Embrace the Future: 12 Breakthrough Green Initiatives to Inspire an Eco-Friendly 2023
The world of science is ever evolving with new discoveries being made every day. As a result, green initiatives are being launched all over the world. This exciting article will take you through some of the latest, most thrilling, and above all else, most promising recent green initiatives.
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1. French government officially bans short plane flights
If you are in France and want to travel somewhere that takes 2.5 hours or less by train, then you can no longer try and speed up your journey by taking a flight instead. France has formally cancelled all short plane trips in an effort to cut down on pollution. This change was originally proposed as part of the Citizen’s Convention on Climate, back in 2021 and has finally become a reality.
2. Plants can be used to generate electricity
In a stunning piece of research, scientists have been able to generate electricity from a succulent plant. They were able to create a ‘bio-solar cell’ that runs entirely on photosynthesis. This is a huge leap forward in the sustainable power race.
3. More UK universities have banned on-campus recruitment from fossil fuel companies
It all started with Birkbeck, University of London, which banned any oil, gas, and mining recruiters from attending their campus to entice students to work for them. Now three more UK universities have followed suit. The University of Bedfordshire, University of the Arts, London, and Glyndwr university has ended all relationships with “climate wrecking” businesses.
4. Human hair can clean waterways
Scientists in Belgium have made a fascinating discovery. Recycled human hair can be used to clean polluted waterways. How it works, is that the hair is turned into matted squares, which are used as filtration devices in drains. They soak up oil and other hydrocarbons wonderfully. And if a waterway is already polluted, the can be used to clean it as they will soak up the pollution and can be easily removed, recycled again, and re-sed as many times as needed. And with human hair being a very sustainable resource, this method is not having a negative environmental impact at all.
5. Barcelona bike buses for kids
Spanish children are loving this one. The idea was proposed by citizens and has the support of the Barcelona City Council. Kids can ride their bikes to school as part of a large, safe, convoy and do their part to cut down on pollution, while also getting exercises. The “bicibus” has proven to be an enormous success since its launch in March 2021.
6. Australian rubbish dump removes chemicals from rainwater
Sounds bizarre, but it is absolutely true. In Darwin, Australia, new technology has been developed at a rubbish dump that can filter toxic chemicals from rainwater. It relies on sunlight and safe chemical processes to filter out any harmful materials from rainwater mixing with the garbage.
7. Sea salt batteries are now a thing
Scientists have found that not only do these work, they have the ability to store up to four times more power than lithium batteries. They are made from something called sodium sulphur, which is essential salt that is extracted from the sea and melted down into a malleable material. These batteries are amazing low cost to produce and run, and are made from entirely sustainably sourced materials.
8. India has created fully solar powered village
The first of its kind in India, the village of Modhera is completely solar powered. The residents are reportedly loving this new lifestyle, which sees them saving money, as well as helping to cut down India’s carbon emissions. India has long been one of the world’s most polluting countries, so the success of this initiative could see that turning around very ,very soon. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently visited the village and feels that the project is representative of “reconciliation between humankind and planet.”
9. Nigeria has created solar lamps made from e-waste
Nigeria is a country that is notorious for electrical failures. But this inconvenience has resulted in one of the most exciting green initiatives of the year. Solar powered lamps made almost entirely from recycled materials. As these are gaining in popularity, now when the power goes out, people and businesses can just use these handy items without needing to rely on generators, which cause even more pollution.
10. Agrivoltaics
Not a made up word but the latest green initiative to come from France. French farmers are maximizing their land productivity by embracing this new technology, which involves setting up solar panels on top their crops, therefore producing food and energy at the same time, with the same amount of space.
11. Taiwan repurposes abandoned train spaces to grow food
Underground vertical farms are now a reality in Taiwan. Unused train stations and tunnels have now been turned into an incredible hydroponic farm. The fresh produce is grown to feed commuters, uses no pesticides or herbicides, and relies on LED lighting in a sterile environment to produce safe, clean, and delicious food.
12. Quality Street chocolates will become greener
Do not panic about this one, folks. Nestle are not changing the recipe of their iconic chocolates. What they are doing, however, is getting rid of the non-sustainable coloured foil and plastic packaging. After more than 80 years, they are taking the leap into the future and will now come packaged in entirely recycled, sustainable, waxed paper.
These are just a few of the wonderful recent green initiatives that are helping people to make greener choices all over the world. We are fortunate to live in an age where these kinds of changes are possible. And seeing them being so eagerly embraced all around the globe is a wonderfully comforting thought. That people will choose to be sustainable if they are given the option and will have a wonderful time doing it. Keep an eye out for any green initiatives in your area and let us know! We will continue to feature exciting new ideas as they are announced.