UK Bans Single-Use Plastics in Restaurants

UK Bans Single-Use Plastics in Restaurants

Defra's ban on plastic cutlery and plates in restaurants takes effect January 2026, aiming to cut waste.
Minister Steve Reed said, 'This protects oceans.' Chains like McDonald's transition to wood.
On X, consumers support, but small businesses cite costs.
Fines up to £1,000 for non-compliance.
The move follows straw bans.
Environmental groups estimate 4bn items saved annually.
Challenges include supply chains for alternatives.
The policy aligns with EU standards post-Brexit.

UK’s First Vertical Farm Opens in Bristol

Bristol’s first vertical farm, GrowUp, produces 1,000 tonnes of greens annually, using 90% less water than traditional farming.

Outrage Over New Forest Pony Branding Deemed 'Indefensible'

The practice of rounding up wild ponies in the New Forest and branding new foals, along with the cutting of their tails, has been denounced as 'indefensible' and 'sickening' by commentators.

Biomethane Not a 'Viable Alternative' for Widespread UK Home Heating, Report Finds

A new study commissioned by the MCS Foundation charity found that biomethane, a gas derived from farm waste, can only meet a fraction of the UK’s heating demand, debunking claims by fossil fuel lobbyists.

Animal Welfare Activists Condemn 'Indefensible' Branding of New Forest Ponies

A piece on the New Forest's traditions has sparked outrage from animal welfare advocates, who described the practice of rounding up and branding wild foals, alongside the cutting of ponies' tails, as 'indefensible' and 'sickening.'

Steps Rebuilt on St Catherine's Hill

Project to rebuild deteriorating steps on Hampshire's St Catherine's Hill nears completion, preserving the nature reserve.

Brighton’s New Eco Village

Brighton’s eco village opens with 50 sustainable homes, featuring solar panels and community gardens.

Glasgow Green Energy Project

Glasgow launches £50m green energy hub to power 10,000 homes with solar and wind energy.

Bristol Flood Defense Upgrade

Bristol invests £30m in flood defenses to protect 5,000 homes from rising river levels.

Heat Deaths in Glasgow

At least 24 people in Glasgow died from extreme heat in 2025, exacerbated by global warming, according to Imperial College London researchers.

Trinidad and Tobago Oil Crossroads

Trinidad and Tobago faces economic shift as oil reserves dwindle, debating deeper drilling versus green economy.

Amsterdam’s Litter Bin Strategy

Amsterdam removes litter bins to combat rubbish issues linked to a deposit scheme for bottles and cans.

UK’s EV Charging Network Expands

UK adds 5,000 new EV charge points in 2025, but rural access remains a challenge.

UK’s Green Energy Push Stalls

Delays in UK’s offshore wind projects threaten net-zero targets, costing £2 billion in investments.

Yellowstone Trail Closed After Bear Attack

A Yellowstone hiker was seriously injured in a suspected grizzly bear attack, prompting the closure of Turbid Lake Trail.

Antarctic Ice Melt Accelerates

2025 data shows Antarctic ice loss at record levels, threatening global sea level rise.

Australia Sets Higher 2035 Emissions Target

Australia aims to cut emissions by at least 62% from 2005 levels by 2035, up from 43% by 2030.

Environment & Climate: From Reforestation to Ocean Conservation

An overview of recent environmental news, focusing on new initiatives for reforestation and the ongoing efforts to protect our oceans.

Amazon Rainforest Deforestation Slows

Brazil reports a 15% drop in Amazon deforestation in 2025, but illegal logging persists.

COP31 Climate Talks Face Funding Disputes

COP31 negotiations stall as developing nations demand $1.3 trillion in climate finance from richer countries.

Arctic Ice Melt Accelerates Sea Level Rise

Arctic sea ice hits record low in 2025, contributing to faster global sea level rise.

Canalside Flats Appeal Dismissed

An appeal against Broxtowe Borough Council's refusal to build 29 flats near Beeston Lock was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

New Species Discovered in Pacific Ocean

Scientists discover a bioluminescent fish species in the Pacific, named Lumina pacifica.

Renewable Energy Milestone in India

India reaches 200 GW renewable capacity, led by solar and wind projects.

Australian Wildfires Rage Amid Heatwave

Wildfires in Australia destroy 500 homes as temperatures soar to 45°C.

Biodiversity Loss Report Alarms Experts

IPBES report warns 1 million species face extinction due to human activities.

RSPCA Animal Centre Urges Adoptions Amid Overcrowding

RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire calls for adoptions to free space, facing record-high dog numbers across England and Wales.

UK Government Pledges £500m for Green Energy Projects

The UK government commits £500m to green energy initiatives, focusing on offshore wind and solar to meet 2030 net-zero targets.

Emma Watson Stars in Climate Documentary

Emma Watson narrates 'Our Planet's Cry,' a BBC documentary on climate change impacts.

London's ULEZ Expansion Reduces Pollution 15%

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion cut nitrogen dioxide levels by 15%, per City Hall report.

Anglian Water Fined for Sewage Spills, Agrees to Pay £62.8m to Environmental Projects

Anglian Water has avoided a £57.1m fine from the Treasury by agreeing to spend £62.8m on projects to stop sewage spills and fund environmental initiatives.

showbiz sport money travel garden news tech health science business politics culture environment