The Brightside ISSUE 02 JULY 2020
LOCKDOWN'S IMPACT ON GENZ ACTIVISM ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NHS
CHINA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO A VACCINE?
BUDD AND BEAR POETRY AND MUCH MORE
The Brightside table of contents
03
Letter From the Editor 04
1 12 1
07
04 World
12 Local 21 Business
27
Science & Medicine
33 Environment
22
27
42 Ents & Arts
47 Sports
42
48
The Brightside +44 7397 515779 | Â support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
JULY 2020 EDITOR'S LETTER have
noticed
that
two
things
happen
during
lockdown, as we are now. Firstly, there is a surge of
I
human kindness and second, the creatives who use their talents and endless time to fight for a cause they believe in. We witness the rise of those who don't conform to rules, who flourish in unpredictable times and welcome change for the better without fear. ThisÂ
July issue of The Brightside is dedicated to those people, the constructive revolutionaries who think differently. With more practice, we've changed and improved the magazine layout, echoing the spirit of change around us. The first change is we have relocated the Daily Heroes and Feel Good Corner sections from our magazine to our permanent story over on Instagram, as well as a page on our website. We did this so that each article we publish would be explored in depth and detail, ensuring the final magazine would not be 100 pages long, but every kind act would be fairly honoured. I am incredibly proud of what
The
Brightside
has
created
and
curated
on
the
pages that follow. From our article about Gen Z and their move towards online activism (p04) to our Ents and Arts editor Immy Higgins' first article on Budd and Bear Poetry (p42), we have shone the spotlight on inspiring groups who I hope will inspire you to change the world for the better. As I write, I recall the making of the July 2020 issue, and starting off the month with hardly any news stories, good or bad. Believing that this month might offer humanity a break
from
the
rollercoaster
that
has
been
2020.
Thinking, perhaps I might fall short on articles. However, society has pulled through once again, and we have a diverse
and
unique
range
of
good
news
stories
this
month. So now it's over to you. What do you think of our new look? What do you like and what is missing? Let us know on the @thebrightsidemz Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or email us at : support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk and we'll see what we can deliver in our forthcoming issues. Lots of Love xx
LOGO SUBMISSIONS
Anastasia Toha, Editor in Chief
The deadline for submitting a logo is now over. Thank you so much to those who have entered, they are all truly unique. Now, it is up to you to vote which of the following is your favourite. Please checkout our Instagram story 'Logo Competition' to vote in our poll! We will announce the winner in the August issue.
WWW.THEBRIGHTSIDEMAG.CO.UK support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk
World Gen Z and Impact of Lockdown on Activism By Anastasia Toha
Lockdown has highlighted the strength of Gen-Zers desire for change. While we may be young, we are rocking the world with our activism around racial equality, climate change, and other important causes. Through the collective drive towards a common goal, we aim to invoke the authority to change conventional opinion and willpower. Whether
it
be
a
small-scale
protest,
campaign
for
neighbourhood change, or a revolutionary action involving national street demonstrations, Gen-Zers want their voices to be heard to improve the lives of future generations. Even the pandemic
has
systematic
change,
not
interfered with
with
arguably
Gen
more
Z’s
passion
people
for
becoming
activists because of lockdown. Firstly, what defines a Gen-Zer? A Gen-Zer, or Zoomer, is the age group succeeding millennials and preceding Generation Alpha.
While
there
is
no
rigid
barrier
to
define
the
generations, most researchers use the mid-to-late 1990s as starting birth years and the early 2010s as ending birth years.
It was clear before the pandemic that Gen Z was a cohort which had the desire to change the world, and also the ability to do so. There are several reasons which make Gen Z such a strong and determined generation, but I believe that these are the three main reasons:
[Screenshots from Instagram]
4
The Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Technology:
Education:
We
technology
Another
day-to-day
Gen Z is a force to be
believe that what defines us
lives. I do not remember a time
reckoned
as a generation is the desire
when
we are on track to be
to
digital natives, Gen Z embodies
the
bigger than ourselves. When
constant
grew
up
interwoven
with
into
our
did
not
exist.
As
Passion:
reason with
most
why
is
that
educated
a
Gen-Zer
be
part
the
seen.
unmatched ease. We harness the
Gen
qualities of digital connection to
“knowledge
amplify young people’s voices like
has never been truer.
Technology may provide the
never
We
platform,
before.
This
unprecedented
opens
opportunities
up to
Z,
the
have
unequalled
For
saying
is
power”
access
to
amounts
create compelling messages that
of
go viral, gain traction, and grow
know-how
information
into movements.
can exploit in our drive
which
and we
genuinely pursue
it
a
something
has
ever
find
of
I
generation
and
we
a
myself,
navigates the online universe with
connectivity
world
As
cause
moves with
us,
that we
unrivalled,
unapologetic
passion.
and
education
may supply the incentive, but it
is
Gen
Z’s
passion
that
means we can dominate the world stage.
to make a difference.
Gen Z is already a formidable force, but the pandemic has amplified young peoples’ call to activism. With increased spare time due to lockdown, young people are spending more time on technology. While some may aimlessly scroll through TikTok, many are taking to the virtual streets and raising awareness for causes which have not been heard in mainstream media, such
as
the
Yemen
Humanitarian
Crisis.
Never
before
have
I
seen
so
many
people’s
Instagram stories posting petitions, links to, and information on various issues. I hope that this widespread spirit for reform in Gen Z will continue to flourish after the pandemic.
Continue Reading
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
5
World However, some may argue that online activism is lazy or superficial which does not lead to any real change. It may appear that online activism is just people following what's trending, if anything it shows solidarity and encourages others to get involved. I agree that it is important the energy on social media is taken outside into the real world too. Real life action doesn't have to be protests or strikes. It can be as simple as sharing information with family and friends which they might not have otherwise been aware of in order for them to make small changes to their everyday lives and create a domino effect.
A recent example of this is when hundreds of teenage TikTok users and K-pop fans sank the Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Juneteenth. From one user showing themselves registering for the rally then not showing, it quickly escalated to a trend with millions of views instructing viewers to do the same. Furthermore, to conceal their plan and keep it from spreading into the mainstream internet, many users deleted their posts after 24 to 48 hours. Ultimately, what the Trump Administration thought was going to be a victorious rally with about 1 million RSVP's turned out to be a meager 6,200. All thanks to Gen Z and online activism.
Adults should not underestimate the determination of Generation Z and the passionate commitment we bring to the problems our world faces. We are prepared to stand up for what we believe in, regardless of the situation. A global pandemic will not suppress our voices and opinions. We are not trying to change the world; we’re already doing it and, in many cases, we’re leading the way.
[Screenshots from Instagram]
6
The Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Sudan Takes Action to Create a More Democratic Nation
The
Sudanese
government
has been slowly transitioning to
ease
policies
its
democratic of
strict
and
Islamist
create
a
country.
this,
justice
Nasredeen
more
In
light
minister Abdulbari
announced earlier this month that it will allow non-Muslims to consume alcohol, scrap its apostasy law and abolish the use
of
public
flogging
as
a
punishment. These moves also come
after
a
week
where
tens of thousands of people took
to
the
coronavirus
the
streets,
despite
lockdown,
demanding faster reform and greater
civilian
nation
takes
rule
as
baby
the
steps
toward democracy. The laws being changed are the legacies of both former ruler Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was deposed last year after more than three decades in power, and Gaafar al-Nimeiry, an army colonel who led Sudan between 1969 and 1985. In 1983, al-Nimeiry imposed Islamic law throughout the country, which led to the conflict between the Muslim majority north and the mainly Christian and animist south that led to South Sudan’s secession in 2011. Although there are signs of goodwill and optimism, Sudan’s political transition remains delicate, with the
tough
economic
situation
and
the
coronavirus
pandemic
further
hindering
Laws,
End
Sudan's
progression. [Adapted
from:
Dahir,
Abdi
Latif.
The
New
York
Times.
Sudan
Will
Scrap
Alcohol
and
Apostasy
and
Flogging.
13
Jul,
2020
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/world/africa/sudan-fgm-alcohol-flogging.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes]
Uganda Opens Borders to Refugees Uganda temporarily reopened two border crossing
points,
through
Guladjo
and
Mount Zeu in Zombo district, to provide a haven
to
those
protection. crossed
in
Around
into
need 1,500
of
aid
and
asylum-seekers
Uganda.
The
border
remained open for around a week, just enough
time
for
operation
to
has
working
been
the
complete
humanitarian
its
with
work.
the
UNHCR
Government
and partners to construct and strengthen quarantine increase
and
isolation
facilities
hand-washing
availability
of
masks
supplies
as
part
of
and and the
response plan. [Adapted from: Khan, Duniya Aslam. UNHCR. fleeing
Congo
violence.
Uganda opens border to thousands 01
Jul
2020
https://www.unhcr.org/uk/news/latest/2020/7/5efcada04/uganda-opensborder-thousands-fleeing-congo-violence.html]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
9
World Thailand Leads Way for Queer Rights in Southeast Asia Thailand is set to be the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex unions after the government approved a bill that will be sent to parliament for approval. “Once it reaches the parliament, we can be 100% certain that the bill will eventually become law,” said Kerdchoke, deputy director-general of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, who has been working on the bill since its inception in 2012. “This is an important step for Thailand in creating equality for everyone and guaranteeing rights for same-sex couples to start a family,” said Rachada Dhnadirek, a spokeswoman for the government. The bill, which doesn’t include same-sex marriage, but it will let same-sex unions adopt children, jointly manage assets and liabilities, and inherit from their partners. Although
Thailand
transgender
has
community,
an the
open
image
country’s
towards
laws
are
the
mixed
gay, in
lesbian
and
accommodating
LGBTQ+ rights. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal, yet some in the LGBTQ+ community say they have trouble finding jobs outside the tourism, media and entertainment industries. If passed, Thailand would become the second jurisdiction in Asia to allow such unions after Taiwan legalised them in 2019. [Adapted
from:
Thanthong-Knight,
Randy.
Bloomberg.
Thailand
Leads
Way
in
Southeast
Asia
With
Same-Sex
Union
Bill.
08
Jul.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-08/thailand-leads-way-in-southeast-asia-with-same-sex-union-bill]
Israel Bans Gay Conversion Therapy Israeli
MPs
have
taken
steps
to
ban
the
controversial
practice
of
"gay
conversion" therapy by psychologists, making them the first country in the Middle East to do so. Israel has the most progressive attitude towards LGBTQ+ people in the Middle East, despite opposition from some conservative sections of society. Those in the LGBTQ+ community are protected by anti-discrimination laws, have adoption and same-sex inheritance rights, and have been allowed to serve in the military since 1993. The country also has a record number of openly gay MPs and last year appointed its first openly gay minister. A bill passed its first stage in parliament after two parties in the coalition government joined the opposition to vote in favour. Opposition Meretz party leader Nitzan Horowitz, who co-authored the bill, said its preliminary passage marked "historic change" in Israel. Blue
and
White
leader
and
Alternate
Prime
Minister
Benny
Gantz
also
welcomed the result. "Conversion therapy was born in sin and its place is outside of the law and the public norm," he tweeted. "We will make sure that everyone, from every background and sexual orientation in Israel, has free choice and security over their identity." [Adapted from: BBC. Israel: 'Gay conversion' therapy ban bill passed by MPs. 23 Jul, 2020 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-53511329? xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D%5Bisapi%5D&at_campaign=64&at_medium=custom7&at_custom3=%40BBCWorld&at_custom4=D745E26E-CCC9-11EA-8AC5A19E4744363C&at_custom2=twitter&at_custom1=%5Bpost+type%5D]
8
The Brightside
2020
01-31 July 2020
More Female than Male Priests in Swedish Church For
the
the
Church
more male the
first
time
of
female
history,
priests
priests. latest
in
Sweden
has than
According
data,
there
to are
now 1,533 women and 1,527 men serving as priests at the Lutheran institution, which
French PM Pledges €8 Billion to Healthcare Workers in Pay Rises After seven weeks of negotiations,
was the official Swedish state church until 2000. In
French
addition,
Castex and union leaders signed a
its
archbishop
and
several
bishops
are
prime
minister
Jean
women, which shows major progress towards gender
deal,
equality since 1960, when women were first allowed
“historic
to be ordained. Sweden as a nation ranks at the top
system”.
of the European Institute for Gender Equality index
France
for EU countries. Last year it received a score of 83.6
billion giving healthcare workers a
compared to an average of 67.4 for the European
pay rise in thanks for their efforts
Union as a whole.
during
[Adapted from: Binding, Lucia. Sky News. Church of Sweden has more female priests than males for first time. 25 Jul, 2020 https://news.sky.com/story/church-of-sweden-has-more-female-priests-than-malesfor-first-time-12036075]
which
Castex
moment The will
praised
for
our
agreement
spend
more
as
a
health is
that
€8
than
the coronavirus pandemic.
Healthcare
workers
will
see
wages rise by an average of
their
€183
each month.
[Magnus Aronson /IKON/ Swedish Lutheran ‘bishops’ Antje Jackelén (L) and Eva Nordung Byström/CC SA 3.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
Victoria Period Products
[Adapted
Victorian public schools
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-
workers
from:
€8bn
Gregory,
Andy.
Independent.
France
gives
health
in pay rises in response to coronavirus efforts. 14 Jul,
2020. france-pay-rise-health-workers-jean-castex-a9617221.html?
are the first in Australia
utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1594706960]
to offer free pads and tampons to students as part
of
boost
an
attempt
inclusivity
to
and
break down “the stigma of periods”. The plan will provide pads and tampons for free in bathrooms at
the
more
than
1,500
government
schools
in
Victoria. It's expected to deliver more than 27 million free
pads
and
tampons
every
year,
based
on
an
assumption that 95% of girls in years 6 to 12 will use the
products, a
documents
report
previously
about
the
project’s
revealed.
The
tender
Victorian
government will spend $20.7 million on the scheme over
four
years,
which
will
also
feature
a
health
information campaign about menstruation in addition to the sanitary products. The government hopes the program will also save “families hundreds of dollars every year”, and will help female students “focus on their
studies”.
The
Victorian
education
minister,
James Merlino said “we’re proud to be providing free sanitary items in all Victorian government schools to ensure that students – regardless of their background or circumstances – can focus and participate fully in their education”. [Adapted from: Visontay, Elisa. The Guardian. Free pads and tampons now available to all Victorian public school
students
in
Australian
first.
28
Jul,
2020
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-
news/2020/jul/28/free-pads-and-tampons-now-available-to-all-victorian-public-school-students-inaustralian-first?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_bgdnnews&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1595939582]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
7
World Civil Rights Icon John Lewis Honoured at US Capitol Lawmakers respects
and to
the
the
US
Public
civil
are
rights
paying
their
and
late
icon
congressman, Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, today as his
body
lies
in
state
at
the
US
Capitol
in
Washington, DC. This is one of the highest honours offered to American citizens. Lying in state is one of the highest forms of ceremonial tribute in the United States. This honour is often given to distinguished American civil servants and military officials. Lewis will only lie in state for a few hours in the Rotunda with
about
respects
80
to
lawmakers
the
expected
representative.
to
pay
their
Following
the
invitation-only ceremony, Lewis' body will be moved to the Capitol steps for a public viewing. Members of the public will be allowed to pay respects on Monday and Tuesday but must wear a mask and obey social distancing rules. Lewis was one of 13 original Freedom Riders and went on to march for voting rights for black Americans in 1965 in Selma, Alabama – which included him being brutally beaten by police. He will be remembered as the “conscience of the Congress” who promoted “good trouble” when fighting for racial equality. [Adapted
from:
Zoellner,
Danielle.
Independent.
