With Earth Day coming and going, it's easy to miss all the good news in sustainability and environmentalism. While some big news stories make headlines, others fly under the radar.
In this article, we'll be taking a look at five good-for-the-planet news stories that you may have missed on Earth Day this year.
Positive environmental and sustainability news stories like these give us hope that we can make a difference and leave the planet in a better state than we found it.
Let's get right into it.
New York City Climate Clock
The famous climate clock in New York City has changed its countdown and is now displaying messages of support for communities that have suffered from climate-related catastrophes.
With messages such as “100% Renewable Energy,” “A Plant-Rich Diet,” and “Recognition of Indigenous Lands,” the clock is now becoming a rallying point for climate justice.
Samsonite Changes Used Luggage Into Coasters
For Earth Day, Samsonite has recycled pre-owned luggage into coasters in Singapore. Studio Dam's coasters are constructed from repurposed Samsonite luggage that people may exchange at Samsonite shops throughout Singapore.
Also, Samsonite has promised to make a S$10 donation to the World Wide Fund for every piece of luggage exchanged.
The money will help fund the Plastic ACTion (PACT) initiative, which aims to empower organizations to change their business models and practices to break free from plastic pollution.
Tanzanian Students Help Clean the Early Globally
Students at Tanzania's oldest and most prestigious public university, the University of Dar es Salam, cleaned up the university's ecological garden as part of an Earth Day-inspired project to raise awareness about environmental issues.
The pupils removed approximately 50 kg of rubbish from the Garden, which was threatening its existence. Of this, 60% was composed of plastic.
The students at Dar es Salam University said they want to invest in the planet and take part in more clean-ups.
Brazilian Teenager Saving the World One Step at a Time
Pedro Urioste is a Brazilian teenager passionate about linking Brazil's social and environmental problems.
Brazil has a long history of environmental degradation, enduring decades of deforestation and pollution.
While progress is being made, there is still a lot of work to protect the environment.
Urioste is working to spread awareness about environmental issues and inspire others to take action since today, only 3% of recyclable material in Brazil is being recycled.
Pedro is currently working with Limpia Brasil and has launched the Youth Who Clean Program, which encourages children to participate in clean-up activities and provides lectures in local schools.
BMW and Their iX All-Electric Vehicle
While electric cars are getting more mainstream attention, one luxury carmaker seems to be ahead of the curve. To celebrate Earth Day, BMW North America and creative agency partner FCB NY launched a new campaign featuring its all-electric vehicle, the BMW iX All-Electric Vehicle.
With a breathing shot that features the car on top of a 12-foot tower of stone and the voiceover, "The Future Finds Us," the ad promotes the idea that those looking to the future will find the iX.
The video begins with a perilous journey through harsh, snowy, and mountainous regions. The sequence climaxes in a spectacular shot of the BMW iX car perched vertically on top of a 12-foot stone tower.
Conclusion
While many issues still need to be addressed when protecting the environment, it is encouraging to see so many people and companies taking action.
From students cleaning up their university's ecological garden to global companies like BMW working on launching all-electric vehicles, it is clear that there is a growing awareness of the need to protect our planet.
