Cleaning the Green Way: Why Non-Toxic Products Are Essential for a Healthier Home
Let’s be honest, traditionally, our cleaning supplies can sometimes look more like a chemistry lab than something meant to freshen up our homes. But thanks to the efforts of sustainable cleaning product companies, there’s a better way to clean and it’s easier than ever.
A recent Time article reveals how natural ingredients (like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar) can tackle dirt and grime without leaving behind harmful chemicals. Not only are these options better for your health, but they’re also much gentler for the planet.
“We recommend hydrogen peroxide because it’s effective, and pure forms break down into water and oxygen,” says Asa Bradman, an environmental health scientist at the University of California.
Choosing products that are green-certified and fragrance-free takes it a step further by reducing harmful pollutants. It’s a win for you, your family, and the Earth. And here’s a quick tip: keep those windows open while you clean to let in some fresh air and reduce any lingering fumes. Small changes like this can make a huge difference, so why not clean green and feel good about it?
Why Banks Are Pushing Back Against The EU’s Rollback on ESG Regulations
The European banking world has started to speak out against the EU’s recent move to scale back its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulations.
The ESG regulations were originally placed to ensure detailed sustainability and supply chain transparency in Europe. These regulations were partially rolled back by the EU in hopes of decreasing bureaucracy and encouraging the velocity of decarbonization efforts in Europe.
However, the European Banking Federation (EBF) has warned that loosening regulations could leave banks without the crucial data that they need to properly assess credit risks.
When the EU first introduced its new reporting rules, many banks were hopeful that they would finally be able to get the detailed sustainability data they need to make more informed decisions. But now, as the scope of these regulations is shrinking, that data could be harder to come by.
As Denisa Avermaete from the EBF puts it, “Fewer reporting requirements will introduce complexity...because banks still need key data to manage business and risks.”
While the rollback will accelerate the growth of companies, it’s not the same story for banks. That’s because they'll now have to dig deeper to get the sustainability info they need from clients directly.
Analysis Reveals that 3,000+ Beauty Products Targeting Black Women Contain Hazardous Materials
A recent study has uncovered a troubling reality: 80% of beauty products marketed to Black women contain at least one hazardous ingredient…and many have multiple.
These products, which include hair straighteners and skin-lightening creams, may be linked to higher rates of diseases like uterine and breast cancers in Black women.
Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), explains, “The cosmetics industry continues to fail consumers by not ensuring safer products.”
Despite some small steps forward in Federal regulations (such as the ban on formaldehyde in hair products) recent shifts in political leadership could undo the progress. Many dangerous ingredients, like quats (which are found in hair conditioners) and certain fragrances, are still widely utilized.
There’s some good news, though. States like California and Maryland have passed laws banning toxic chemicals in beauty products, which is putting pressure on companies to clean up their formulas nationwide.
King Charles Is Turning Milk Cartons Into Couture in a New Groundbreaking Eco-Fashion Collaboration
King Charles is making waves in the fashion world, but it’s not in the way you might have expected.
Teaming up with eco-designers Vin + Omi, he’s turned discarded milk cartons from his Sandringham estate into a revolutionary ‘leather’ material that’s now taking the runway by storm. This partnership (which has been in the works for six years) has resulted in a spongy and soft fabric that looks and feels just like leather…except it’s made from plastic milk cartons that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Omi, one-half of the design duo, explains, “It’s the first fabric like it in the world!”
What’s more impressive? Their work is now even being collected by museums like the V&A in London in an effort to ensure that this quirky eco-friendliness will inspire future generations.
King Charles and Vin + Omi are proving that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be dull. It can be revolutionary and, dare we say, a little bit royal!
How Pythons Are Threatening the Sunshine State’s Delicate Ecosystem
Florida has an invasive Burmese python problem, which is wreaking havoc on the balance of local wildlife. As Popular Science reports, these snakes have now become a major problem for Florida’s rather fragile ecosystem.
With an estimated population of 100,000 to 300,000, these snakes have disrupted food webs and endangered several native species, including the wood stork and Key Largo woodrat.
As generalist predators, pythons can eat raccoons, deer, and several animals on the endangered species list, altering the natural predator-prey balance.
While removal efforts are ongoing, this reflects how protecting native wildlife by maintaining ecological balance is very important in preserving any environment for the years to come.