Civil
rights
icon
John
Lewis
becomes
first
black
lawmaker
to
lie
in
state
at
US
Capitol
Rotunda.
27
Jul,
2020
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/john-lewis-us-capitol-building-rotunda-funeral-ceremony-death-a9640511.html]
US Pentagon Bans Confederate Flag Despite American president Donald Trump's insistence that the Confederate flag is a symbol of "freedom of speech" the Pentagon will prohibit the flag from all of its
US
military
members
of
bases
the
US
nonetheless. military
Several
made
senior
statements
in
agreement, such as Secretary of Defence Mark Esper
"the flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols" but he who said in a memo:
does
not
flag,
in
explicitly an
mention
efforts
to
the
Confederate
avoid
battle
contradicting
the
president. Secretary Esper's memo calls for prohibited symbols to be placed in museums, works of art and educational installations
settings. named
In
after
addition,
a
dozen
Confederate
military
generals
are
facing scrutiny as officials across the US determine whether to preserve symbols of white supremacy that have lingered in US institutions for decades. Officials have considering renaming 10 bases, all in the south of the USA.
10
The Brightside
[Touch Of Light/The Pentagon/CC SA 4.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
[Adapted from: Woodward, Alex. The Independent. Pentagon to ban all Confederate flags on military bases despite Trump's objections. 17 Jul,2020.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/uspolitics/confederate-flags-ban-pentagon-trump-military-basesa9625211.html]
01-31 July 2020
US Military Diversifies In light of calls for institutions to examine racism, sexism and other discrimination within its operations, two women in the US military have made history in their respective fields.
[Anne Owens and Luke Redito/LTJG Madeline Swegle following completion of the Tactile
[SFC Jeremy D. Crisp (U.S. Army)/Special Forces Green Beret soldiers from each of the
Air Strike training syllabus in Kingsville, TX, Public Domain/via Wikimedia Commons]
Army’s.../ Public Domain/via Wikimedia Commons]
First Black Female Tactical Aircraft Pilot Navy
Lt.
Swegle,
J.G. from
(junior
grade)
Virginia,
has
Madeline completed
naval flight school and will be awarded her flight officer insignia, known as Wing of Gold, later this month. The Naval Air Training Command said on Twitter that Lt JG Swegle is the Navy's first known black female TACAIR (Tactical Aircraft) pilot. According to a Military.com investigation
First Female Green Beret A woman soldier will join the Green Berets, one of the US Army's most elite units, for the first
time
earlier
in
this
history. month
The
in
a
soldier
graduated
"COVID-compliant
graduation ceremony," according to the US Army. The Army doesn't name Special Forces members to protect their identities for future missions.
In
ceremony,
a Lt.
speech Gen.
at
Fran
the
graduation
Beaudette,
the
commanding general for the US Army Special Operations graduates
Command, as
referred
"Green
Beret
to
Men
the and
Women." This statement was true for the first
in 2018, Naval aviation is dominated by
time
white
forward and join the storied formation of the
men,
there
were
only
26
black
pilots out of the 1,404 who flew the F/A18 and less than 2% of all pilots on jet platforms
were
black.
Lt
JG
Swegle's
milestone comes after Rosemary Mariner, who in 1974 became the first woman to fly a tactical fighter jet.
since
the
official
founding
of
Special
Forces in the 1950s. "From here, you will go Green Berets where you will do what you are trained to do: challenge assumptions, break down
barriers,
innovate,
and
smash
through
achieve
the
stereotypes, impossible,"
Beaudette said. The Green Berets are one of the last forces of the Army to remain all-male. While women have had roles in the military since
the
Revolutionary
War,
it
wasn't
until
2016 that all combat positions were opened to women.
[Adapted from: Sky News. Making history: US Navy welcomes first black female tactical aircraft pilot. 12 Jul, 2020 https://news.sky.com/story/making-history-usnavy-welcomes-first-black-female-tactical-aircraft-pilot-12026699]
[Adapted from: Andrew, Scottie. CNN. A woman soldier is joining the Green Berets -- a first for the Army Special Forces unit. 10 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/10/us/usarmy-green-berets-first-woman-trnd/index.html]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
11
Local Celebrating the NHS By Anastasia Toha On 5th July 1948 the National Health Service was born at Park Hospital in Manchester (now known as Trafford General Hospital) as the result of an ambitious goal: the establishment of the basic human rights of free healthcare at the point of delivery. Today, (5th July 2020) marks the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. While the institution is not flawless, the NHS has become an organisation which Brits are proud of, and one that is admired
around
the
world.
It
has
survived
numerous
restructures,
has
adapted
well
to
innovation, and has (largely) met the demands of a growing and ageing population. There are so many achievements to be thankful for because of the NHS, here is just a snapshot:
Free contraception for all women
Staff work towards a common goal
General practice as the foundation for patient care
This has prevented the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and empowered women to take control of their fertility.
The
This is the cornerstone of the NHS. General practitioners play a vital role within the community by providing the basis for the continuity of care.
Leading the way for evidence-based medicine and healthcare
belief provision
NHS
has
discoveries
and
Centre
Evidence-
based
for
the
Medicine,
funded
by
both
the
NHS
research and development programme. evidence-based
When medicine
years used
as
the
receive with NIHR
the
a
Genomics
Thanks to the NHS, children are
the
patients
partnership
England,
launched
70
been
of
care In
research past then
part
today.
the
the
100,000
Genomes Project in 2012. The project aims to harness whole sequencing uncover improve
professionals
patients
new
protected
dangerous as
smallpox
which
are a
introduced polio
the
best
evidence.
The Brightside
available
with
rare
diagnosis.
would
of paralytic polio in the UK
for
each year, with up to 750
inherited
deaths. Thanks to the NHS's
rare
programme,
and
was 1950s,
and
rigorous
helped
the
diagnoses
launched in 2012, the project has
vaccine in
epidemics
on their clinical expertise, preferences of the patient,
almost
eradicated.
result in up to 7760 cases
diseases and cancer. Since it
decision
now
such polio,
to
based
treatment
and
completely Before
against
diseases,
technology treatments
with
Comprehensive childhood vaccination programme
supported
have
standardised
to day-to-day life, health a
in
which
and healthcare is applied make
in
Encouraging and supporting research and innovation
healthcare was created by Collaboration,
guiding
NHS.
cutting-edge Cochrane
“working
service
Evidence-based the
of
central
The
12
value
together for patients� is a
1/4
participants
diseases
to
get
a
vaccination there
hasn't
been a case of polio in the UK since the mid-80s.
01-31 July 2020
Access to IVF
Providing care based on need, free at the point of delivery
Promoting patientcentred care and prevention
This
The
Infertility affects one in seven
couples
have
a
and
can
means
that
any
UK
NHS
supports
resident can go and see a
people to develop the
effect on people's lives.
doctor
offer
knowledge,
In the UK, more than a
diagnosis or treatment for
confidence
quarter
an
to manage and make
babies
devastating
of have
because
a
million
been of
born IVF
treatment.
the
who
illness
will
without
individual
to
asking pay
for
informed
this service during or after
skills,
and
necessary decisions
about their health.
the visit. The NHS was the first
healthcare
offer
free
system
care
for
to all,
removing the fear of how one would pay for care.
The list of NHS achievements is endless. However, perhaps the greatest NHS achievement is its sheer survival. Despite constant cost pressures placed on the NHS, and the fact that it is free at the point of delivery, it has lasted. Never before have we relied so heavily on our NHS. Many health care workers are doing 12hour shifts to try and deal with the vast number of people who fall sick to this virus. Workers on
the
frontline
are
putting
themselves
at
risk
daily
so
they
can
protect
us.
These
extraordinary staff, managers, and leaders are doing extraordinary things 24 hours a day, 365
days
a
year,
to
provide
outstanding
patient
care.
These
are
individuals
whose
commitment, professionalism, and expertise we should honour, recognise, and celebrate more frequently. Despite constant talk of whether the NHS will survive after the pandemic we should never forget to celebrate its successes. Rightfully, it is recognised as the best healthcare system in the world and one of our country’s proudest national achievements.
If you would like to dwell deeper into more personal reasons why people are thankful for the NHS we would like to recommend the new book Dear NHS edited by Adam Kay. The novel is compiled of 100 remarkable contributors such as Stephen Fry, Dame Mary Beard, Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Atkinson, Kit de Waal, Bill Bryson and many more who have come together to share their hopeful and moving stories. In addition, taking some inspiration from Kay, we asked some of our readers what their personal reasons were for being thankful for the NHS. We will be making this into an article for next month's issue, so please feel free to DM us on Instagram or Twitter @thebrightsidemz or you can email us support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
13
Local UK Widens Eligibility for Free Winter Flu Vaccine
The
UK
government
widening
its
announced free
that
it
winter
is flu
vaccination programme in England. Last year, 15 million people received the jab, which protects against seasonal flu, this year, they hope it will rise
to
30
million
people.
By
doubling
the
number of people in the programme, officials hope
that
it
will
mitigate
the
impact
of
the coronavirus, following concerns that some people
could
suffer
both
seasonal
flu
and COVID-19 at the same time.
Previously,
the
requirements
to
receive
the free winter jab were as follows: adults 65 and over people
with
certain
medical
conditions (including children in atrisk groups from six months of age) pregnant women children aged 2 and 3 children in primary school frontline
health
or
social
care
workers Now, the requirements have extended to include: adults 50 and over those
on
the
shielding
list
and
the
year
of
people they live with children
in
their
first
secondary school [Adapted
from:
Young,
Sarah.
Independent.
NHS
FLU
JAB
PROGRAMME
EXTENDED: WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINE AND HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?. 24 Jul, 2020.
Boris Johnson Pledges Extra £3 Billion for NHS to Prepare for Potential Second Wave in Winter Boris Johnson will pledge another
£3
billion for the NHS to
prepare for a possible second wave of the coronavirus, in his plans for the road to recovery. The prime minister wants the NHS to be “battle-ready”, a No 10 spokesperson said. The money will be available immediately and will be used to free up
space
in
the
NHS
by
paying
private
hospitals
and
maintaining the Nightingale hospitals. He is also expected to set a target to ensure the NHS can carry out half a million tests per day by the end of October, to help the NHS Test and Trace programme. [Adapted from: Devlin, Kate. Independent. Boris Johnson to announce unprecedented
£3bn
extra NHS funding amid fears
of second coronavirus wave. 17 Jul, 2020 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-nhs-fundingcoronavirus-second-wave-covid-a9623501.html]
[Ben Shread / Cabinet Office/OGL 3/ via Wikimedia Commons]
14
The Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Over 1 Million Brits Have Quit Smoking Due to COVID-19
Prince William and Kate Donates £1.8 Million to Mental Health Groups
A new analysis shows that over 1 million people in the UK are estimated to have quit
smoking
months
over
in
during
the
past
the
four
coronavirus
pandemic, with younger people beating the habit at a higher rate than older smokers. People in the 16-29 age group have quit smoking at more than twice the rate of smokers over the age of 50. A further 440,000 people in the country have
also
used
the
pandemic
as
an
opportunity to try to quit, according to the analysis by the organisation Action on
Smoking
and
Health
(ASH)
and
University College London (UCL), which used
a
YouGov
10,000
people
survey
as
of
the
findings.
The
campaign
smokers,
in
particular,
more
[The Big Lunch/CC SA 2.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
than
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s
basis
of
their
Royal Foundation charity have donated
calls
on
older
to
take
the
£1.8
part
million to mental health charities as of
a
“COVID-19
Response
Fund”.
pandemic as an opportunity to quit, as
The money will be divided amongst 10
COVID-19 appears to be more severe in
organisations that support people with
older patients. In addition, smokers are
mental
at a much higher risk of suffering severe
Hospice
symptoms associated with COVID-19. In
Charity,
the long term, smoking is also the lead
Miserably,
cause
organisations have already stated what
of
cancer,
preventable
heart
and
illness,
lung
causing
disease.
"My
health
issues,
UK,
the
including
Campaign and
Mind,
Ambulance
Staff
Against
Living
YoungMinds.
Some
they will do with the donations. Suicide
message to smokers today is, please, do
prevention
not wait. Whether you are healthy now
Living
or already unwell because of smoking,
the donation to increase capacity on its
today is the day to stop. It can transform
helplines. This means they will be able to
your
respond to 2,300 more contacts each
life,"
said
Dr
Ruth
Sharrock,
an
charity
Miserably
expert in respiratory medicine, in ASH's
month.
statement.
extend
Additionally, its
smoking
from:
Dewan,
during
the
Angela.
CNN.
pandemic,
1
million survey
people shows.
in
the 15
UK
have
Jul,
quit
2020
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/15/health/uk-quit-smoking-coronavirus-gbrintl-wellness/index.html? utm_term=link&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=202007-15T15%3A30%3A07]
receive
responders individual
counselling, only
to
Against will
so
this
will
to
they
all
can
trauma
service
counsellors
use
UK
service
grief
originally
open
it
Hospice
bereavement
emergency [Adapted
Campaign
announced
for
was NHS
England and social care staff. Following Prince William's volunteering as a mental health hotline responder, it is clear that both
Prince
William
and
Kate
are
advocates of mental health awareness. [Adapted from: Petter, Oliver. Independent. PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE GIVE
£1.8M
TO
MENTAL
HEALTH
CHARITIES.
24
Jul,
2020
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/william-kate-mentalhealth-royal-foundation-donation-charity-a9635971.html? utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1595587450]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
15
Local Smiley Face Projected Onto Parliament Friday, 17th of July was World Emoji Day. To celebrate this, a 25-metre wide smiley face was projected onto parliament to spread an uplifting message of positivity. The lipstick-wearing smiley was beamed onto the famous structure on the eve of World
Emoji
Day,
by
Ciat
London
to
remind
people
of
the
importance of a smile. The positive image reminded passers-by to stay upbeat and to spread an uplifting message. People who saw the images said it had brightened up their evening considerably.
Charlotte
Knight,
founder
and
CEO,
of
Ciat
London, said: "The research proved how often people enjoy smiling and the difference it can make to both self-confidence and overall moods. Particularly at times like this, it's important to stay self-confident, emotionally aware and see the positives in everyday moments by sharing smiles." [Adapted from: Hughes, Alice. Mirror. World Emoji Day: Huge smiley face projected onto the Houses of Parliament. 17 Jul, 2020 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-smiley-projected-onto-houses-22373754]
[via SWNS.com]
"Seeing the smiley made me laugh. It's also opposite a hospital, and you hope that people get to look out and see it-they probably need it." -Dave Crawford, passerby
Government Promises £1.57 Billion Package to Support Arts £1.57
The UK government has announced a
billion
support package to help protect the future of UK theatres,
galleries,
museums
and
other
cultural
venues. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said the package is all "new money" and has two broad aims- to preserve "crown jewel" venues like the Royal Albert Hall and national galleries, while also helping local institutions across the UK such as independent
cinemas,
heritage
sites
and
music
venues. This announcement follows several weeks of
pressure,
with
industry
leaders
warning
that
many venues were on the brink of collapse. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This money will help safeguard
the
sector
for
future
generations,
ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down.” Many
institutions
have
warmly
welcomed
the
funding, such as Arts Council England, the Royal Opera
House
and
the
London
Symphony
Orchestra. [Adapted
from:
BBC.
Arts
industry
k/news/entertainment-arts-53304721]
16
The Brightside
welcomes
£1.57bn
support
package.
07
Jul,
2020
01-31 July 2020
Same-Sex Religious Marriage Legal in Northern Ireland It has been announced that same-sex religious marriages can
take
place
in
Northern
Ireland
from
September.
Couples can give their 28 days' notice of intent to have a religious service from 01 September, which means the first
ceremonies
could
take
place
on
29
September.
