JANUARY GOOD NEWS

To bring attention to these positive and optimistic acts, we’re sharing a monthly roundup of our favourite good-news stories. These highlight any uplifting stories, useful resources, or promising scientific advancements, and help finish the month with a healthful dose of the positive.

France’s Plastic Packaging Ban Begins

On New Year's Day, France enacted legislation prohibiting the use of plastic packaging on most fruits and vegetables. They're one of 30 varieties that won't be wrapped in plastic in the country starting January 1, 2022. Before the ban, an estimated 37% of fruit and vegetable products in France were assumed to be sold in plastic wrapping, and government officials estimate that it might save the usage of a billion single-use plastic items each year.

President Emmanuel Macron called the ban "a true revolution" that demonstrated the country's commitment to eliminating single-use plastics by 2040. From 2023, Spain will prohibit the use of plastic in the packaging of fruits and vegetables. Other governments have been encouraged by environmental groups to do the same.

Bacteria-Killing Packaging Could Keep Food Fresh Longer and End Waste

A new ‘smart’ form of packaging could eradicate food poisoning, according to a new study.

Scientists say it kills harmful bugs—such as E. coli, Salmonella, and listeria—keeping meat, fish, fruit, and veg fresh for longer. The water-proof wrapping may also help save the planet by reducing food waste. It looks just like plastic, but the team notes that it’s biodegradable and sustainable. The chemicals destroy any bacteria that grows on the surface of food or the wrapping itself

This invention would serve as a better option for packaging in the food industry, as it has demonstrated superior antimicrobial qualities in combatting a myriad of food-related bacteria and fungi that could be harmful to humans and can be applied to various produces such as fish, meats, vegetables, and fruits.

Latin American Countries join forces to Create Massive Marine Reserve in the Pacific Ocean

Four Latin American countries, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica, each with coasts off the Pacific Ocean, have joined forces and committed to linking each of their marine reserves together. This collaborative action will form a single interconnected area and create one of the richest pockets of biodiversity in the ocean. That area, to be called the Eastern Tropical pacific Marine Corridor (or CMAR), would be protected and thus free of any fishing. CMAR would cover over 500,000 square kilometres (or 200,000 square miles) including important migratory routes for a number of species, such as sea turtles, whales, sharks, and rays.

This action represents the first-time countries with connected maritime borders have joined forces to create a cooperative public environmental policy for those borders.

Lia Launches Its FDA-Approved, Flushable And Biodegradable Pregnancy Test On The Market

The company launched the first and only flushable and biodegradable pregnancy test on the market. Roughly 20 million home pregnancy tests are sold each year in the United States, and while some tests can be recycled, most join the 27 million tons of plastic waste that end up in landfills annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. When added to the compost bin, flushed down the toilet, or tossed in the trash can, this biodegradable pregnancy test is helping to reduce plastic waste and create a more private testing experience. It degrades after 10 weeks, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional pregnancy tests.

South Australia Smashes Renewable Record Using 100% Solar and Wind For Full Week

In the closing days of 2021, South Australia's solar and wind farms, as well as rooftop solar systems, supplied an average of slightly over 100% of local demand every day for over a week, setting a new renewable energy record. The record was set in the days coming up to Christmas last year, when wind, rooftop solar, and solar farms provided 101% t of the power required in South Australia. Natural gas contributed just 114 megawatts on average over that time period. Around 1.7 million people live in the territory, largely along the coast and in Adelaide, the capital city. The favourable circumstances for solar and wind energy have aided the growth of the renewable energy business, as evidenced by the fact that in the same period of last year, 142% of needs were met with these elements.

Billionaire Mark Cuban Opens Online Pharmacy to Provide Affordable Generic Drug

Mark Cuban has officially launched his newest endeavour, Cost Plus Drugs, an online pharmacy that seeks to lower the cost of 100 generic drugs in the United States. Cuban's firm is attempting to tackle giant pharmaceutical corporations' price gouging of prescription pharmaceuticals, promising that MCCPDC will be "radically open" in its pricing talks with drug manufacturers. Following that, the pharmaceuticals will be offered with a 15% markup across the board plus a minor pharmacist charge. Large pharmaceutical corporations, on the other hand, usually mark up prices by 100%. Drugs for cancer, high cholesterol, HIV, diabetes, and other illnesses are available for purchase at launch, with the business planning to extend its offers.