In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we cover Portugal becoming home to the largest ocean protection project in Europe, the encouraging adoption of Ireland’s bottle deposit return scheme, and the increasing number of states taking action to ban forever chemicals in a broader range of consumer products.
Portugal becomes home to the largest marine protected area in Europe
Currently, 15% of the waters surrounding the Portuguese archipelago are classified as fully protected, with an additional 15% designated as highly protected – a total area of 287,000 square kilometers. The move aims to protect deep-sea corals, whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and fish species from harmful practices such as fishing.
Consumers embrace Ireland’s first bottle deposit return scheme
Since its launch in February, the new bottle deposit return scheme has seen 630 million empty cans and bottles returned at reverse vending machines across the country. The programme – launched by Re-turn under the mandate of the Irish government – aims to help Ireland hit EU recycling targets of 90%.
Growing number of states ban forever chemicals in wider variety of products
At least 16 states have adopted 22 new measures targeting PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These new laws include bans on the use of PFAS in clothing, cleaning supplies, cookware, cosmetics, and menstrual products.
The Federal Trade Commission’s ban on fake online reviews is now in effect, carrying potential fines up to $50,000 for those who violate the rule. By cracking down on deceptive practices, the FTC is hoping to create a more level playing field for both businesses and consumers.
2024 is set to be a landmark year for elections, with billions of individuals eligible to participate. Efforts to improve voting conditions are gaining traction across the globe – from advanced voting tech in remote regions to measures challenging electoral violence.
The doctor taking action against Ukraine’s declining birth rate
As a result of the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine has seen a big drop in its birth rate. One doctor is making a difference by managing fertility treatments in areas affected by the conflict – including offering free specimen freezing services for military personnel.
Former inmates provide real-world support for those leaving prison
In Camden County, New Jersey, people who have themselves experienced incarceration are welcoming those exiting jails and prisons, giving them the assistance they need to successfully reintegrate into the community.
The pet-friendly homeless shelters healing through inclusivity
Breaking Bread Community Shelter provides vital support to people facing homelessness in Upper Darby, a suburb of Philadelphia. It welcomes guests along with their “Three P’s”: pets, possessions, and partners of all genders – the only shelter in the area that does so.
Cambodia’s Siamese crocodile: from near extinction to recovery
Once commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, the Siamese crocodile population dwindled due to high demand for leather in the past century. Now, the reptiles are making a big comeback – thanks to the crocodile farmers who had nearly hunted the species to extinction in the late nineties.