However, the UK government said religious bodies cannot be
"compelled
Therefore,
by
any
religious
means"
bodies
to
and
carry
out
officiants
services.
cannot
be
unlawfully accused of discriminating against same-sex couples if they refuse to marry them. That protection has also
been
buildings
extended owned
to
by
cover
a
church
church.
halls
Although
and
other
same-sex
marriage has been legally recognised in Northern Ireland since January, it did not encompass churches or other religious bodies. Same-sex marriage campaigners have welcomed the move, but are now urging the government to
make
marriage
fully
equal
by
allowing
same-sex
couples with an existing civil partnership to be able to convert
their
Corrigan, Director
partnership
Amnesty said
it
into
a
International's
was
"a
landmark
marriage.
Patrick
Northern
Ireland
day
for
equality
in
Northern Ireland". [Adapted
from:
BBC.
Same-sex
marriage:
Religious
ceremonies
get
go-ahead.
16
Jul,
2020
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-53437655]
CBBC First On-Screen Same-Sex Kiss on The Next Step CBBC is receiving worldwide praise for the historical airing of a same-sex kiss between two teenage characters on the channel, in its dance-drama The Next Step. The relationship between Cleo (Dani Verayo) and Jude (Molly Sanders) marks the first time the show has portrayed physical affection between a queer couple. In the episode "Room Service" they perform a dance routine to the song “Brave”, by Sahne Harte, before sharing a kiss. Fans tweeted their appreciation for the moment, with many hailing it as an important moment for LGBTQ+ representation. [Adapted
from:
O'Connor,
Roisin.
Independent.
CBBC
praised
for
airing
first
teenage
same-sex
kiss
on
The
Next
Step.
24
Jul,
2020
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-
entertainment/tv/news/cbbc-the-next-step-same-sex-kiss-teenage-a9637786.html]
[via CBBC]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
17
Local Knowsley Safari Launches UK’s First Live Stream Safari School Knowsley Stream
Safari
Safari
classrooms, physically
to
visit
will
launch
School, help the
which
pupils
Safari
the
UK’s
will
broadcast
and
to
first-ever Live
schools
continue
live
into
unable
to
learn
to and
engage with nature and wildlife. The world is slowly easing lockdown, but for a variety of reasons such as safety,
time
and
finance,
some
schools
may
not
be
ready for trips. Knowsley Safari has therefore developed Live
Stream
Safari
School,
a
real-time,
interactive
experience where pupils and teachers can ‘visit’ and learn
at
Knowsley School
the
Safari.
Safari
building,
will
Using
multi-location
broadcast
while
also
live
technology,
from
connecting
its
to
Safari
its
other
locations, meaning pupils can see all the animals up close from the convenience of their desks. Topics for the
Safari
School
sessions
include
African
Animals,
Classifications and Food and Feeding, whereby schools
[Bob Linsdell/Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot/CC SA 3.0 /via Wikimedia Commons]
can choose according to their interests or curriculum needs. The stream is interactive, with pupils able to ask live questions during the sessions and receive an instant response from the animal experts on site, just as if they were there in person. Live Stream Safari School will be available to children’s clubs and groups throughout the summer holidays and launches for schools in September. [Adapted from: The Guide LIverpool. Knowsley Safari launches UK’s first ever live stream Safari School. 14 Jul, 2020 https://theguideliverpool.com/knowsley-safari-launch-uks-first-everlive-stream-safari-school/]
Deliveroo Launches Tip Direct Function
Earlier this year, Deliveroo revealed a two-month campaign called Love Your Local,
which
is
a
plan
to
encourage
millions of customers to order from local restaurants.
In
addition,
the
app
now
has a feature to directly tip restaurants providing
a
potential
financial
boost
during the coronavirus pandemic (some overseas
Deliveroo
adopted follows
this some
have
feature). criticism
already
The
launch
expressed
by
many restaurant owners that the size of delivery
services'
commission
fees
has
hampered their ability to withstand the COVID-19 chief
crisis.
executive,
wanted
to
"play
Will
Shu,
said a
Deliveroo's
the
company
significant
role
in
helping the growth of local independent restaurants
during
COVID-
19...Independent restaurants are at the heart of so many communities and they are at the heart of Deliveroo." [Adapted from: Kleinman, Mark. Sky News. Coronavirus: Deliveroo adds tipping feature
amid
restaurant
sector
crisis.
07
Jul,
2020
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-deliveroo-adds-tipping-feature-amidrestaurant-sector-crisis-12022851]
18
The Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Theatre Made of Pianos to Restore Community Spirit A unique theatre has been made inside a steel hut in the middle of Glasgow’s Springburn Park which is the UK's first permanent auditorium made entirely
of
recycled
pianos.
About
40
pianos,
both upright and some baby grands have been tastefully cut in two to make a corner balcony with tiered seating. Tom Binns, who initiated this project, founded the Glasgow Piano City project in
2013,
which
instruments
in
finds
new
public
uses
places
for
from
unwanted
hospitals
to
bookshops. For Binns, the project has grown out of respect for people’s deep connection to their individual instruments and the hopes they have when
they
pass
extraordinary instruments
them
on.
emotional
and
would
“People
have
attachment be
to
heartbroken
an
their
to
see
them go in a skip. We’re giving pianos a new life. ” In addition, this new theatre will bring life back to
Springburn,
widespread
which
has
unemployment
since and
a
experienced high
rate
of
drug deaths due to the decline in industry and the
motorway
demolitions.
"We
really
need
a
community space in the area...For me, the park should be the centre of a community. It brings different
areas
together
physically.”
said
Alex
Docherty, a hip-hop artist and chair of Friends of Springburn Park. [Adapted
from:
Brooks,
Libby.
The
Guardian.
New
Glasgow
theatre
space
made
entirely
of
recycled
pianos
in
UK
first.
26
Jul,
2020
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-
news/2020/jul/26/glasgow-project-uses-recyled-pianos-create-new-theatre-space?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_bgdnnews&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1595774034]
Carbon Negative Electricity System by 2033 Cautious optimism? According
to
a
report
from
the
National
Grid,
carbon
emissions
from
Britain’s
electricity system could turn negative as early as 2033 if the UK uses carbon capture technology alongside more renewable energy to achieve its climate targets. The electricity network operator set out its aims for an “emissions negative” grid that would include 30 million electric vehicles on UK roads, and 8 million heat pumps used to replace gas boilers in energy-efficient homes. National Grid expects a boom in renewable energy projects, such as 3GW of new wind power capacity and 1.4GW of solar generation every year from now until 2050, also a widespread movement towards electric vehicles. They also expect a drastic change in consumer energy use, including significantly better energy efficiency and the end of gas boilers. Instead, millions of homes will consume less than a third of the energy used today, and will rely on heat pumps fitted with thermal “heat batteries”. We are yet to see the coronavirus's impact on the global energy demand, but many are hopeful that the pandemic will kickstart a global initiative for government to create packages for clean energy and energy efficiency measures to spur a green economic recovery. “Although these are not firm predictions, we’ve talked to over 600 industry experts to build this insight and it’s clear while net-zero is achievable, there are significant changes ahead,” said Mark Herring, the head of strategy at National Grid ESO. [Adapted
from:
Ambrose,
Jillian.
The
Guardian.
UK
electricity
grid's
carbon
emissions
could
turn
negative
by
2033,
says
National
Grid.
27
Jul,
2020
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/27/uk-electricity-grids-carbon-emissions-could-turn-negative-by-2033-says-national-grid? utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_b-gdnnews&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1595843392]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
19
Local BAME Figures Set to Appear on British Coins Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) figures will appear on a set of coins for the first time in British
history.
However,
non-white
individuals
have yet to feature on British notes. Chancellor Rishi
Sunak
is
considering
this
move
after
campaigners issued proposals to have influential BAME people appear on a set of coins, Treasury minister
John
Glen
told
The
Sunday
Telegraph.
Figures which have been suggested are BritishJamaican Crimean War nurse Mary Seacole and Noor Inayat Khan, who was a World War II agent and one of only four women to have received the George
Cross,
as
well
as
the
first
Indian
and
Gurkha soldiers. These plans, drafts and designs have been submitted to the Royal Mint Office for potential coins. "As a British Asian, of course I know that racism exists in this country. And I know people are angry and frustrated. They want to see, and feel, change," said Banknotes of Colour
[Albert Charles Challen/Photo of a portrait of Mary Seacole (1805–1881),
campaign leader, Zehra Zaidi.
c.1869/Public Domain/via Wikimedia Commons]
[Adapted from: Sky News. Black, Asian and ethnic minority figures set to appear on British coins for the first time. 26 Jul, 2020 https://news.sky.com/story/black-asian-and-ethnic-minority-figures-setto-appear-on-british-coins-for-the-first-time-12036346?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter]
High Profile Parents Take a Stand for Climate Change More
than
Johnson
100
celebrity
to
parents
ensure
the coronavirus crisis
have
the
urged Boris
recovery
tackles climate
from
change.
The
parents' two major fears are both climate change’s overall
impact
on
their
children’s
future
and
the
coronavirus crisis’ effect on their children’s ability to get work. Those who signed include Julie Walters, Lily Cole,
Paloma
Faith,
Chris
Packham,
Dr
Rowan
Williams, Rosamund Kissi-Deborah, Martha Lane-Fox, Tamzin Robert
Outhwaite, Winston,
Michael
Lorraine
Morpurgo,
Kelly
and
Professor
Konnie
Huq.
To
stress the importance of climate change, the parents have
also
gathered
outside
Downing
Street
to
create a real-life wind farm with handheld bamboo turbines
to
signify
the
low-carbon
recovery
which
they say is required “to create jobs for our children today and help ensure a safe climate tomorrow”. The demonstration Parents
for
was
led
by
Future
UK,
two
Mothers
Rise
parent-led
Up
and
campaign
groups coordinating the open letter which demands low-carbon
investment.
The
parents
say
letting
climate emissions return to pre-COVID-19 levels will have "catastrophic consequences for children’s lives and livelihoods with those from the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in the UK, and across the globe, being hardest hit”. [Adapted from: urge
Oppenheim, Maya. Independent.Parents to create wind-farm outside Downing Street to
coronavirus
recovery
tackles
climate
change.
26
Jul,
2020
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/julie-walters-parents-boris-johnson-coronavirus[via Mothers Rise Up, Twitter]
20
The Brightside
recovery-climate-change-a9637976.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1595749830]
Business Burger King Tackles Climate Change by Reducing Cow Farts
Methane emissions from cow farts are a major contributor of greenhouse
gases
and
therefore
climate
change.
However,
Burger King is trying to help by improving its cows' low-carb diet by adding 100 grams of lemongrass to reduce methane emissions.
According
emissions
from
to
cows
International-owned
Burger by
King,
33%.
company
this
The
said
the
new
diet
will
Restaurant new
cut
Brands
lemongrass-fed
beef will be used in Whoppers at some restaurants in Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Portland. The new formula was
developed
Autonomous
in
partnership
University
at
the
with State
professors of
from
the
and
the
Mexico
University of California, Davis. Cutting emissions from factory farming would drastically help slow down climate change since around 50% to 65% of all methane emissions come from human activities,
including
factory
farming,
according
to
the
Environmental Protection Agency. "If the whole industry, from farmers,
meat
suppliers,
and
other
brands
join
us,
we
can
increase scale and collectively help reduce methane emissions that affect climate change," said Fernando Machado, global chief marketing officer for Restaurant Brands International, in a statement. This is not the first time Burger King has tried to promote sustainability and health initiatives. highlight
In its
February, efforts
to
an ad
campaign
eliminate
was
artificial
released featuring
preservatives
and
a
mouldy
other
Whopper
additives
from
to the
company's menu. It's aiming for all of their foods to be free of artificial ingredients by the end of this year. [Adapted from: Valinsky, Jordan. CNN. Burger King's latest sustainability effort: reduce cow farts. 14 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/14/business/burger-king-cowdiet/index.html?utm_source=twCNN&utm_term=link&utm_content=2020-07-14T14%3A40%3A05&utm_medium=social]
KFC Tests Beyond Fried Chicken KFC is launching a plant-based version of its fried chicken in 50 locations in Los Angeles, Orange County
and
San
Diego.
The
chain
has
already
served this meat-free alternative, which is made by Beyond Meat. KFC first tested Beyond Fried Chicken in Atlanta for one day last summer, and then it served the product for a limited time in Nashville
and
Charlotte
this
past
winter.
The
current test will be available as a special item in California. If it proves popular, KFC might make Beyond
Fried
perhaps
one
Chicken day
available
international.
nationally Many
and
fast-food
chains have started to offer plant-based meat to attract
new
customers
and
build
excitement
around the brand. In addition, it is a well-known fact that meat, especially red meat like cows, do more harm to the environment than plant farming. Chains
which
have
jumped
on
the
faux-meat
trend include Burger King, which sells the plantbased
Impossible
Croissan'wich
Whopper
breakfast
and
the
sandwich.
Impossible Starbucks
launched its Impossible breakfast sandwich too. Dunkin' [via Beyond Meat]
Donuts
also
serves
a
Beyond
Meat
breakfast sandwich and wrap.
[Adapted from: Wiener-Bronner, Danielle. CNN. KFC will sell plant-based fried chicken in these cities. 16 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/16/business/kfc-beyond-meatchicken/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2020-07-17T02%3A36%3A42&utm_term=link]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
21
Business China's Economy Back on the Rise China's economy is growing again after its worst three-month period in decades. China has the world's second largest economy, and from April to June it grew 3.2% compared to a year ago, according to government statistics released on Thursday. That's better than the 2.5% growth that analysts polled by Refinitiv were expecting.It also means that China prevented recession. In the first quarter, the $14 trillion economy shrank 6.8%, the worst plunge for a single quarter on record since China started publishing those figures in 1992. That
was
also
the
first
time
China
reported
an
economic
contraction
since
1976.
The
rebound had been widely expected. China, the initial epicentre of the outbreak was the first to impose harsh lockdown rules to limit the spread of the virus. It's now the first major economy to reopen and the first to recover from the record drop. The early return to growth for China could foreshadow good news for the rest of the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in June that the global economy could decrease by 4.9% in 2020, lower than the April forecast. But "the downturn could be less severe than forecast if economic normalisation proceeds faster than currently expected in areas that have reopened," the organisation said. It projected that China's economy will grow 1% this year, while the United States and Europe will see sharp contractions. Oxford Economics predicts the economy will grow 6% in the second half of the year and by as much as 2.5% for all of 2020, "supported by improved sentiment after the successful containment of COVID-19 and significant fiscal and monetary policy easing." But there are challenges ahead. "The darkest moment is behind us, but given the huge uncertainties from COVID-19 and the global economy, it's too early
to
say
that
China
is
out
of
the
woods,"
Hu
from
Macquarie
said.
"The
Chinese
economy, together with the global economy, could be severely hit again if a second wave of the pandemic [breaks] out in the winter," the Nomura economists wrote in a research note. [ADAPTED FROM: HE, LAURA. CNN. China's economy is growing again. That's good news for the rest of the world. 16 JUL, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/15/economy/chinagdp-intl-hnk/index.html?utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2020-07-16T07%3A59%3A06&utm_medium=social&utm_term=link]
Nando's Strives for Sustainability With New Pledge Nando's, famous for their spicy chicken, has promised to improve chicken welfare and tackle climate change as part of a variety of new sustainability measures. This promise will involve using a breed of chicken “that is naturally slower growing”, as these chickens are stronger
and
healthier;
collaborating
with
farmers;
and
backing
research “to advance understanding of how Nando’s can further reduce the impact of chicken feed on its carbon footprint”. Nando’s has partnered with several organisations, such as Compassion in World Farming, FAI Farms and the Soil Association to implement a new
chicken
welfare
policy,
signing
the
“Better
Chicken
Commitment” to ensure that chickens in its supply chain have higher standards
of
welfare
by
2026.
