Getting the week off to a promising start with a global round up of positive news.
Record Year
It was once extinct in England. Now the large blue butterfly is believed to be more abundant in south west England than anywhere else in the world. That’s according to research by the Royal Entomological Society, which says the butterfly has had its best summer season in England for more than 150 years. It attributes the recovery to habitat restoration projects, launched following the butterfly’s reintroduction in 1983.
Flower Bombing
A couple is "flower-bombing" the streets of San Francisco, spreading native wildflower seeds on patches of dirt around the city. Shalaco and Phoenix McGee are chronicling their decade-long mission to sow native wildflower seeds on TikTok, where their videos have over 40 million views. With a parmesan shaker of seeds, they walk or ride their skateboards through the city and scatter as they go. "When we plant these wildflowers, you see all of these different kinds of pollinators show up, pollinators that you've maybe never even seen in your neighborhood before," says Phoenix.
Next Gen
The first-ever member of Gen Z just won a primary for Congress. 25-year-old Maxwell Frost won the Democratic primary in Florida’s 10th District and is expected to win the general election in November.
Eudaimonia
The contented state you feel while traveling and broadening your horizons.
Trifecta
A startup is using recycled plastic to 3D-print homes faster and at a lower cost than traditional building techniques. Addressing a trifecta of issues - housing affordability, housing availability, and abundant plastic waste - Los Angeles-based startup Azure created technology to 3D print tiny homes using plastic waste. According to Azure, most 3D-printed homes use a concrete mix to form the structure, but using plastic offers more flexibility in design, and gives a “second life” to plastic that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill or burned, emitting toxic fumes into the atmosphere. Over 60 percent of Azure's printing material uses inherently waterproof plastic polymer often found in plastic bottles and food packaging, and “builds” homes 70 percent faster and 30 percent cheaper than "traditional home construction methods."
French Precedent
France has become the first European nation to outlaw fossil fuel ads. The ban covers petrol products, but does not yet include natural gas. A loophole will also permit fossil fuel firms to sponsor sporting events, disappointing climate groups. Nonetheless, the move sets a precedent for other countries to follow.
Round of Applause
The stars of the US Open, who competed in a "Tennis Plays for Peace" event for Ukraine relief ahead of the grand slam tournament. Top names like Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and John McEnroe took to the court and raised more than $1.2 million. All ticket revenue from the event went to the GlobalGiving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. The players said it was their honor to participate in the effort. "For me to speak out is something that I always cherish," Gauff said. "I always said you can change the world with your racket."
Quote of the Day
“In God we trust; all others must bring data.” W. Edwards Deming
On this Day
29 August 1997: Netflix was founded by American entrepreneurs Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph; originally a video-rental company, it later morphed into video streaming and production.
In an abandoned silver mine in Spain lies a natural crystal phenomenon that has stunned scientists. Read on...
California is banning the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035. And where California leads, other states tend to follow. Read on...
Mood Booster
Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire dance to Led Zeppelin.