CU
R RENT
WHAT IN THE WORLD
FREE JULY
LET THE KIDS DESIGN THE SCHOOL
A CURE FOR PLASTIC WASTE
SPAIN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Spanish architect Adrés Jaque spent two years challenging students to design their new school. The Reggio School in Madrid has porthole windows resembling googly eyes that peer out from lumpy, butter-coloured walls and zigzag roofs. The school was designed based on an educational philosophy that sees children as active participants in their learning and aims to bring nature indoors. Classes look out onto gardens attracting birds, butterflies and bees, and labs wrap around a courtyard that hosts a two-storey rising rainforest.—Positive News
PLAN TO TAX COW BURPS NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is considering a new tax on cow burps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a potent gas responsible for 20 per cent of global warming and cow burps are a significant source of methane emissions. The tax would be based on the amount of methane emitted by each cow and aims to encourage farmers to invest in more environmentally friendly practices.—The Conversation 4
SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023
PIXABAY—PEXELS, WIKICOMOONS, BAPTISTE VALTHIER—PEXELS, INCHES—PEXELS
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, consisting of 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic and the subject of scientific research since the 1970s, is getting worse. Researchers are working with students from the University of Southern California and local groups to collect plastics from the Patch and convert them into valuable byproducts, including medicine. —University of Southern California
HAPPIEST COUNTRY STRIKES AGAIN
FINLAND
Not only is Finland one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but it has also been named the happiest one for the sixth consecutive year, according to the World Happiness Report. The report is measured using six factors: gross domestic product per capita, health, social support, freedom, generosity and the country’s level of corruption.—The Good News Hub
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to think about how much plastic they use and create habits to reduce waste. Here are four tips: Shop in bulk Bulk stores are great because you can stock up on essentials such as grains, legumes, flours, dried fruits, nuts, oils, detergents, teas, spices and more. These products are often purchased without plastic packaging. This will save you money and waste. Keep reusable bags everywhere Place a bag in your bag, in your car, on your bike, at your front door, under your keys. That way, you won’t find yourself giving in to plastic bags when you go for an unexpected shop. Make your own go-to kit Put together a kit to take with you each day that includes reusable cutlery (no need to buy fancy eco-friendly stuff, just use what you already have), a mug, a water bottle and a food container. Reduce your fish intake Despite what most people think, consumer plastics like throwaway cutlery and shampoo bottles aren’t the biggest culprits. Approximately 46 per cent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch waste is fishing nets, lines, ropes, fishing crates and baskets. Therefore, the best way to help reduce plastic in the ocean is to eat less seafood. JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU
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