In
addition
to
improving
chicken
welfare, Nando’s has committed to making all of the gas supplies in its UK restaurants 100 per cent renewable by 2022, with the first
[Sashataylor/Nando's sign/CC SA 3.0/ via Wikimedia Commons]
step being to make the gas supplies at least 40 per cent renewable by October 2020. The restaurant is also working with suppliers to help them reduce their carbon footprint and will increase
the
number
of
plant-based
options
on
its
menu.
“Nando’s
has
made
this
commitment at a time of great uncertainty, particularly in the food service sector, as the world deals with the effects of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, responsible food production with the animal and environment at its heart, is of the utmost importance and we applaud Nando’s forging ahead with their plans,” said Dr Tracey Jones, director of food business at Compassion in World Farming. [Adapted
from:
Barr,
Sabrina.
Independent.
NANDO’S
ANNOUNCES
NEW
CHICKEN
WELFARE
drink/nandos-chicken-welfare-commitment-campaign-supply-chain-conditions-a9641426.html]
22
The Brightside
COMMITMENT.
28
Jul,
2020
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-
01-31 July 2020
IKEA Creates Vegan Spin on Classic Swedish Meatball IKEA revealed it will introduce a new plantbased meatball or 'plant ball' to stores in Europe in August and across America this autumn, according to a press release. The balls
are
protein,
primarily
oats,
made
potatoes,
with onion
yellow and
pea
apple,
making them vegan and vegetarian-friendly. To achieve the same "look, taste and juicy bite
of
the
IKEA
meatball,"
the
company
used umami-rich ingredients like mushroom, tomato
At
and
a
powder
from
roasted
vegetables. The 'plant-balls' will be served
[via IKEA]
IKEA,
we
sell
more
than
one
billion
meatballs every year...Imagine if we could get some of our many meatball lovers to
like
the
iconic
meatballs,
with
mashed
potatoes, lingonberries, and cream sauce as an adults or kids meal, as well as a side dish.
choose the plant ball instead. If we were to
IKEA will also make the 'plant-balls' available
convert about 20% of our meatball sales to
frozen
plant
customers can make them at home.
balls
that
would
mean
around
8%
from
the
Swedish
Food
Market
so
reduction of our climate footprint for the food business at IKEA.
Adatped from: Calderone, Ana. People. IKEA Unveils a Vegan Version of Their Famous
- Sharla Halvorson, Health & Sustainability Manager for the IKEA food business
plant-balls-to-menu-vegan-version-of-famous-swedish-meatballs/]
Edible Ramen Packaging
Swedish Meatballs Called 'Plant Balls'. 17 Jul, 2020 https://people.com/food/ikea-adds-
Holly
Grounds,
a
former
student
from
Ravensbourne University London developed a
dissolvable
ramen
package
that
turns
into sauce. Ramen is a staple in university life and just general life. However, all the film and packaging from these noodles are quickly filling up landfills and spilling into our oceans. Furthermore, Grounds found it ironic that the dish itself was designed to be cooked and eaten in under ten minutes but
came
in
packaging
that
would
take
nearly a century to decompose. That's why Grounds
created
the
dissolvable
noodle
packaging. The packaging consists of a flavourless biofilm, which is made out of a few common ingredients including potato starch, glycerin and water. Once it has been heat-sealed, the film prevents the dry noodles from going stale. But as soon as it comes into contact with boiling water it dissolves in less than a minute. In order for the packaging to be appetising, herbs and flavourings are embedded into the packaging itself, while larger ingredients such as dried shrimp are stored loosely in the parcel before being released into the broth. With global awareness about landfills piling up, more and more designers are looking at innovative ways to package our everyday goods. Reykjavík studio At10 has created a bioplastic casing for different meats, which is made from the animal's skin, while Polish designer Roza Janusz has grown edible food wrappers using bacteria and yeast. Another packaging design that dissolves with use is the Soapack toiletry bottle created by Mi Zhou, which is itself made of soap. [Adapted from: Hahn, Jennifer. Dezeen. Holly Grounds develops dissolvable ramen packaging that turns into sauce. 13 Jul, 2020 https://www.dezeen.com/2020/07/13/hollygrounds-dissolvable-noodle-packaging-design/]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
23
Business India Eliminates Single Use Plastics India has been striving towards becoming a more eco-friendly country, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi call to citizens last October to end the use of single-use plastic by 2022. Consequently, Amazon India said it has successfully eliminated single-use plastics in the
packaging
of
goods
at
its
fulfilment
centres
across
the
country,
sticking
to
a
commitment made nine months ago to replace all packaging material with reusable or recyclable materials. The company has replaced bubble wrap and plastic pillows with paper dunnage and biodegradable paper tape and is also urging sellers on its platform who directly ship products to consumers to adopt its sustainable packaging practices. It has also stopped
the
use
of
cling
film
in
packaging
products.
Amazon
also
aims
to
make
all
shipments net zero carbon, with 50% net zero carbon by 2030. [Adapted
From:
Sil,
Debarghya.
Entrepreneur
India.
Amazon
India
Eradicates
Single-Use
Plastic
In
Packaging
Across
Fulfilment
Centres.
30
Jun,
2020
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/352605]
[Image: Amazon.com, Inc./Amazon, Public Domain/via Wikimedia Commons]
Diageo Drinks Launches 100% Paper Bottle
The multinational drinks company, Diageo said it was aiming to launch a paper bottle early next year with its Johnnie rolling
Walker it
out
whisky
brand
worldwide.
The
in
one
location
bottle
is
before
made
from
sustainably sourced pulp which is food and drink-safe and fully recyclable. The contents are protected by a liner, made of resin rather than plastic, which holds the liquid but disintegrates when finished. The cap will be made
of
aluminium.
Generally,
drinks
companies
worldwide are moving towards sustainability in aims to tackle climate change. For example, the UK company Frugalpac announced
last
month
the
release
of
a
paper bottle and another paper bottle was released last year by the Danish brewer Carlsberg. [via Johnnie Walker]
[Adapted from: Smithers, Rebecca. The Guardian. Johnnie Walker maker creates plastic-free paper-based spirits
bottle.
13
Jul,
2020
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/13/johnnie-walker-maker-
creates-plastic-free-paper-based-spirits-bottle]
Kleenex Goes Plastic Free Kleenex is removing the plastic opening on all its tissue boxes as part of
a
long-term
commitment
to
reduce
plastic
waste
across
its
company. The plastic opening also referred to as the 'collar', which helps dispense tissues one at a time, has been completely removed from all variants. Instead, it will be replaced by a paper alternative. This change is part of the brand’s ‘Every Step Counts’ initiative, which aims to make recycling even easier for customers and has been developed to ensure it does not compromise the overall product experience or quality. The new packaging has been spotted in some grocery stores, however, full-scale distribution will be seen by August 2020. This change will remove 82 tonnes of plastic per year
from
the
supply
chain,
that’s
the
equivalent
weight
of around
8
million
500ml
plastic bottles. In addition to this, Kleenex is a member of WRAP UK’s Plastic Pact initiative, which aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by companies. [Adapted from: KLEENEX® removes plastic opening from all its tissue boxes. 01 Jul, 2020 https://packagingeurope.com/kleenex-removes-plastic-opening-from-all-its-tissue-boxes/]
24
The Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Levi's Most Sustainable Jeans to Date US-based launched
denim its
giant
most
Levi
Strauss
sustainable
jeans
and
ever,
Co
made
have from
organic cotton and Circulose, a breakthrough material made from worn-out jeans.
Over 5 years of research
have
and
gone
into
the
design
creation
of
circular
denim. Levi’s Wellthread research and development lab has collaborated with Re:newcell, the Swedish startup behind circle,
the by
Circulose
carefully
innovation,
calibrating
to
the
bring
denim
design
full-
process
to
ensure it meets recycling specifications to allow each pair of denim to have a second life, as well as allowing Levi’s
and
the
wider
fashion
industry
to
reduce
its
dependency on virgin materials. 20% of the jeans will be formed
from
sustainably
recycled
sourced
denim,
viscose,
another
and
60%
20%
from
from
organic
cotton, in addition, the denim also reduces the water, chemical and CO2 footprint during manufacturing. They will be available as part of its Wellthread line in the classic 502 tapered fit for men and the High Loose style for women. The Levi’s recycled denim jeans are priced
£115/$148
each and are available on the Levi’s App and
on Levi.com. [Adapted from: Wightman-Stone, Danielle. Fashion United. Levi’s unveils its most sustainable jeans to date. 21 Jul, 2020
https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/levi-s-unveils-its-most-sustainable-jeans-to-
date/2020072149944]
University Students Create Eco-Friendly Industrial Cleaner Out of Yeast Gaurab
Chakrabarti
students
at
Southwestern,
and
Sean
the
University
who
in
2016
Hunt
were
of
Texas
created
a
chemical engineering startup called Solugen. Solugen's
mission
chemical chemical making
and
have
chemicals
decarbonise
startup
used
the
Houston-based
peroxide
product to create duty
to The
engineering
hydrogen
enzyme,
is
industry.
out this
has of
been
a
yeast
eco-friendly
replacements for heavy-
used
in
treating
oil-drilling
wastewater, spas, pools, and plumbing. They stumbled
upon
the
bioperoxide
while
[via Solugentech.com]
researching drug candidates for cancer. Chakrabatri
discovered
that
the
yeast
he
was
observing
in
cancer
cells
contained
an
enzyme that produced hydrogen peroxide, one of the principal ingredients in most cleaning products. The enzymatic process Solugen used to create their bioperoxide also creates organic acids that can be used to clean machinery by dissolving mineral scale buildup that clogs and degrades pipes. Solugen's next project is finding a natural solution to chemical fertilisers used in agriculture, which is a $175 billion market. Hunt and Chakrabatri think they have created a product that will fertilise soil while replacing essential minerals lost in the process of harvest and topsoil erosion. [Adapted
from:
Knapp,
Alex.
Forbes.
How
Two
Young
Scientists
Built
A
$250
Million
Business
Using
Yeast
To
Clean
Up
Wastewater.
06
Jul,
2020
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2020/07/06/how-two-young-scientists-built-a-250-million-business-using-yeast-to-clean-up-wastewater/#30eaf6457802]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
25
Business Hanes Clothing Donates 1 Million Masks to Homeless Hanesbrands Inc. is an American clothing company based in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. They launched its #MaskAround campaign to highlight
the
importance
of
wearing
a
face
mask
in
public.
The
#MaskAround campaign is aimed at Instagram and TikTok users, hoping to educate them on the importance of face coverings and inspiring more widespread usage. The company is also donating 1 million masks to homeless people across America. They have distributed face masks to nonprofits to in cities like Los Angeles, Miami and Houston. Hanes launched its first line of washable and reusable face masks in June with
retail
and
e-commerce
partners.
The
masks
are
available
in
multipack quantities and are available in multiple colours and sizes. Hanes also plans on launching more options in the coming weeks, such as a children’s mask line. [Adapted
from:
Menapce,
Brendan.
Hanes
Introduces
#MaskAround
Campaign,
Donates
1
Million
Masks
for
Homeless.
22
Jul,
2020
https://magazine.promomarketing.com/article/hanes-introduces-maskaround-campaign-donates-1m-masks-for-homeless/]
Emirates Pays for Passenger Medical Bills The Dubai-based airline says it will cover medical and repatriation expenses of up to traveller
becomes
symptomatic
£135,000
with
if a
coronavirus “We know people are yearning to
while at their destination, at least until 31 October 2020.In around
addition,
£90
it
will
pay
quarantine
costs
fly as borders around the world
of
gradually re-open, but they are
per day for a maximum of two weeks,
seeking flexibility and assurances
for the traveller and a companion. The company
should
will also contribute up to
happen during their travel."
£1,370 towards the cost of
Sheikh
a funeral. However, testing fees are not included. This
financial
assurance
is
provided
free
by
something Ahmed
Maktoum,
the
unforeseen
bin
Chief
Saeed
Al
Executive
of
Emirates airlines
airline for all passengers in all classes and does not require any registration or form-filling. However, the airline made it clear that if a passenger flew to a destination against their home country's advice, they would not cover their medical bills. [Adapted
from:
Calder,
Simon.
Independent.
EMIRATES:
‘WE
WILL
COVER
YOU
FOR
CORONAVIRUS
COSTS
UP
TO
£135,000’.
24
Jul,
2020.
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/emirates-coronavirus-medical-costs-cover-a9635526.html? utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1595621770]
Shoe Retailer Zappos Sells 1 Shoe at a Time To ensure greater inclusivity, the shoe retailer Zappos will now cater to those with different sized feet, as well as those with prosthetics. Zappos (owned by Amazon) will
offer
Footwear,
the
option
Converse,
for PLAE,
six
brands:
Stride
Rite,
Nike, and
BILLY New
Balance. The shoes will be available in all sizes and widths, from toddler to adult, and they range in price from $17.50 to $85. Zappos already sells an assortment of shoes for people with disabilities or dexterity issues, with features such as zippers around the front or back for easy access to put on or take off the shoes. "...we've been getting many requests over the years from people asking us if we can also sell them a single shoe or different sized pairs," said Dana Zumbo, business development manager with Zappos Adaptive, the
company's
program
that
caters
to
shoppers
with
disabilities.
The
market
for
footwear design to meet the needs of people with disabilities and specific health conditions are growing. It is expected to go from $8 billion this year to $10.6 billion by 2024, according to market research firm Coresight Research. [Adapted from: Kavilanz, Parija. CNN. Zappos is now selling single shoes and mixed size pairs. 14 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/14/business/zappos-single-shoesizing/index.html?utm_source=twCNN&utm_term=link&utm_content=2020-07-14T15%3A20%3A03&utm_medium=social]
26
The Brightside
Science & Medicine
COVID-19 UPDATES OVER 10 MILLION RECOVERED HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO A VACCINE?
142 PRE-CLINICAL VACCINES Vaccines not in human
17
trials and given to animals to see if it triggers an immune response.
PHASE 1 VACCINES The vaccine is given to a small group of people to determine whether it is safe and to learn more about the immune response it provokes.
13
PHASE 2
VACCINES The vaccine is given to
5
hundreds of people so scientists can learn more about its safety and correct dosage.
PHASE 3 VACCINES The vaccine is given to thousands of people to confirm its safety – including rare side effects – and effectiveness. These trials involve a control group which is given a placebo.
0 APPROVED VACCINES The vaccine is approved for general use.
*last updated 29 Jul 2020 19.56 BST
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
27
Science & Medicine Vaccines in Phase 3
University of Oxford/AstraZeneca: Vaccine called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Delivered
via
a
chimpanzee
virus,
called
the
vaccine
vector. The
vector
contains
the
genetic
code
of
the
protein
spikes found on the coronavirus and triggers a strong immune response in the human body. Vaccine induces an immune response and didn’t produce any serious side effects. Vaccine prompted production of antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus. These results are promising because
although
antibodies
may
fade
away
within
months, T-cells can stay in circulation for years. Further trials ongoing in South Africa, Brazil and UK.
Sinovac: Vaccine called CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2. Vaccine based on inactivated COVID-19 particles. Vaccine induces a positive immune response. Neutralising
antibodies
created
14
days
after
the
vaccination. Trials
in
Brazil
partnership with
with
around
9,000
volunteers,
in
Butantan, a leading Brazilian producer
of immunobiological products and vaccines.
