into our oceans!
watch the unveiling and learn more about how it works.
urban gardens for beesÂ
the netherlands seems to be on top of it! in utretcht, a small town there, they’ve installed tiny park habitats for bees and butterflies on the roofs of bus stops. these green roofs also help soak up rainfall to prevent flooding. the greenery also has cooling effects during heat waves and can improve air quality. read more here.
the beginning of sustainable educationÂ
italy will begin implementing sustainability and climate crisis curriculum in their public schools. beginning next school year students will be taught about climate related issues, learn about human’s influence on natural resources and our world, and environmental sustainability. “the entire [education] ministry is being changed to make sustainability and climate the centre of the education model,” said fioramonti, italy’s education minister. learn more here.
girl scouts are helping save wild bees with mini hotels
wild bees, unlike honey bees, don’t produce honey and therefore don’t live in hives. they make homes out of fallen logs or dead trees but as more land becomes developed suitable habitat is harder to find. a girl scout troup from colorado found a way to help save wild bee populations by creating bee hotels. out of toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, and old paper straws, bee hotels were constructed and installed in community gardens.
not only are they a habitat for bees, these hotels also provide a safe place for them to lay eggs and repopulate. learn more here.
you too can save the butterfliesÂ
it’s about that time in the year where the leaves are falling. did you know you can help the planet is by allowing your fallen leaves to remain in your lawn. dead leaves are the perfect habitat for butterfly larvae and pupae! by raking them away you’re potentially destroying butterfly habitat, which means fewer pollinators in the coming spring. if you’re not able to leave dead leaves on your lawn we recommend collecting them and filling up planter beds with them. ditch the rake and enjoy your lazy weekend mornings all season 🦋 you’re welcome.
humpback whale populations are bouncing back!
after being on the brink of extinction, the southwest atlantic humpback whale is making a comeback. a new study finds that prior to whaling their global population was about 27,000. in the 1950s there were thought to be less than 450 due to over-whaling. now the population has recovered to about 25,000. with the correct measures and education in place, this shows that populations can definitely be saved! “the population status is much more optimistic than previously thought and abundance should reach its pre-exploitation level within the next 10 years or so,” states the research. read more about their findings here.
