Tag: News

It’s finally here – the eco-friendly palm oil alternative.

What’s the story?

Palm oil has been a hot topic in recent years. A natural preservative that is smooth, odourless, and tasteless, it is used in myriad cosmetic and food products. Its use is so prolific that it accounts for 40% of vegetable oil use in the world.

Unfortunately, it has also led to huge deforestation near the equator. Trees that produce this palm oil are decimated for mass production, leading to ecological decline and biodiversity loss.

So, tell me about the alternative.

A Scottish research team believe they may have produced what they are calling “the holy grail to replace palm oil”. PALM-ALT is created from a byproduct of the linseed industry, and contains 25% less fat and 88% less saturated fat – so is better for us, as well as the planet.

Plus, as it’s a byproduct of an already existing industry, it isn’t contributing to deforestation – all while helping produce the same delicious foods we’re used to.

PALM-ALT was developed by Dr Julien Lonchamp, Reader in Food Science, and Catriona Liddle, Head of the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

The Climate Coalition. This is the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. Find out more and support them here.

Climate Reframe.  Climate Reframe is committed to supporting the climate and environment movement in its transformation towards greater justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). Find out more.

The Woodland Trust. This is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, concerned with the creation, protection, and restoration of native woodland heritage. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

A small, Pacific Island nation has a new way to tackle ocean conservation.

Great! Tell me more.

The nation of Niue is a small one, surrounded by a vast, beautiful ocean – one they are determined to protect. The new idea is this: to protect their oceans, they will be selling it off.

Selling it off?!

In a sense, at least – sponsors will be able to pay $148 to protect one square kilometre of ocean from issues like illegal fishing and plastic waste. 

The protection lasts for 20 years, thanks to the funding provided by each ‘purchase’ – and they are hoping to raise $18 million this way, protecting the ocean around them.

Niue will get the ball rolling by buying 1,700 units – one for each of its citizens. 

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

Blue Marine Foundation. A charity dedicated to restoring the ocean to health by addressing overfishing, one of the world’s biggest environmental problems. Support them here.

The Ocean Conservation Trust. A charity of Ocean optimists taking action to protect and restore nature for a thriving Ocean. Find out more here.

Marine Conservation Society. This charity is fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean: one we can all enjoy. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

JLS star JB Gill is standing up for animal rights.

Amazing! What’s the story?

JB Gill, a singer in boyband JLS, and now the vice-president of the RSPCA, is a huge supporter of animal welfare. With his support, eight animal rights charities are coming together for a huge event this World Animal Day (October 4th) to help educate young people on animal rights.

What’s the event about?

The event, called World Animal Day & Me, is organised by the Pet Education Partnership (PEP), which includes the RSPCA, USPCA, SSPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and Woodgreen charities.

The event is for Key Stage 2 children, aged between seven and 11, and is completely free to join online on October 4th. On behalf of the PEP, JB is calling on teachers, parents and guardians to join the event with their children, to help teach them about animal welfare.

For more information about World Animal Day & Me, or to sign up for the event visit this EventBrite link. 

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

RSPCA. This is the leading animal welfare charity in the UK, and they specialise in animal rescue & furthering the welfare cause for all animals. Find out more here.

Four Paws UK. This charity is an animal welfare organisation, working globally to help animals in need. Learn more here.

Wildlife Justice Commission. This international foundation works to end animal trafficking around the globe. Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Life on Land.

A stewardship organisation is providing gel bags and dispensers to combat faecal matter in Squamish, one of Canada’s popular wilderness areas. 

Really?! What’s the story?

After a rise in the number of climbers and trekkers visiting the area and defecating, the park wardens decided to take action. 

The Squamish Access Society (SAS) teamed up with park authorities and local businesses to erect five poo dispensers across the park at key climbing areas.

The bags, known as Wag bags, are made from gel containing enzymes to break down the poo and prevent odours from escaping.

Some more experienced climbers and trekkers already use the bags, operating on the principle of “leave no trace”. But a rising number of newcomers visiting the area began to create a problem.

The SAS tested the bags by leaving one in a hot car for an entire day and they found it left no odours afterwards. They assure visitors that the bags are very difficult to break.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

American Forests. An organisation reforesting areas of the US to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Support them here.

Conservation International. Conservationists using the law, finance and lobbying to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems around the world. Find out more here.

NRCD. They use law, policy and people power to reach for climate justice and to restore biodiversity. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Life on Land.

Lewis Pugh, endurance swimmer and UN ocean advocate, just swam the length of the Hudson River.

Tell me more!

It took 30 days for Lewis, aged 53, to swim the 315 miles (that’s 507 kilometres) of the Hudson River, which stretches down from the Adirondack Mountains towards New York City.

For readers who aren’t fans of extreme sport, you might be wondering why someone would put themselves through such a challenge. But, for Lewis, it was all about highlighting the Hudson rather than his own journey – and showing how important it is to take care of our rivers.

What else?

The Hudson River is notorious for being polluted – though huge effort has been made in recent years to improve it, and it is much cleaner now. Still, there is much work to be done – which Lewis, who swam the river wearing just a Speedo, was determined to highlight.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

The Canal & Rivers Trust. The Rivers Trust are conservation experts who work to create wild, healthy, natural rivers. Support them here.

The Ocean Conservation Trust. A charity of Ocean optimists taking action to protect and restore nature for a thriving Ocean. Find out more here.

Marine Conservation Society. This charity is fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean: one we can all enjoy. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Clean Water and Sanitation.