University of Melbourne/Murdoch Children’s Research Institute: Vaccine called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). BCG vaccine traditionally
used to treat tuberculosis as
well as other mycobacterial infections such as leprosy but researchers suggest it can also be used to treat a less severe manifestation of SARS-CoV-2. Trial ongoing with around 10,000 healthcare workers in Australia.
Moderna/NIAID: Vaccine called mRNA-1273. Vaccine based off of genetic code from the SARS-CoV2 spike protein Vaccine induces antibody production response Trials in US with 30,000 adult volunteers
Wuhan Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm and Beijing Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm Vaccine called BBIBP-CorV. Vaccine is an inactivated form of the virus. Vaccine triggers antibody and cellular immunity. Trial ongoing with up to 15,000 volunteers in UAE across many
nationalities
and
this
diversity
in
population
enables strong research across various ethnicities.
1. [Source: Folegatti P, Ewer K, Aley P, Angus B, Becker S, Belkji-Rammerstorfer S, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary
report
易商宝
of
a
phase
1/2,
single-blind,
randomised
controlled
trial.
The
Lancet
[Internet].
2020
[cited
2020
Jul
20];
Available
from:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31604-4/fulltext] 2. [Source:
. Sinovac Announces Positive Preliminary Results of Phase I/II Clinical Trials for Inactivated Vaccine Candidate Against COVID-19-SINOVAC - Supply Vaccines to
Eliminate Human Diseases [Internet]. SINOVAC. [cited 2020Jul24]. Available from: http://www.sinovac.com/?optionid=754&auto_id=904] 3. [Source: BCG Vaccination to Protect Healthcare Workers Against COVID-19 - Full Text View [Internet]. BCG Vaccination to Protect Healthcare Workers Against COVID-19 - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov. [cited 2020Jul24]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04327206#contacts] 4. [Source: Moderna Completes Enrollment of Phase 2 Study of its mRNA Vaccine Against COVID-19 (mRNA-1273) [Internet]. Moderna, Inc. [cited 2020Jul24]. Available from: https://investors.modernatx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/moderna-completes-enrollment-phase-2-study-its-mrna-vaccine] 5. [Source:
1.
COVID-19
vaccine
from
China's
Sinopharm
clears
animal
tests
[Internet].
FierceBiotech.
2020
[cited
29
July
2020].
Available
from:
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/research/inactivated-covid-19-vaccine-by-china-s-sinopharm-clears-animal-tests]
28
The Brightside
*last updated 29 Jul 2020 19.56 BST
01-31 July 2020
MIT Develops Quick and Effective Disinfecting Robot MIT has designed a robot which can disinfect the floor of a 4,000-square foot warehouse within half an hour, and could one day be used to clean grocery stores or schools. The university’s Intelligence
Computer
Science
Laboratory
and
(CSAIL)
Artificial
worked
with
Ava Robotics and the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) to develop a robot that uses a custom UV-C light to disinfect surfaces and neutralise
aerosolised
forms
of
the
coronavirus. The project began as an initial response to the coronavirus. The results have been
encouraging
researchers
say
disinfection
could
enough
that
that
the
autonomous
be
done
in
UV other
environments such as supermarkets, factories and restaurants. COVID-19 mainly spreads via airborne
transmission,
remaining
on
and
surfaces
it
for
is
capable
several
of
days.
Although there have been a lot of headlines about
potential
COVID-19
cures,
there
is
currently no end to the pandemic soon. That leaves schools and supermarkets looking for solutions to effectively disinfect areas. While household cleaning solutions can reduce the spread of the virus, an autonomous robot capable of quickly and efficiently cleaning large areas such as warehouses or grocery stores could prove to be essential. [Adapted from: Kim, Allen. CNN. MIT-Designed Robot Could Be Used To Disinfect Schools, Grocery Stores With UV-C Light. 04 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/04/tech/mit-csail-coronavirus-robot-scn-trnd/index.html]
Aluminium Panel Purifies Water With Sunlight
Chunlei Guo at the University of Rochester in New York
and
his
friends
created
a
black
panel
of
aluminium which can purify water when heated by sunlight. The team created the panel using shortpulse lasers to alter the surface of a 3-centimetre square
aluminium
sheet.
They
created
rows
of
tube-like microscopic grooves on the metal and also smaller nano-sized bumps. “If I put a sample [of the aluminium] vertically and put a drop of water on the bottom of the sample, the water will flow uphill against gravity,” says Guo. When it is sunny, the panel can draw up a thin layer of water from a pool of dirty water, thus purifying it. By placing the panel in a glass box, the team can collect the evaporated water for use, separating it from the dirty water with a layer of insulation. Due to the sheet's water-wicking property, it works [An artist’s impression of the water-purifying panel H.M. Cao at University of Rochester]
regardless of angle, therefore, it can be oriented to always face the sun. The panel is so effective that is cleans dirty water of pollutants, such as heavy metals and detergents, at a higher standard set by the World Health Organisation and US Environmental Protection Agency for drinkable water. The only current downside to the panel is its efficiency. It currently takes 2 hours to obtain 5ml of water. But once they have fixed this, it could eventually be used to aid drought-stricken areas where clean drinking water isn't readily available. [Adapted from: Lu, Donna. New Scientist. Laser-sculpted aluminium purifies water with the power of sunlight. 13 Jul, 2020 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2248683-lasersculpted-aluminium-purifies-water-with-the-power-of-sunlight/#ixzz6SRflwlPh]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
29
Science & Medicine Japan Develops Safest Bullet Train in History
First Hydrogel Made On Par With Biological Cartilage Scientists at Duke University have developed a material that is a match to the cartilage found in our bodies, which could be used as a replacement after injuries or in old age. Our biological cartilage is quite impressive. It's
strong
enough
to
withstand
a
person's
weight but also soft enough to cushion the joint
against
impact
and
decades
of
repeated use. Which is why it's been difficult to
create
an
artificial
cartilage-until
now.
The material is 60% water and the size of a coin which can bear the weight of a 100pound kettlebell without tearing or losing its shape.
Its
hydrogel
developers (materials
say
it's
made
the
of
first
water-
absorbing polymers) capable of withstanding tugging and heavy loads as well as human On 01 July, the N700S-the 'S' stands for
cartilage, without wearing out over time. The
'Supreme'-entered into service which runs
team
on
which
offer new options for people with knee pain,
Shin-Osaka
and get them back to 'normal' without long
the
links
Tokaido
Tokyo
Shinkansen
Station
line,
and
says
eventually
Station in Osaka. It can run up to 360
recovery
kilometres per hour but will be limited to
associated
285
replacement surgery.
kilometres
per
hour.
Aside
from
times with
and
the
the
cartilage
research
limited repair
could
lifetime or
knee
speed, the journey will be a lot quieter and
smoother,
too,
active
suspension
absorb
train
thanks system
movements.
to
a
that
new helps
However,
[Adapted from: Duke University. From the lab, the first cartilage-mimicking gel that's strong enough for knees. 26 Jun, 2020 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200626114755.htm]
the
main focus of this new train was safety. The
train
has
an
upgraded
automatic
control and braking system that allows it to halt faster in case of an emergency. It's also fitted with a lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system, the first of its kind in the world. This system allows the train to run for a short distance on its own during a power outage and will make it possible for it to move to a safer location at low speed if stranded in a high-risk area,
such
as
a
bridge,
during
an
earthquake. "I am confident this is the best shinkansen in every respect - safety, stability, and comfort," said Shin Kaneko, president of Central Japan Railway. [Adapted from: Shinkansen bullet train NZ700S: New bullet train enters service in Japan. 07 Jul, 2020 https://www.traveller.com.au/shinkansen-bullet-train-nz700sworlds-fastest-train-enters-service-japan-h1p74z]
30
The Brightside
[via Duke University]
01-31 July 2020
Generating Electricity From Invisible Light
This
discovery
transform
in
solar
sunlight
into
energy
means
electricity,
that
it
potentially
could
be
reshaping
cheaper the
and
more
renewable
efficient
energy
to
market.
The first study, led by researchers at RMIT University, Australia's UNSW, and the University of Kentucky, found that low-energy light that's invisible to the human eye can be "upconverted" using oxygen to generate electricity, which could allow solar panels to generate more energy using the same amount of sunlight. Another recent study led by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan found that solar panels may be more inexpensive and efficient if built with a material called perovskites rather than silicon, which most current solar panels are made of. Both studies are preliminary—the methods involved have yet to be tested more broadly. But scientists hope their breakthroughs can pave the way for more efficient solar power in the commercial sector. [Adapted from: Holmes, Aaron. Business Insider. Solar power could become cheaper and more efficient thanks to a new method that creates electricity from invisible light. 21 Jul, 2020. https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-energy-breakthrough-converts-invisible-light-into-electricity-2020-7?r=US&IR=T]
MIT Develops Prototype for Reusable N95-like Mask Throughout the pandemic, essential workers have had to go to creative extremes to reuse the same masks,
gloves
patients
and
with
scrubs they
COVID-19.
need
However,
to
treat
this
new
prototype opens the doors for a safer alternative for
health
Brigham
care
and
workers.
Women's
Researchers
Hospital
in
from
Boston
MIT, have
developed the iMASC, a new silicone mask that can
be
safely
reused
without
fear
of
contamination. Researchers still need to analyse how effectively it catches viral particles, but it's a promising step toward addressing the critical PPE shortages. The creators say that the protection of the iMASC is equal to that of an N95 respirator mask. This is because it uses an N95 filter without all
the
catches
additional particles.
material The
of
masks
N95
are
masks
based
on
that the
shape of a typical N95 mask, too, but they're made with a silicone rubber that can be sterilised after each use. The dual filters that cover the mouth can be replaced after each use, too, the researchers said.
While
effectiveness
the of
researchers the
iMASC,
are
finalising
healthcare
the
workers
will remain at risk with the shortages of the masks and other PPE, like scrubs and gloves. [Adapted from: Andrew, Scottie. CNN. MIT researchers created a reusable face mask that works like an N95 respirator. 25 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/25/health/reusable-face-maskmit-wellness-trnd/index.html?utm_content=2020-0725T18%3A53%3A05&utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social&utm_term=link] [via MIT]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
31
Science & Medicine Happy Accident When Mice Cured of Parkinson's Disease
Blood Test For Alzheimer's Within Reach
Scientists from the University of California in San Diego initially designed a study to gain a
Researchers
better understanding of the role of proteins in
International
Conference
connective
have
an
cells,
however,
this
led
them
to
at
made
Association (AAIC)
impressive
which
by
Alzheimer's a reality. Scientists noticed
many
different
cells
into
make
2020
discovery,
discover a way to tackle Parkinson's disease transforming
might
the
after
substantial
abnormal versions of the tau protein, one
amounts of dopamine to regulate movement.
of which may be able to detect changes
This
in the brain 20 years before dementia
results
in
to
produce
tremors,
slow
movement,
were
symptoms
treatment for Parkinson's has been therapy to
studies focused on a specific form of tau
regulate
motor
known as p-tau217, which seems to be
neurons.
the most specific to Alzheimer's and the
dopamine or
Researchers
have
reprogram
levels,
prevent
the
now
fibroblasts-
treat
loss
of
learnt a
how
cell
in
to the
earliest The
to
In
there
imbalance, and stiffness. Until now, the main
symptoms,
occur.
that
for
by
unable
studies
tests
neurons. Parkinson's disease is characterised neurons
multiple
blood
show
changes
particular,
measurable
in
the
brain
the
changes. proteins
connective tissue that produces collagen —
amyloid and tau, and their formation into
into neurons by blocking the production of a
clumps known as plaques and tangles,
protein
are
called
PTB.
PTB
influences
which
defining
physical
produced
buildup of tau tangles is thought to link
low
levels
during
the
the
with
they
reported results, blood/plasma levels of
applied the concept to reprogram brain cells
p-tau 217, one of the forms of tau found
into
a
in tangles, also seem to correlate closely
potential Parkinson’s treatment. They exposed
with the buildup of amyloid. The current
rodents to chemicals that create symptoms of
method of diagnosing Alzheimer's is by
the disease; after silencing PTB 30% of their
using
astrocytes were observed to turn into nerve
(PET) scan and from measuring amyloid
cells reaching levels comparable to those in
and
normal
These
neurons
to
produce
animals,
appeared
to
connections Symptoms
and
grow to
of
as
other
the
growth, dopamine
the
new
normal parts
disease
as
neurons
sending of
were
the
new
brain.
completely
In
positron-emission
tau
proteins
invasive. tested
in
methods Thus, due
to
inaccessibility.
many
fluid
(CSF).
expensive people
financial That's
newly
tomography
spinal
are
these
The
could
neuron
decline.
brain.
development of neurons. Once realising they manipulate
cognitive
in
of
Alzheimer’s
at
disease
features
genes are turned 'on' or 'off' and is naturally
why
and
can't
be
reasons
or
a
reliable
restored to normal movement in the animals
blood test will enable interpretation and
after turning off PTB with just one treatment
understanding of Alzheimer’s progression
lasting for the animal’s lifespan.
in much larger, more diverse and more robust populations.
[Adapted from: World Health. Accidental Discovery Cured Mice With Parkinson’s Disease. 02 Jul,
2020
https://worldhealth.net/news/accidental-discovery-cured-mice-parkinsons-
disease/]
“The
possibility
of
early
detection
and
being able to intervene with a treatment before significant damage to the brain from Alzheimer's disease would be game changing for individuals, families and our healthcare Ph.D.,
system.”Maria
Alzheimer’s
C.
Carrillo,
Association
chief
science officer. [Adapted from: KFDM. Advances reported in blood test to detect Alzheimer's. 28 Jul,
2020
https://kfdm.com/news/local/advances-reported-in-blood-test-to-
detect-alzheimers]
32
The The Brightside Brightside
Environment Tiger Population Rebounds in 5 Countries Conservationists say that over the past decade, the population of wild tigers has increased in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Russia, since the start of the TX2 initiative. Ten years ago, it was estimated that the wild populations of the big cat were at an historic low, with as few as 3,200 remaining across the 13 "range" countries where they are found. TX2 aims to double that number by 2022 (the year of the Tiger in the Chinese Lunar Calendar).
Russia,
In
Amur
numbers have
15%
tiger
increased
by
in the past 10 years, to
around 540 animals.
In
India, the number of wild more than doubled
tigers from
2006
to
2018,
estimates of between
and 3,350
with
2,600
of the animals in
the country.
Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park, the population rose from only 10 tigers a decade ago, to 22 in In
2019.
Nepal's
population of tigers
went up from
235
121
in 2009,
to
in almost a decade. In
In 2010, which
China
had
had less than 20 wild tigers, most of
crossed
from
Russia.
But
the
country
the country's Bardia National
recorded a landmark moment in 2014, when cameras
Park alone, the numbers rose
captured footage of a tigress and her cubs in Jilin
from
Wangqing Nature Reserve, indicating that
2018,
18
in
2008,
according
to
to
87
in
wildlife
charity WWF.
breeding
in China again and
tigers were dispersing into new
areas.
“Ten years ago, tigers were in such a perilous state that there was a very real risk of them becoming extinct in the wild. This is an achievement that not only offers a future for tigers in the wild, but for the landscapes they inhabit and the communities living alongside this iconic big cat,� -Becci May, regional manager, Asian Big Cats, at WWF UK. Adapted from: New Scientist. Endangered tigers have made a remarkable comeback in five countries 28 Jul, 2020 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2250138-endangered-tigershave-made-a-remarkable-comeback-in-five-countries/]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
33
Environment Portugal Accelerates Plan to Close Coal Power Stations Portuguese
energy
utility
EDP
announced
the
closure of its Sines coal power plant, bringing forward
the
planned
shutdown
of
coal-fired
power plants in the country by two years, from 2023 to 2021. In addition to Sines, the company is preparing to close one more plant and convert another
unit
of EDP
in
Spain.
group’s
looking
The
decision
decarbonisation
towards
an
is
“part
strategy”
increasing
and
reliance
on
renewable energy sources. Portugal will be the third EU country to close its coal plants early, after Austria and Sweden did the same earlier
[Adapted from: Simon, Frederic. Euractiv. Portugal ends coal burning two years ahead
of
schedule.
