Friday 5th August //
Positive news round-up
Ubuntu Thoughts / 5 Min read
August 5, 2022
Callum Berry
Content & Media Manager
Content & Media Manager
About PNR
From reports of rising temperatures to increased natural disasters, climate news can sometimes come off as all doom and gloom. So we’ve committed to sharing a weekly update called the ‘Positive News Roundup’ (PNR) that showcases just some of the stories of hope for our planet.
If you’d like to contribute or have ideas for upcoming articles, get in touch with PNR editor Callum at callum@ubuntustudio.co.uk.
If you’d like to contribute or have ideas for upcoming articles, get in touch with PNR editor Callum at callum@ubuntustudio.co.uk.
Well it’s been another lovely week here at Ubuntu HQ. We wouldn’t be British if we didn’t mention the weather (which has been great by the way—thanks for asking) and we have lots of exciting positive news to share with you…so let’s not waste any time.
An ‘appealing’ thought
We can’t be the only ones who browse the fruit and vegetable section of our local supermarket each week and take note of the incredible volumes of plastic used to wrap, cover, and who knows what else virtually every item?
While many supermarkets are (slowly) trying to use alternative materials, one Canadian company has thought a little more laterally and developed a plant based spray that protects fresh products, extends their natural shelf life, and is edible (although it’s apparently tasteless). The startup behind the innovation, Apeel, recently struck a deal with Westmore Topline Farms to eradicate the use of single-use plastics in their supply chain.
As we always say, genius innovations like this are going to help us collectively counter the current climate crisis we’re facing, and this latest concept provides yet another option for producers and retailers alike to roll out in their own green operations.
UK supermarkets, we hope you’re listening…
While many supermarkets are (slowly) trying to use alternative materials, one Canadian company has thought a little more laterally and developed a plant based spray that protects fresh products, extends their natural shelf life, and is edible (although it’s apparently tasteless). The startup behind the innovation, Apeel, recently struck a deal with Westmore Topline Farms to eradicate the use of single-use plastics in their supply chain.
As we always say, genius innovations like this are going to help us collectively counter the current climate crisis we’re facing, and this latest concept provides yet another option for producers and retailers alike to roll out in their own green operations.
UK supermarkets, we hope you’re listening…
An aus-stranomical change
In our weekly PNR, we try to cover stories from around the world to give an idea of some of the incredible ideas and innovations being developed by brilliant minds. But sometimes, it’s the simple things that can make a big difference.
Take Australia, for example. This week, it’s been reported that plastic waste on beaches has reduced by 30% in the past six years—an incredible feat due to initiatives by local councils, including extra bins, public notices reminding people not to litter, and a hotline dedicated to reporting illegal waste dumping.
CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation—phew, that was a mouthful) Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall, said the results showed what could be achieved with a “Team Australia” approach.
"While we still have a long way to go, and the technical challenges are enormous, these results show that when we each play to our individual strengths, from community groups, industry, government, and research organisations, and we take the field as Team Australia—then we can win.”
Take Australia, for example. This week, it’s been reported that plastic waste on beaches has reduced by 30% in the past six years—an incredible feat due to initiatives by local councils, including extra bins, public notices reminding people not to litter, and a hotline dedicated to reporting illegal waste dumping.
CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation—phew, that was a mouthful) Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall, said the results showed what could be achieved with a “Team Australia” approach.
"While we still have a long way to go, and the technical challenges are enormous, these results show that when we each play to our individual strengths, from community groups, industry, government, and research organisations, and we take the field as Team Australia—then we can win.”
“Watch it, I’m swimmin’ here!”
New York’s rivers are currently the cleanest they’ve been since the civil war, according to experts.
Infamous for being borderline hazardous to swim in just a few years ago, dolphins are now making their way into tourist’s and loca’s photos of the iconic New York skyline.
Anthony Obas, a Harlem resident, was lingering along the East River at the lower Manhattan waterfront when he saw a dolphin appear, The Wall Street Journal reported.
'I was like, that's a dolphin,' he told the paper. 'Oh no! In the dirtiest river in New York?'
Nearly $50 billion has been invested in the river since the mid 1980's as part of an ongoing project to reduce the amount of pollution discharged into the waterways. Scientists are testing the water’s health regularly in order to sustain and improve its quality, and to measure how much cleaner the waterways have become, which has also been made possible through a portion of funds from State water bills.
We’re big fans of bringing back natural species—both aquatic and terrestrial—to their rightful place, so this story gets a double thumbs up from us. As Shark Week comes to an end on the Discovery Channel (we know you’ve been watching too), there’s a lot more we can still do to restore out wonderful planet. But more on that in coming weeks…
Infamous for being borderline hazardous to swim in just a few years ago, dolphins are now making their way into tourist’s and loca’s photos of the iconic New York skyline.
Anthony Obas, a Harlem resident, was lingering along the East River at the lower Manhattan waterfront when he saw a dolphin appear, The Wall Street Journal reported.
'I was like, that's a dolphin,' he told the paper. 'Oh no! In the dirtiest river in New York?'
Nearly $50 billion has been invested in the river since the mid 1980's as part of an ongoing project to reduce the amount of pollution discharged into the waterways. Scientists are testing the water’s health regularly in order to sustain and improve its quality, and to measure how much cleaner the waterways have become, which has also been made possible through a portion of funds from State water bills.
We’re big fans of bringing back natural species—both aquatic and terrestrial—to their rightful place, so this story gets a double thumbs up from us. As Shark Week comes to an end on the Discovery Channel (we know you’ve been watching too), there’s a lot more we can still do to restore out wonderful planet. But more on that in coming weeks…
About Ubuntu Studio
We're not your average, run-of-the-mill creative agency. We were founded and built on a passion for helping companies do better - for themselves, for people, and for the planet.
We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more.
We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more.
Stop bloody whaling
Ubuntu Thoughts / Article / 9 min read
August 5, 2022
Solving the climate emergency starts with us all.
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