With the ongoing news about the increasing impacts of climate change, mounting biodiversity loss, geopolitical tensions and social inequalities, we believe it’s important to highlight the wins of collective action to ensure we don’t lose hope of the future we are working towards.
That’s why every week we post five wins from across the world that show we’re making progress towards a sustainable future. From record renewable energy projects, to circular construction materials, there’s signs of hope at every corner we turn. Scroll for a daily dose of good news.
September
UK Government Secures 95 new Renewable Energy Projects
UK Government secures 95 new renewable energy projects, as part of its flagship energy scheme. The new initiatives will deliver enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 2 million homes, through solar, onshore wind, tidal & geothermal initiatives.
Researchers Discover Infinitely Recyclable Bio-Plastic
Researchers at Berkeley Lab create an indefinitely recyclable bio-plastic that’s made using a modified E.Coli virus. PDK (Polydiketoenamine) has widespread applications, and is a non-toxic material. This fully circular plastic is sustainable, as building blocks used to make the material are biologically based.
1-in-5 Cars Sold in August was Fully Electric
Record numbers of electric vehicles were sold in the UK in August, with electric models accounting for 15% of all cars sold. Petrol and diesel cars market share also fell to an historic low, with their smallest share for the last 20 years.
Engineers use old Coffee Grounds Instead of Sand to Make Concrete
Researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia have infused tons of coffee ground waste with concrete. The coffee grounds are turned into biochar before being placed in the concrete mix. By using coffee grounds, it replaces the use of the finite source of sand usually used to strengthen concrete, and avoids the waste ending up in landfill.
UK Government Provides £16 Million to Fund Peatland Restoration
The UK Government announces £16 million in funding to restore peatlands across England. Restoring peatlands will provide vital habitat for wildlife, tackle climate change and act as a natural carbon sink.