15
Jul,
2020
this year. In 2016, Belgium became the first EU
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/07/15/portugal-ends-coalburning-two-years-ahead-schedule/]
country to end coal. Seven more countries are
expected to end coal by 2025: France (2022), Slovakia (2023), Portugal (2023), the UK (2024), Ireland (2025) and Italy (2025), according to Europe Beyond Coal.
Japan Scraps Ageing Coal Power Plants Japan will begin discussions this month to create a concrete plan to reduce its dependence on coal and move towards renewable energy sources to cut down on carbon emissions, said industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama. The announcement came the day after reports that Japan will shut down 100 of 140 existing coalfired generators by 2030 amid international criticism that Japan is not doing enough to tackle global warming. Japan currently depends on coal to generate 32% of its electricity, compared with just 17% from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Under its 2018 Strategic Energy Plan, Japan aims to reduce its dependence on coal to 26% by 2030, while boosting its reliance on renewable energy to 24%, and nuclear energy from 6% to 22% . Kajiyama said the government will look for ways to promote renewable energy, including rules to reform power-grid usage. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said it will also set up an expert panel in July to come up with specific steps. Environment Minister
Shinjiro
Koizumi
said
that
it
was
a
"big
step
toward
showing
the
international community Japan's commitment to realising a carbon-free society." [Adapted
from:
Ohr,
Thomas. Europe’s
green
search
engine
Ecosia
reaches
milestone
of
100
million
trees
planted.
09
Jul
2020
https://www.eu-
startups.com/2020/07/green-search-engine-ecosia-reaches-100-million-trees-planted-milestone-in-fight-against-climate-crisis/]
Sydney 100% renewable Sydney,
Australia
is
powering
all
its
operations
with
100% renewable electricity generated from wind and solar These
farms
in
the
operations
New
South
include
all
Wales
(NSW)
region.
city-owned properties,
such as libraries, community halls and office buildings, 75 parks, five pools and 23,000 street lights, as well as the
Sydney
Town
Hall.
The
switch
has
been
made
through a ten-year power purchase agreement with Australian retailer, Flow Power. Valued, at over AUS $60 million, which is thought to be the biggest agreement of its kind by a council in Australia. The plan forecasts to save the City up to $AUS 500,000 per year over the next decade
and
reduce
carbon
emissions
by
around
20,000
tonnes
per
year.
The
new
agreement is also expected to generate jobs, support communities impacted by the COVID19 pandemic and create new opportunities in the drought-affected NSW area. [Adapted from: Wray, Sarah. Sydney switches to 100 percent renewable energy. 06 Jul, 2020 https://cities-today.com/sydney-switches-to-100-percent-renewable-energy/]
34
The The Brightside Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Ecosia Celebrates Milestone of 100 Million Trees Planted [Ecosia Logo/ Mannivu/CC-BY-SA-1.0]
climate crisis is the biggest existential threat that humanity has ever faced and we have The
very
little
time
prevent
left
a
to
global
catastrophe. Our efforts to protect never
biodiversity
been
more
have
critical,
and this milestone of
million
trees
is
100
an
I'm sure we are all familiar with Ecosia. If not, Ecosia is
important step in the right
the
direction.
green
revenues
search to
engine
plant
trees
that in
uses areas
its
advertising
impacted
by
deforestation. Earlier this month, they planted the 100th million tree in its campaign to restore devastated forests and woodlands across the world. Ecosia was founded in 2009,
has
its
headquarters
in
Berlin,
with
around
15
million users globally. As knowledge of the climate crisis
Most
importantly, not
only
our
trees are
good
for
the
climate but have also helped tens of thousands of people to build a better future for
has risen in recent years, Ecosia’s popularity has also
themselves
and
climbed, usage of the search engine in the UK increased
communities.
I
by over 140% in 2019. Today, Ecosia finances at least
proud
one tree every 0.8 seconds across over 7,000 planting
achieved so far, thanks to
sites around the world. The company has its own solar
our
energy plants in Germany, helping to ensure that all of
we can’t stop here! I hope
Ecosia’s activities are carbon negative. On 07 July this
more
year, Ecosia will reach the 200% renewable energy level, where
the
company
produces
twice
as
much
solar
energy as its search engine consumes. [Adapted from: Ohr, Thomas. Europe’s green search engine Ecosia reaches milestone of 100 million trees planted. 09
Jul
2020
https://www.eu-startups.com/2020/07/green-search-engine-ecosia-reaches-100-million-trees-
planted-milestone-in-fight-against-climate-crisis/]
of
what
passionate people
their
am we
really have
users. will
But now
make the switch to Ecosia
help us plant billions more trees. and
-Christian
Kroll,
the
CEO
of Ecosia
Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project Comes to an End Dominion and Duke Energy, the companies who were funding the Atlantic Coast Pipeline have cancelled the construction, which would've been 600 miles long, stretching from West Virginia through Virginia and North Carolina and cut through the Appalachian Trail. The shutdown
announcement
from
Dominion
and
Duke
Energy
comes
after
six
years
of entrenched legal battles, public protest and direct action to disrupt construction and a price tag that grew to 8 billion dollars. While their intentions to stop the operation were not all that good, the outcome has been a victory for many. Firstly, the land taken from farmers and other landowners (of mainly Indigenous and African American descent) to construct the pipeline will now be returned to them. In addition, leakages and methane exhausts from the construction will come to an end, which will improve the health and livelihood of these communities. [Adapted from: Letters. Thanks to those who fought Atlantic Coast Pipeline. 23 Jul, 2020. https://mountainx.com/opinion/letter-thanks-to-those-who-fought-atlantic-coast-pipeline/]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
35
Environment Pakistan Meets UN Environmental Target Years Ahead of Schedule
2 Million Indians Plant Over 250 Million Trees While Obeying Social Distancing
Pakistan has achieved the UN Sustainable Development environment change
a
Goal
for
and
protecting
holding
decade
before
off the
the
climate deadline,
said the UN Development Program (UNDP) and
Pakistan’s
"With
Climate
technical
Change
support
Ministry.
from
UNDP,
Pakistan has achieved SDG13 well before the 2030 deadline...UNDP in Pakistan, and Ministry of Climate Change celebrate the achievement of Earth globe SDG13, and our
longstanding
tweeted They
the
UN
achieved
strategic
partnership,"
Development
this
by
Program.
following
prime
minister Imran Khan's "Billion Tree Tsunami" and clean-green Pakistan programs, which Earlier this month, more than 2 million people
proves its seriousness towards worldwide
gathered
efforts
at
river
banks,
farmlands
and
to
tackle
the
Pakistan
launched
trying to practice social distancing to plant 250
Tsunami"
program
million
northwestern
government
buildings
trees
as
part
in of
northern a
India
government
while
plan
to
in
2014
Tree
in
Pakhtunkhwa
province
province’s depleted forests and fight the
government
effects
volunteers
from
of
effort
global
to
the (KPK)
came together to plant trees, such as lawmakers, and
an
change.
"Billion
tackle climate change. A diverse group of people officials
in
Khyber
climate
the
restore
warming.
the The
nonprofit organisations. Officials in Uttar Pradesh
reforestation project was extended to the
distributed
planted
rest of Pakistan after Khan's party came
across the state to help India’s efforts to increase
into power in 2018. Under the program, the
its forest cover. India has pledged to keep a third
government plans to plant 10 billion trees
of its total land area under forest and tree cover,
across Pakistan by 2023.
millions
of
saplings
to
be
but a growing population and increasing demand for industrial projects are placing greater stress on the land.
“We are committed to increase the
forest cover of Uttar Pradesh to over 15% of the total
land
chief
area
minister,
in
next
Yogi
five
years,"
Adityanath,
the
state's
said
in
inaugurating the campaign in Lucknow, the state capital.
“In
today’s
campaign,
over
20
million
trees will be planted at the banks of the Ganges river, which will help in keeping this mighty river clean.” “India has pledged to increase its forest cover to 235 million acres by 2030, and it starts now," Adityanath said. [Adapted from: BANERJEE, BISWAJEET. ABC News. Indians keep their distance in mass tree planting campaign. 05 Jul, 2020 https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/indians-distance-masstree-planting-campaign-71615916]
36
The The Brightside Brightside
[Adapted
from:
Pakistan
achieves
global
climate
change
target.
14
Jul,
2020
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-achieves-global-climate-changetarget-/1909401#]
01-31 July 2020
Entrepreneur's Ambitious Plan to Rewild Loch Ness Bunloit Estate, on the banks of Loch Ness, has been bought by solar energy entrepreneur and former scientific director at Greenpeace, Jeremy Leggett. In partnership
with
the
organisation
Rewilding
Europe,
Leggett
will
restore
peatlands, return commercial plantations of non-native tree species to mixed woodlands, and increase biodiversity. Some species may also be brought to the estate, including Highland cattle and Shetland ponies, while possibilities for the reintroduction of other species could be explored in future. The project is also links to Edinburgh University and the University of the
Highlands
biodiversity
and
and
Islands
climate
in
studies.
relation Profits
to
from
revenue streams including forestry, nature-based tourism and income from carbon offsetting will be used
to
further
rewild
the
land,
lock
up
more
carbon, and potentially acquire further estates in the area, according to Rewilding Europe. If the project
is
successful
it
could
directly
lead
to
further rewilding in Scotland. “In our post-COVID19 world we need to rebuild economies, tackle climate change and reverse biodiversity decline,” said Leggett. [Adapted from: Cockburn, Harry. The Independent. Climate crisis: Green entrepreneur buys 500hectare
estate
at
Loch
Ness
for
rewilding
project.
05
Jul,
2020.
https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/rewilding-bunloit-estate-scotland-jeremy-leggettclimate-crisis-a9602631.html]
Mozambique National Park Thriving Again After War In 1977, two years after Mozambique declared independence from Portugal, a bloody civil war erupted which eventually ended in 1992. But as a result, over 90% of Gorongosa National Park's large mammals had been killed. However, thanks to American philanthropist Greg Carr and the Mozambican government, the park is coming back to life. Since the undertaking of this project in 2004, millions of trees have been planted, animals, including wild dogs, elephants, hippos, zebra and buffalo, have been translocated into the park, and a team of rangers has been trained to combat poaching. Another example is that fewer than 200 elephants survived the war, but the population has grown to around 800 since then. Now the 1,500-square-mile (4,000 square-kilometre) park is flourishing with crocodiles patrolling the rivers, hippos splashing in the lakes, and the rare Mount Gorongosa pygmy chameleon lounging on trees. [Adapted from: Tham, Dan. CNN. The women behind the comeback: How one of Africa's national parks is thriving after war. 03 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/insideafrica-gorongosa-national-park-spc-intl/index.html?utm_content=2020-07-17T06%3A10%3A31&utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social&utm_term=video]
[Judy Gallagher/Mount Gorongosa, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique/CC SA 2.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
37
Environment Greta Thunberg Donates Prize Money to Environmental Agencies Greta
Thunberg,
17,
won
the
inaugural
Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, awarded by a
Portuguese
philanthropic
organisation.
The climate change campaigner, who has inspired protests and activism across the world, said her foundation would distribute the
money
"as
quickly
as
possible".
Thunberg on Instagram said that the prize would
help
"support
organisations
and
projects that are fighting for a sustainable world,
defending
nature
and
supporting
people already facing the worst impacts of the climate - and ecological crisis". Around
€100,
000
will
be
donated
to
SOS
Amazonia, an organisation which provides "All the prize money will be donated
medical
through
battling the coronavirus and another
my
foundation
to
organisations
and
projects
working
help
people
to
different
aid
who
are
000
on
the
Foundation,
frontlines affected by the climate crisis
will
be
for
indigenous
given a
to
the
communities
Stop
campaign
€100,
Ecocide
to
make
"ecocide" an international crime.
and ecological crisis, especially in the [Adapted from: Hope, Russell. Sky News. Greta Thunberg wins
Global South."
prize
-
but
is
giving
it
away
'as
quickly
as
€1m
climate change
possible'.
21
Jul,
2020
https://news.sky.com/story/greta-thunberg-wins-83641m-climate-change-prize-butis-giving-it-away-as-quickly-as-possible-12032994?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter]
[European Parliament / Greta Thunberg urges MEPs to show climate leadership/ CC SA 2.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
Vermont Ban Food Scraps On 01 July, the US state of Vermont became the first state to enact a food waste ban. According to the state's website: "If it was once part of something alive, like a plant or animal, it does not belong in the landfill." The rule applies to individuals, businesses, restaurants and supermarkets. They are no longer allowed to throw food scraps
-
things
like
leftovers,
plate
scrapings,
peels,
cores
and
seeds-into
their
rubbish bins. Instead, Vermonters are encouraged to compost, feed food scraps to livestock or take it to a designated drop off-site. Removing food scraps from the trash frees up space in landfills and is critical to fighting global warming that drives climate change. This is because when organic materials decompose, they release methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming. “By doing something as simple as eating all the food that you buy, you can be fighting climate change.” Said Anne Bijur, an environmental analyst in Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation. [Adapted
from:
Childs,
Jan
Wesner.
The
Weather
Channel.
Vermont
Bans
Food
Scraps
https://weather.com/news/news/2020-07-07-vermont-bans-food-waste-scraps-in-trash]
38
The The Brightside Brightside
in
Trash
to
Eliminate
Waste,
Combat
Climate
Change.
07
Jul,
2020.
01-31 July 2020
Beavers Born in Essex for the First Time Since Middle Ages Last
year,
beavers
a
were
pair
of
released
Eurasian into
the
Spains Hall Estate in Finchingfield as
part
of
a
river
management
project and became the first pair to be brought to Essex in around 400 years. This is because beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK by
the
beginning
of
the
16th
century due to demand for their meat, fur and scent glands. However, thanks to the management project, the beavers have given birth to two kits, which is the first time the animals have been born in the county since the Middle Ages. Numerous reintroduction programmes are now underway to bring back the 'keystone species' which through their re-engineering of watercourses have significant positive ecological impacts on the landscapes they inhabit. A study showed that beaver populations could reduce the impacts of floods, clean river water, and boos populations of fish, amphibians and water voles.
Spains
Hall
Estate
manager
Archie
Ruggles-Brise
described
news
of
the
beaver
babies as “fantastic”. [Adapted From: Cockburn, Harry. The Independent. Beavers born in Essex for 'first time since Middle Ages'.02 Jul, 2020 https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/baby-beaversessex-wildlife-reintroduction-a9598506.html]
Wild Bison Returns to UK After 6,000 Years Wild bison will return to the UK for the first time in 6,000 years, starting with the
release
of
a
small
herd
in Kent planned for spring 2022. The million
project
to
reintroduce
£1
the
animals will help secure the future of this
endangered
species.
In
addition,
they will naturally regenerate a former pine trees.
wood This
plantation creates
a
by
killing
healthy
off
mix
of
woodland, scrub and glades, boosting insect, bird and plant life. During the initial release, one male and three females will be set free. Natural breeding will increase the size of the herd, with one calf per year the norm for each female. The bison will come from the Netherlands or Poland, where releases have been successful and safe. Rebecca Wrigley, of Rewilding Britain commented: “It’s increasingly clear that bold and imaginative rewilding is urgently needed to tackle the country’s worrying loss of wildlife.” She said far more needed to be done across the UK to reintroduce large herbivores and “unleash their biodiversity-boosting rewilding magic”. [Adapted from: The Gaurdian. Wild bison to return to UK for first time in 6,000 years. 10 Jul, 2020 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/10/wild-bison-to-return-to-ukkent]
Sephora Bans Mink Fur Eyelashes At the start of this month, beauty company, Sephora, announced it will stop selling false eyelashes made out of mink fur. From now on, they will only purchase synthetic or faux-fur lashes. This comes after a PETA campaign that treatment
of
caged
animals
in
fur
farms.
