Positive Eco news for 2024
I don't know about you but the constant trickle of bad news can't be good for us so every now & then I like to add a bit of positivity to our lives.
Here's some feel good stories for this year - hope you enjoy!
1) Could Cement be used to Store Energy?
Renewable energy solutions often involve sun & wind power but these can be unreliable due to fluctuating weather conditions.
Renewable energy solutions often involve sun & wind power but these can be unreliable due to fluctuating weather conditions.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240610-how-the-concrete-in-your-house-could-be-turned-into-a-battery
Also check out this article on sand batteries – it’s great to see such innovative ideas!
https://happyeconews.com/sand-battery-energy-storage-for-renewables/
2) Harnessing Energy from Bacteria
Soil microbial fuel cells are being developed on farms, which can capture energy from chemical reactions occurring naturally in soil.
Soil microbial fuel cells are being developed on farms, which can capture energy from chemical reactions occurring naturally in soil.
When connected to carbon-based electrodes the electrons created by microorganisms in the soil are turned into energy, which can then be used by the farm.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/06/12/install-and-forget-soil-powered-batteries-could-bring-cheap-clean-energy-to-farms-in-europ
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/06/12/install-and-forget-soil-powered-batteries-could-bring-cheap-clean-energy-to-farms-in-europ
Recently released data shows that Scotland covered over 100% of its energy needs in 2022.
Wind and hydro power helped them generate the equivalent of 113 per cent of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption. That’s wonderful news!
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/01/29/enormous-potential-inside-scotlands-green-strategy-to-power-the-nation-solely-with-renewab
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/01/29/enormous-potential-inside-scotlands-green-strategy-to-power-the-nation-solely-with-renewab
4) Gas Emissions Dropping in Europe
Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU dropped 8% last year.
Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU dropped 8% last year.
This brings greenhouse gas pollution below 1990 levels. Mostly driven by the use of renewable energy, I’m hoping the trend continues!
https://www.positive.news/society/total-net-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-the-eu-dropped-last-year/
https://www.positive.news/society/total-net-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-the-eu-dropped-last-year/
5) Is your Wallpaper Electric?
An innovative project in Glasgow is trialling eco friendly electric wallpaper to heat tenement housing. The paper can be added to ceilings & creates heat within minutes.
Made from copper strips & graphene, it has a surface that emits invisible infra red into the home helping to warm the property & thereby reducing mould.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/10/19/glasgow-is-trialling-eco-friendly-electric-wallpaper-to-heat-its-ageing-homes
6) Animal Friendly Wind Turbines
Wind turbines can disturb animals, particularly in the flight paths of birds. A new motionless turbine has been developed which collects wind via airfoils in a sleek design.
The 1st UK prototype has been installed in Oxford on the roof of BMW’s car plant.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/09/05/could-these-motionless-turbines-solve-wind-energys-noise-and-wildlife-problems
7) Wind Power in a Tree Design?
Sometimes nature can inspire us to up our game & this nature inspired ‘tree’ may fit the bill. It has micro turbines to convert wind into energy & could be used in built up areas. They run silently & benches can be placed underneath.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/09/05/could-these-motionless-turbines-solve-wind-energys-noise-and-wildlife-problems
7) Wind Power in a Tree Design?
Sometimes nature can inspire us to up our game & this nature inspired ‘tree’ may fit the bill. It has micro turbines to convert wind into energy & could be used in built up areas. They run silently & benches can be placed underneath.
One ‘leaf’ on the tree can produce 1,000 kilowatts per year. Not suited to be connected to the grid but they can power buildings individually.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/11/12/could-wind-trees-with-micro-turbines-be-a-solution-to-green-energy-in-tight-urban-spaces
8) Spoonbills born in the UK
Spoonbills were previously extinct with no chicks born since 1668. The RSPB have celebrated the birth of spoonbill chicks in Cambridgeshire this year!
Chicks have also been born in wetland reserves in Yorkshire, Suffolk & Norfolk.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/media-centre/spoonbill-breeding-success-sparks-renewed-hope
9) Tree sleeves made from British wool
British Wool have collaborated with a company to produce eco wool-based tree guards. These will help prevent young saplings being nibbled by passing animals or trampled underfoot.
The new tree sleeves will be biodegradeable & made using wool from British farms.
https://www.farminguk.com/news/british-wool-invests-in-firm-behind-eco-wool-based-tree-guards_64897.html
10) Cosy Houses from Tennis Balls
Wimbledon goes through many tennis balls (55k per year). They become less efficient when they lose their smoothness so often get discarded. However, they’ve been found to make perfect homes for field mice & they’re waterproof too.
Field mice can help aerate the soil & disperse seeds so they’re useful for supporting eco systems, a win-win for all!
https://happyeconews.com/wimbledon-donates-tennis-balls-to-be-used-as-homes-for-field-mice/
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/11/12/could-wind-trees-with-micro-turbines-be-a-solution-to-green-energy-in-tight-urban-spaces
8) Spoonbills born in the UK
Spoonbills were previously extinct with no chicks born since 1668. The RSPB have celebrated the birth of spoonbill chicks in Cambridgeshire this year!
Chicks have also been born in wetland reserves in Yorkshire, Suffolk & Norfolk.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/media-centre/spoonbill-breeding-success-sparks-renewed-hope
9) Tree sleeves made from British wool
British Wool have collaborated with a company to produce eco wool-based tree guards. These will help prevent young saplings being nibbled by passing animals or trampled underfoot.
The new tree sleeves will be biodegradeable & made using wool from British farms.
https://www.farminguk.com/news/british-wool-invests-in-firm-behind-eco-wool-based-tree-guards_64897.html
10) Cosy Houses from Tennis Balls
Wimbledon goes through many tennis balls (55k per year). They become less efficient when they lose their smoothness so often get discarded. However, they’ve been found to make perfect homes for field mice & they’re waterproof too.
Field mice can help aerate the soil & disperse seeds so they’re useful for supporting eco systems, a win-win for all!
https://happyeconews.com/wimbledon-donates-tennis-balls-to-be-used-as-homes-for-field-mice/
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Lots more news to keep ya positivity chips re-charged in the link below:
Happy Christmas & thank you so much for reading
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(Check out some of our previous posts to help you make eco friendly choices this Christmas):
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