The Fatal Effect of Plastic Waste on Donkeys In Kenya, and The Notable Decrease in A University Campus Meat Intake - 36th Issue

Herman Miller unveils a new take on the classic Eames Lounge Chair. The iconic piece now comes with vegan leather made from bamboo. This eco-friendly option can cut the chair's carbon footprint by up to 35%.

Von Holzhausen made the new material, Banbū. It's 83% plant-based and much lighter than cow leather. It also breaks down faster in nature. This update keeps the chair's famous look while making it more sustainable. The bamboo leather is soft and strong and resists scratches and fading. It's a good fit for many products and appeals to eco-conscious buyers.

As people want more vegan options, we'll likely see more plant-based leather in furniture. The new Eames chair shows how classic design can meet modern eco-friendly materials. It's a glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury furniture.

A bold move by the University of Bonn's student office led to surprising results. After a meat-free May at the Hofgarten canteen, meat sales decreased by 7-12% for weeks after.

Many students discovered that they liked the veggie options more than expected. This led them to keep choosing these meals even when meat was back on the menu. Diners enthusiastically embraced the experiment, half expressing eagerness to enjoy a meat-free month annually. Even more were keen on a weekly meat-free day.

This success shows how a short change can make a big difference. It gives food for thought to those planning canteen menus. Other studies have also found that using descriptive words like "juicy American burger" instead of "vegan burger" can boost plant-based sales.

A troubling trend is emerging on the charming island of Lamu. The donkeys that have long been the backbone of this car-free Kenyan paradise are facing a threat from plastic pollution.

With grass scarce, these hard-working animals are turning to rubbish heaps for food, as reported: 

“With little grass to graze on, donkeys browse for food through heaps of plastic bottles, nappies and scraps of cloth dumped by the road.”

Sadly, they're ingesting harmful plastics, leading to painful and often fatal digestive issues. Local vet Dr. Sing'Oei sees the heartbreaking results firsthand. He's treating more donkeys for plastic-related illnesses, sometimes pulling out long tangles of plastic from their stomachs.

This problem isn't just affecting donkeys. Researchers are finding that many land animals worldwide are suffering from plastic consumption. It's a growing concern that's only beginning to be understood.

For Lamu's residents, losing a donkey is like losing a family member. These animals are crucial for transportation and livelihoods in the narrow streets of the ancient town. While some local efforts to manage waste are helping, more must be done.

A heartwarming conservation story unfolds in the lush foothills of India's Himalayas. The Indigenous Adi community is taking innovative steps to protect the Mithun, a sacred and endangered cattle species.

These semi-wild bovines, crucial to the Adi's culture and beliefs, face deforestation and climate change threats. But the community is building "living fences," clever barriers of barbed wire and orchid tree stumps, to keep their beloved Mithuns safe.

The fences are already showing promise. They're reducing human-mithun conflicts and even helping to combat deforestation. Scientists are excited about the Mithuns' role in seed dispersal and soil enrichment.

This inspiring initiative goes beyond protecting a single species. It's about preserving a way of life, enhancing biodiversity, and finding sustainable solutions. Adi's community efforts remind us that we can make a real difference in protecting our planet's precious creatures with creativity and determination.