Several
other
condemned the poor
beauty
companies
have
phased out mink fur-lashes, including Tart, Too Faced, Urban Decay and many more. [Adapted
from:
Young,
Sarah.
Independent.
SEPHORA
CONFIRMS
IT
WILL
STOP
SELLING
FALSE
EYELASHES
MADE
FROM
MINK
FUR.
01
Jul,
2020
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/sephora-mink-false-eyelashes-ban-fur-farm-peta-animal-cruelty-a9595041.html]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
39
Environment Yellowstone Grizzly Bears Will be Federally Protected On Wednesday, 08 July, a US court ruled that grizzly bears
living
in
the
Yellowstone
ecosystem
will
remain federally protected and not threatened by sport hunting. “We applaud the decision of the 9th circuit court-a triumph of science over politics-in ensuring that Yellowstone grizzly bears are allowed to truly recover and thrive,” said Sarah McMillan, conservation director for WildEarth Guardians. The number of bears in the region has rebounded from about 140 in the 1970s to more than 700 today, and grizzlies where
have they
comeback
expanded
haven’t is
their
been
considered
range
in
100
one
of
to
places
years. the
Their
greatest
successes in conservation history. [Adapted from: The Gaurdian. Victory for Yellowstone's grizzly bears as court rules they cannot be hunted.
09
Jul,
2020
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/09/yellowstone-grizzly-
bears-federal-protections-court]
Baby Animals Thrive in Thailand Before the pandemic, Koh Samui was one of the top holiday destinations in Thailand, with visitors flooding daily to the island's jaw-dropping beaches, but the outbreak has closed borders and animals have been taking the place of tourists on the peaceful sands. "They only go to beaches where it really is quiet and there's not much pollution, and the last couple of months, since there are no tourists here anymore, the turtles have come to our beach even more than before." explains Manuel Lang, the manager of Silavadee Resort on the island. However, turtles aren't the only ones enjoying the newfound quiet, throughout the outbreak, there have been reports of animals across Thailand reclaiming areas cleared of tourists. This includes large herds of rare dugongs (sea cows) swimming off the coast of Trang, sea otters playing on the tourist beaches of Ranong, and blacktip sharks gathering in the shallows. At Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park near Koh Samui staff say the resident langurs have been frequently spotted with their bright orange babies. The park's chief, Piya Nunil, says: "All of nature has been restored. Tour boats aren't coming into the sea so the coral repairs naturally... marine animals that live in the area can live happily when they aren't disturbed." [Adapted
from:
Robbins,
Siobhan.
Sky
News.
Baby
turtles
thrive
on
tourist-free
Thai
beaches
and
bright
orange
https://news.sky.com/story/turtles-have-taken-the-place-of-tourists-on-thailand-paradise-island-of-koh-samui-12021447]
40
The Brightside
baby
monkeys
'living
happily'
in
parks.
06
Jul,
2020
01-31 July 2020
Countries Tackle Dog Meat Trade The
controversial
banned
in
trade
of
Nagaland,
Cambodian
province
dog
India
of
meat
as
Siem
has
well
Reap.
as
been
in
While
the
neither
country has a widespread tradition of consuming dog meat,
activists
are
trying
to
end
animal-cruelty
nonetheless.
“We
hope
that
Siem
Reap
will
An
serve as a model for the rest of the
country
protect
the
to
follow
lives
of
estimated
30,000
dogs
a
year
are
smuggled into Nagaland, where they are
suit
to
sold in live markets and "beaten to death
millions
of
with wooden clubs", according to the HSI.
dogs.�
The
Dr Katherine Polak, head of Four
which has campaigned for years to end
Paws,
India's
an
advocates
organisation for
which
ending
Humane
Society
dog-meat
International
trade,
(HSI),
welcomed
the
decision by Nagaland's government.
animal
cruelty.
Taiwan Bans Shark Fishing On 15 July, The Fisheries Agency imposed a ban on fishing three large-size shark species, the megamouth shark, great white
shark
diversity
in
measures
and
basking
waters
to
off
prohibit
shark,
Taiwan.
its
to
preserve
Taiwan's
fishing
boats
new
from
biological
ban
follows
fishing
whale
sharks in 2008 and from fishing giant oceanic manta rays in 2018. Great white sharks and basking sharks are listed as a "vulnerable
species"
and
an
"endangered
species,"
respectively, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN).
The
Fisheries
Agency
said
that
although
fishing boats are banned from catching these three big shark species, catching them for teaching or scientific research purposes will be allowed if approved by the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture. The upcoming ban was applauded by the
Taipei-based
nonprofit
and
nongovernmental
Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST), which has pushed for the protection of megamouth sharks. [Adapted
from:
Focus
Taiwan.
Taiwan
to
ban
fishing
of
megamouth,
great
white,
basking
sharks.
15
Jul,
2020
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202007150016]
Vietnam Ends Wildlife Trade Vietnam has recently announced that they will impose a ban
on
the
import
of
wildlife
and
wildlife
products
in
wildlife markets and online sales. Activists have criticised the Vietnamese government for turning a blind eye to the sale of products such as pangolin scales and rhino horns often
used
recent current
traditional and
COVID-19
Vietnam chairman their
in
events will of
now the
decision:
the
medicine.
thought
pandemic end
this
lie
in
market.
anti-trafficking "Vietnam
However,
that
is
to
the the
be
light of
wildlife
Steven
group
in
origins
trade,
Galster,
Freeland
of the the
praised
congratulated
for
recognising that COVID-19 and other pandemics are linked to
the
wildlife
trade...This
trade
must
be
banned
as
a
matter of international and public health security." [Adapted
from:
BBC.
Coronavirus:
Vietnam
bans
wildlife
trade
over
pandemic
risk.
24
Jul,
2020
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-53525954]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
41
Ents and Arts Budd and Bear Poetry
BY IMMY HIGGINS Set up by two friends, Budd & Bear is a unique and creative enterprise which raised
£530 for the NHS in May, and £50 for Black Lives
Matter
in
June.
Ceci
Sutcliffe,
the
poet, and Izzy Budd, the artist, collaborate to
make
a
personalised
poem
and
illustration on request, asking for a donation however big or small in return. All profit in May
went
to
charity,
and
in
June
a
percentage of all profit went to a different organisation
after
the
revelation
of
structural prejudice and racism took hold.
Ceci
started
memories
at
writing the
poems
beginning
about
of
personal
lockdown,
and
doodling fun sketches next to them. A friend loved a birthday poem that she wrote for her and Ceci began to formulate an idea. She knew that she was not a natural artist, and began to discuss with her artistic friend Izzy about partnering up. Growing out of lots of spare time, a desire to contribute (‘Bear’ since
to
has she
the
been
was
NHS,
and
Ceci’s
11),
a
close
nickname
Budd
&
Bear
friendship
from
is
school
founded
on
great principles. Ceci had initially been making masks at Laboratory Automation but was worried about family members and looked for other ways to
raise
and
money
friendship
without lie
at
risk.
the
Altruism,
core
of
creativity,
this
fantastic
enterprise. The
basic
page
and
process email
formed
was
set
after up;
an
people
send
a
request via message, Ceci writes the poem and puts it on a Google Doc, Izzy draws an illustration using pencil and black marker then scans it onto a document, and finally Ceci puts the poem and picture steps
together.
of
individual
Refined
production, skills;
the
Ceci’s
is
to
smooth-operating
pair
writing, Izzy’s is creativity and art.
42
The Brightside
focus
on
communication
their and
01-31 July 2020
Some people request an image so Izzy has a prescription to follow, but many do not and so she has a lot of creative licence. If the poem is for someone’s friend, Ceci will ask for details about their hobbies and/or funny
stories,
create
the
specific
collecting
poem.
structure
She or
3-4
facts,
does
not
process,
and
have
a
has
a
but
preference for the 3-stanza ‘aba’ form.
Izzy is going into her final year studying Law, so Budd & Bear might have to be put on
pause
during
some
of
next
year,
but
they both want to continue the enterprise. They
plan
to
get
in
touch
with
literary
festivals and fairs to see if they can set up a stall where they can write and create the illustrated
poems
on
live
demand.
Ceci
herself wants to pursue an entrepreneurial career,
foreseeing
enterprise expand
that
profitable
into
to
she
interior
make
would
design
the
have and
to the
creation of wall art.
Combining linguistic with artistic skill, Budd &
Bear
is
lockdown.
an
original
Lots
of
start-up
people
are
during
creating
jewellery, which is fantastic and a great way to raise money for charity. But, Budd & Bear
offers
show
your
something love
for
different;
a
friend
you
or
can
family
member whilst also donating to charitable organisations that need it most.
I received a beautiful illustrated poem from Budd
&
Bear
in
May
about
my
love
for
reading – it really brightened my day, and I am going to get it framed for my room. They
will
request
also
and
laminate
are
your
starting
to
poem do
on
colour
illustrations, making this the ideal gift. It is inspiring
to
see
how
two
friends
have
united together and put their skill-set to great
use,
employing
their
creativity
and
charitable instinct to set up a unique and inventive enterprise.
All images courtesy of Immy Higgins
Follow them on Instagram @buddandbear, and send in your request!
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
43
Ents and Arts Vanity Fair's latest issue features the Oscar-winning Viola Davis, photographed by Dario Calmese-the first time
a
Black
Calmese
photographer
has
shot
photographed Davis for
the
the
cover.
July/August
issue of the magazine. This is his first major magazine cover but not his first assignment for Vanity Fair, he's previously shot actor and red carpet favourite Billy Porter
and
Broadway
star
Adrienne
Warren.
Calmese's work has also been featured in other
Vanity Fair's First Cover Shot by Black Photographer range
publications and
CBS.
racial
In
such
as
light
injustices,
of
The
New
recent
Vanity
York
calls
Fair
Times
to
end
examined
its
establishment to "ensure that a diverse
of
candidates
is
considered
for
all
open
positions," the company said in a statement. Calmese described the idea behind the cover as "a re-creation of the Louis Agassiz slave portraits taken in the 1800sthe
back,
the
welts.
This
image
reclaims
that narrative, transmuting the white gaze on Black suffering into the Black gaze of grace, elegance, and beauty."
[Dario Calmese/Vanity Fair]
[Adapted from: Guy, Jack. CNN. Viola Davis stars in Vanity Fair's first cover shot by a Black photographer/ 14 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/vanity-fair-blackphotographer-dario-calmese-viola-davis-scli-intl/index.html?utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2020-07-14T17%3A38%3A47&utm_medium=social&utm_term=multi-image]
R&B Star Ciara Partners With Discover to Help Black-Owned Restaurants Stay Afloat The Grammy-winning singer, Ciara, is partnering with Discover on "Eat It Forward," an initiative that aims to award $5 million to Blackowned restaurants across the United States. "I thought it was an incredible campaign," Ciara told CNN Business. Discover has asked the public to nominate Black-owned restaurants to receive one of 200
$25,000
awards.
The
company
is
accepting
nominations
on
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To nominate a restaurant, users must
tag
@Discover
and
use
the
hashtags
#EatItForward
and
#Sweepstakes in their social media posts. Discover said it has already received more than 9,000 nominations since the program launched on 06 July. The nomination process ends 31 October, with the final drawing in November. [Adapted from: Alcorn, Chauncey. CNN. How Ciara and Discover are helping struggling Black-owned restaurants stay in business. 24 Jul, 2020https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/24/business/ciara-discover-eat-it-forward/index.html?utm_content=2020-07-
[Cosmopolitanuk/Ciara at the 2019 American
25T01%3A56%3A01&utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social&utm_term=link]
Music Awards red carpet/CC SA 3.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
First Muslim-American Show Nominated for Emmy Award Ramy
Youssef
and
star
of
Hulu's
'Ramy'
was
nominated
for
outstanding lead actor and outstanding directing in a comedy series. His response was to simply thank God "Alhamdulillah." The TV show explores how a a first-generation Egyptian American, struggles to balance his cultural and religious values alongside his
American
tackling
millennial
other
ways.
community
'Ramy'
issues.
celebrates
Although
the
Islam show
while mainly
focuses on a Muslim American character, the show found a wide audience
with
millennials
of
diverse
ethnic
and
religious
backgrounds who could relate to the character's anxiety over his romantic
life,
career
aspirations
and
overbearing
parents.
"There's so many more stories that that could be told so it excites me for the bigger picture, one that doesn't even include me," Youssef said. [Adapted from: Muaddi, Nadeem. CNN. 'Ramy' is the first Muslim American sitcom to receive an Emmy nomination. 29 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/28/entertainment/ramy-youssef-emmy-nomination-trnd/index.html? utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2020-07-29T06%3A31%3A06&utm_medium=social&utm_term=link]
44
The Brightside
01-31 July 2020
Pioneering Models Two beautiful women are creating waves by breaking conventional beauty standards. Take a look at their inspiring stories:
Valentina Sampaio Valentina Sampaio makes history again by becoming the first transgender woman to appear on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Back in 2017, Sampaio became the first openly trans model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris and in 2019, she became the first openly trans model hired by Victoria’s Secret for its Pink line. Sports Illustrated (SI) is a respected brand in the modelling industry. Since launching 56 years ago, its swimsuit issue has featured some iconic names like Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks, and Sampaio is now one of them. In an open essay on what it means to be part of SI, Sampaio praised the magazine for creating another issue that champions "a diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way," adding that she is "excited and honoured" to take part. While it means a lot to her to model for SI, she is even more inspired by the significance it has for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Her home country of Brazil has not been the most accepting of the queer community, she pointed out that in 2019, 129 transgender people were murdered in Brazil. She hopes she can use her platform to fight for trans rights. She vows to persevere in her mission for equality and to continue to
"Thank you, SI, for seeing and respecting me as I truly am. For understanding that more than anything, I am human. Thank you for supporting me in continuing to spread a message of love, compassion and unity for ALL." empower people who are marginalised. Sampaio ended her essay, with gratitude:
[Adapted from: Westhoff, Kiely. CNN. Valentina Sampaio becomes Sports Illustrated's first trans model. 13 Jul, 2020 https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/sports-illustrated-trans-model/index.html]
[via Sports Illustrated SI]
[via Sports Illustrated SI]
[via Sports Illustrated SI]
Ellie Goldstein 18-year-old Ellie Goldstein participated in a campaign for Gucci’s Unconventional Beauty campaign Mascara L'obscur, which was featured online by Vogue Italia. “I designed L’Obscur mascara for an authentic person who uses makeup to tell their story of freedom, in their way,” Gucci's creative director, Alessandro Michele, said. The campaign was shot by London-based photographer, David PD Hyde, who shared on Instagram that there was representation for disabilities behind the scenes as well. “Half of the team who are behind this shoot have some form of physical disability too,” wrote Hyde, counting himself among them. “But this has not stopped us to become who we are.” Goldstein is signed with Zebedee Management, a talent agency representing models with disabilities. Previously, Goldstein has been featured in campaigns for Nike, Superdrug and Vodafone. She does not plan to stop here and hope to continue to break down barriers and further the awareness of and representation for
“There needs to be more positivity out there and people should give us a chance and not be so ignorant...Representation is very important to me - let the world see that anyone can model and act with a disability,” Goldstein said of overcoming stereotypes. people with disabilities.
[Adapted from: DeSantis, Marissa. ES Insider. Ellie Goldstein, 18-year-old model with Down syndrome, stars in Gucci Beauty campaign. 11 Ju;, 2020 https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/style/gucci-beautycampaign-down-syndrome-model-ellie-goldstein-a4495126.html]
[via Gucci]
[via Gucci]
[via Gucci]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
45
Ents and Arts First Southeast Asian Disney Princess Mulan was Disney's first East
Raya will be an epic
Asian princess, then Jasmine
fantasy
became
with southeast Asian
Asian
their
first
princess,
Central
now
adventure
themes,
Disney
set
in
a
has announced more details
realm
on their first Southeast Asian
Lumandra, described
princess.
as
Amid
the
“a
pandemic, it was announced
earth
that
an
this
movie,
Raya
and
called reimagined inhabited
the Last Dragon, which was
civilisation”.
scheduled to hit theatres on
clans
25
of
November
2020
would
form
the
be pushed back to 12 March 2021.
has
to
first
dragon.
Disney major for
recently
released
its
promotional
Raya
Dragon,
and in
full
is
land and
determined
find
the
last
image
the
featuring
character
Five the
dragon,
Raya
Only
by
ancient
the
-official
Last main
detail
synopsis
of
the Disney animated
for
feature
[via Disney]
the very first time. Raya
wears
her
culture’s
traditional
dress
and
carries
a
staff
of
some
sort
that
will
presumably play a role in the Disney movie. Disney fans can also see hints about Raya’s quest to find the last dragon, as there appears to be a stone temple and an illuminated blue pathway behind her. Currently, only two voice actresses have been cast in the movie. Raya will
be
voiced
by
Cassie
Steele
and
Sisu,
the
dragon,
will
be
played
by
comedian
Awkwafina, who is known for her role in Crazy Rich Asians. [Adapted from: Barton, Rebekah. ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Title Character Finally Revealed. 25 Jul, 2020 https://insidethemagic.net/2020/07/disney-raya-and-the-last-dragonmain-character-reveal-rwb1/]
Banksy Donates £2.2 Million to Bethlehem Hospital
[via Banksy]
Banksy has donated refugee crisis paintings worth
£2.2
million to a Bethlehem hospital
charity auction. The works, titled “Mediterranean Sea View 2017”, are estimated to be worth between
£800,000 and £1.2 million, but after a final bidding tussle between two anonymous £2.2 million, the second-highest price ever for a work by
buyers it was sold at Sotheby’s for
the artist, according to the auction house. The triptych is composed of 19th century-style Romantic seascapes scattered with abandoned life jackets and buoys. This modern twist is a satirical acknowledgement to the deaths of migrants travelling to the EU during the 2010s. The piece will feature in Sotheby’s Rembrandt to Richter cross-category evening sale on 28 July.
Proceeds
will
be
used
to
help
build
a
new
acute
stroke
unit
and
buy
children’s
rehabilitation equipment for Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation. [Adapted from: Brewis, Harriet. Evening Standard. Banksy donates paintings worth up to migrant-crisis-paintings-donate-hospital-a4508806.html]
46
The Brightside
£1.2m to raise money for hospital. 26 Jul, 2020 https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/banksy-
Sports Female Celebrities Invest in New Women's Football Team Celebrities such as actress Natalie Portman,
tennis
Williams are
star
part
woman-founded
of
Serena
a
majority
group
that
will
own the newest soccer team in the United
States.
Women's
The
National
Soccer
League
announced that it has awarded the Angel City group the franchise for a new Los Angeles team, which will join
the
league
in
the
spring
of
2022. The investor group is led by Portman,
Kara
Nortman
Uhrman
and
Alexis
Williams'
husband
and
Julie
Ohanian, the
co-
founder of Reddit. Other
famous
names
involved
are
fellow
Hollywood
actors
Eva
Longoria,
Uzo
Aduba,
Jennifer Garner and Jessica Chastain, along with more than a dozen former US Women's National Team stars, including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Joy Fawcett and Abby Wambach. While a team name has yet to be decided, the Angel City group hopes to capitalise on the increased interest in women's soccer since the USWNT's successful defence of its World Cup title in 2019, with the NWSL recording an average 22% increase in stadium attendances compared to the 2018 season. This new team, which is led by empowering women will hopefully send a positive message to young girls across the world, showing them that football/soccer is not a "man sport" and women have the ability to excel in sports too. [Adapted
from:
Grez,
Matias.
CNN.
Natalie
Portman
and
Serena
Williams
are
among
investors
in
new
Los
Angeles
soccer
team.
21
Jul,
2020
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/21/football/los-angeles-womens-soccer-team-serena-williams-natalie-portman-spt-intl/index.html? utm_term=link&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2020-07-21T19%3A51%3A06]
Paralympian Sets Record for 1000km Trail and Raises Thousands for Disabled Athletes After three days of grueling cycling, Tristen Chernove from British Columbia has set a new record for para-cyclists. Chernove completed the BC Epic 1,000-a 1,066-kilometre route that runs
mostly
along
the
Trans
Canada
Trail,
from
Fernie
through
the
back
trails
of
the
Kootenays and Okanagan to Merritt. The route includes gravel forestry roads, mountain bike trails and paved roads. According to Chernove, the previous record for the route was three days, 15 hours and 22 minutes. He said he beat that record by about eight and a half hours. He posted updates on Facebook along the way, sharing both the highs and the lows of the adventure. Throughout the ride, he used strategies from mental strength coaches at Cycling Canada, such as asking himself if negative thoughts were helping him accomplish his goal, and if not, finding more productive, positive thoughts. Aside from setting a new record, he also raised more than $30,000 for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada to help other para-athletes access equipment and training needed to participate in sport. "Any other athletes with a disability out there...I would challenge you to think of things that matter for you and to get out there and raise some money as well. It's a great feeling," Chernove said. [Adapted
from:
CBC
News.
Para-cyclist
sets
new
record
on
1,000-km
ride,
raises
thousands
for
disabled
athletes.
23
Jul,
2020
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-
columbia/tristen-chernove-para-cyclist-1000-km-ride-1.5659405]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
47
Sports The Most Sustainable Olympic Games From the end of July to the beginning of August we would've been
consumed
Games.
by
However
the
due
buzz to
of
the
the
Tokyo
coronavirus,
2020 it
Olympic
has
been
postponed to 2021. However, this Olympic Summer Games was
en
route
to
be
one
of
the
most
environmentally
sustainable games in history. Let's take a look and celebrate what they had planned.
Recycled Medals Following a
Plastic Bottle Uniforms
nationwide campaign, the Tokyo 2020 (now
The uniforms worn
2021) Olympic medals are made
by the Tokyo
from recycled
2020/21 Olympic
precious metals collected from mobile phones and other electronic devices donated by the public. More than 78,985 tons of used mobile phones and other devices were collected by local authorities, with a total of 6.21 million used mobile phones given in by the public. This amounted to 32kg of gold, 3,500kg of
Tokyo 2020/21 is promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, with the aim of achieving carbonneutral Games. Electricity used during the Olympic Games will be supplied by renewable sources, such as solar, biomass and hydropower.
torchbearers are produced in part from recycled plastic bottles collected by Worldwide Olympic Partner Coca Cola. The Tokyo 2020 staff and volunteer uniforms will also include sustainable materials, including recycled polyester and materials derived from plants. A special dyeing process
silver and 2,200kg
which requires a
of bronze needed
minimum amount
to produce all
of water will be
5,000 Tokyo
used to produce
2020/21 Olympic
the uniform shoes.
medals.
48
Renewable Energy
The Brightside
Recycled Olympic Torch The Olympic torch has been made out of aluminium waste from temporary housing that was built in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The materials that were once used to help rebuild lives will now be used to spread a message of hope and recovery..
01-31 July 2020
Shampoo Bottle Podiums In a joint initiative
Olympic Village
between Worldwide Olympic Partner
The Plaza of the Tokyo
P&G and Tokyo
2020/21 Olympic Village
2020/21, the podiums
was built with
for the Olympic Games
sustainably-sourced
medal ceremonies
Zero Carbon Emissions
timber donated by local authorities across Japan. After the Games, the timber will be returned to be re-used, for example, as public benches or as
Worldwide Olympic Partner Toyota will provide a wide
part of public buildings.
range of zero-
The aim of the initiative is to create a lasting, sustainable Olympic legacy that will be shared
emission vehicles including fuel cell electric vehicles for the Olympic
across the country.
Games Tokyo 2020/21, in line with Japan’s
were made of plastic – such as shampoo bottles – donated by the public and recovered from oceans. After the Games, the organisation has the intention to use the podiums for educational purposes and also recycle them back into packaging for P&G products.
carbon reduction goals.
Arne Müseler /Aerial view of the 2020 Olympic village Tokyo, Japan/ CC SA 3.0 de]
In December 2018, Tokyo 2020/21 was one of the parties to sign with the UN Sports for Climate Action framework. This was co-created and co-led by the IOC. The plan calls on the sports world to collaborate on a climate action agenda for sport. Within this framework, Tokyo 2020/21 plans to encourage public participation in initiatives to reduce and absorb CO2, such as covering building walls with plants to prevent the overuse of air conditioning or reusing oil used for cooking Japanese tempura as a substitute for car fuel.
“The Olympics are a big event that attracts large audiences as well as athletes. We think that it is a huge opportunity to tackle the issue of sustainability...We want to address the issue of climate change and therefore appropriately manage resources throughout the Olympics. By engaging the general public...we hope that we will be able to raise awareness of these sustainability issues even after the Olympics, and that this effort will continue and become a legacy for the future.” said Tokyo 2020 Senior Director for Sustainability Yuki Arata. [Adapted from: Olympic News. TOKYO 2020: SUSTAINABLE GAMES FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY 25 Jul, 2019 https://www.olympic.org/news/tokyo-2020-sustainable-games-for-asustainable-society]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
49
Sports Virtual Tour De France Accelerates Gender Equality in Cycling Community The
Tour
de
France,
is
one
of
the
world’s
largest and most prestigious bike races, but it is
strictly open to men. This prevents women
from
having
access
to
equal
opportunities
and rights in sports. However,
with
the
COVID-pandemic
dismantling this year’s sporting calendar, Tour de
France
organisers
Amaury
Sports
Organisation (ASO) have partnered with Zwift —an online training platform that allows you to cycle from the comfort of your home—to host
a virtual
cycling
alternative
event. And,
for
to
the
the
prestigious
first
time
in
history, women are allowed to participate.
ASO has already made a commitment for a women's race as early as 2022 and we see this as an opportunity to accelerate that journey...I've seen what they are doing on Zwift and the numbers the women are producing are right up there with the best men. They are incredible. -Zwift CEO and co-founder Eric Min The
race
has
competition for
been
over
a
a
men-only
century,
with
no
equivalent available to women, apart from the “course d’un jour”, a modest alternative introduced following a petition initiated by riders in 2013. While
women
still
don’t
have
a
Tour
de
France of their own, this new edition could easily be expanded into a full 3-week virtual women’s Tour de France next year, in efforts to
[Zwift /Zwift/CC SA 4.0/via Wikimedia Commons]
“fast-track
Zwift
CEO
women's
and
fight
co-founder
for
equality”,
Eric
Min told
Telegraph Sport. In 2019, the Tour de France was criticised for
the
“sexist
tradition” of
podium
girls.
World time trial champion Chloe
This year, congratulatory kisses will firstly be
banned to
measures girls
will
and be
respect for
the
replaced
social first
by
Dygert:
distancing
time,
both
podium
male
and
female podium hosts.
"I'm motivated to win it all. It's great to have the opportunity to do this, despite the pandemic,"
The steps taken so far to make the race more inclusive to female competitors have
British champion Alice Barnes:
been met with positive feedback.
[Adapted from: El Gharib, Sarah. Global Citizen. July’s Virtual Tour de France Will Include Women
for
the
First
Time
in
History.
02
Jul,
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/july-virtual-tour-france-include-women/]
50
The Brightside
2020
This virtual edition is a “massive opportunity” for women’s cycling.
01-31 July 2020
NFL Redskins Retire Controversial Name and Logo
The Washington-based American Football team the Redskins are "retiring" the name and logo-among the most controversial in US professional sportsafter 87 years. Sponsors, including FedEx, PepsiCo and Bank of America, have also asked for the name to
be
changed,
with
Nike
removing
all
Redskins
merchandise from its online store. This change was also prompted following the recent conversation on race, prompted by George Floyd's killing after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis in
May.
In
leaders
addition,
and
Commissioner
more
than
organisations Roger
a
dozen
wrote
Goodell
Native
to
NFL
demanding
an
immediate change of the name. Many experts also believed
calling
the
"dictionary-defined Native
Americans.
team
the
racial As
a
slur"
result,
Redskins
was
in
reference
the
Redskins
a to
re-
examined their name and made the decision to change
the
Redskins'
name
to
the
Washington
Football team. [Adapted from: Culbertson, Alix. Sky News. Washington Redskins: NFL team dropping controversial name
and
logo
after
decades
of
criticism.
13
Jul,
2020
https://news.sky.com/story/washington-
redskins-nfl-team-dropping-controversial-name-and-logo-after-decades-of-criticism-12027716] Erik Drost /Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Redskins/CC BY 2.0
Colin Kaepernick and Impossible Foods Team Up to Fight Hunger Impossible Foods, produces
a Silicon Valley company that
plant-based
meat
and
dairy
products, announced on 09 July that it was collaborating
with
Colin
Kaepernick
and
[via Vegnews.com]
the
Know
Your
Rights
Camp
to
support
food
security and social justice throughout 2020 to feed 1 million people. Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp is fighting for social justice across the board. The collaboration started in San Francisco with the San Francisco Marin Food Bank and Al Pastor Papi food truck. Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp is a nonprofit organisation that promotes civil rights through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilisation, and leadership in many cities throughout the US. It hosts camps for children of colour and was founded by Kaepernick, who made a powerful stand for the rights of black people in America when he knelt during the US national anthem to protest social inequality and police brutality and raise awareness of the problem. So far, Impossible Foods has provided relief to over 750,000 people who are struggling with food insecurity. The startup hopes to donate plant-based meat and feed a million people this year. [Adapted from: Drider, Johnna. Colin Kaepernick & Impossible Foods Plan To Feed 1 Million People. 14 Jul, 2020 https://cleantechnica.com/2020/07/14/colin-kaepernick-impossiblefoods-plan-to-feed-1-million-people/]
Scottish Olympian Teams Up With Pound For Paws to Help Animals in Need Olympian animal
Laura
charity
Muir
Pound
is
partnering
For
Paws
to
with
the
Scottish
participate
in
a
month-long running challenge to raise awareness for the movement. Olympian Laura Muir said: “I’m honoured to be part of the Scottish SPCA’s Pound for Paws event. As a qualified vet, I’m passionate about animals and their welfare so the Society has always been very close to my heart. This summer I should have been representing Team GB at the Olympic Games in Japan. As the games have been postponed until 2021, I’m challenging people in the Aberdeenshire area to take part in Pound for Paws. I’m
inviting
people
at
all
stages
of
running,
from
the
complete
beginner
to
the
more
experienced, to run a minimum of 30km in 30 days. It’s a great way to raise money for a fantastic cause and keep fit." [Adapted
from:
Gibb,
Darren.
Fife
Today.
Fifers
urged
to
Pound
for
Paws
with
Olympian
Laura
Muir
and
the
Scottish
SPCA.
06
Jul,
2020
https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fifers-urged-pound-paws-olympian-laura-muir-and-scottish-spca-2905086]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
51
The Brightside ISSUE 02 JULY 2020