Breaking: Mind-Blowing Eco Discoveries That Will Give You Hope!

No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.

David Attenborough

Here's what we've got for you today:

  • 🦠 Biofluresence Mammals (too cute)

  • 🔋 New EV Battery fully charged in 10 min

  • 🌊 Jenga Ocean made from 100% recycled fishing nets

  • 🏠 Roof Tiles from Recycled Plastic Waste

  • ♻️ Zero Waste Swap: Bring Your Own Bag

Read Time: 7 min

Good Eco News

Bioflourecence Mammals

Many organisms, like bacteria, insects, sharks, and birds, can light up or glow in the dark due to biofluorescence, where higher-energy light wavelengths (such as ultraviolet or blue light) are absorbed and are reemitted as lower energy wavelengths.

Humans have been intrigued by biofluorescence since 79 AD, but modern scientific discoveries about biofluorescence in mammals were made by accident. For instance, a forestry professor, Jon Martin stumbled upon biofluorescent squirrels while exploring a Wisconsin forest.

Paula Anich, a North American squirrel researcher, found that specific species of flying squirrels, irrespective of gender, fluoresce in pink. Prior to this, the only known mammals with fluorescent fur were about two dozen species of opossum.

Biofluorescence is likely common in more species than previously believed. Although the mechanism continues to be elusive, it is suspected to be linked to nocturnal behavior (as fluorescent characteristics were found in animals active during the night) and could possibly play a role in animal communication, sexual selection, and camouflage.

Surprisingly, some Australian marsupials such as the platypus, wombats, bilbies, echidnas, and bandicoots also showed evidence of biofluorescence, leading to speculation that many more mammals might possess this characteristic.

Greta Frankham, a wildlife forensic scientist, hypothesized that predators may not exhibit biofluorescence as they would lose their stealth advantage while hunting prey.

More exhaustive studies are needed to fully understand the nature, extent, and implications of biofluorescence in mammals, specifically if biofluorescence provides any advantages or disadvantages in an animal's natural environment.

Key points:

NEW EV BATTERY

Have electric vehicles been around for a while? Yes, they have. However, advancements in technology are increasing their popularity as a sustainable way to get around town. Car manufacturers are leading the way in meeting this demand by making these exciting machines more accessible to everyone.

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Toyota for their efforts in simplifying the electric car industry. They have taken the lead in enhancing battery technology, and their latest innovation is a game-changer. They have developed an electric car battery that can be charged in under 10 minutes, which is truly remarkable.

It's true that the need to charge electric vehicles can sometimes discourage potential investors. However, with the introduction of new and innovative charging technology, we hope to see a boost in consumer interest and adoption of electric cars. Wouldn't it be great to see a more eco-friendly world with the help of this technology?

Green Gadgets

Pela

While I have always used my phone without a case, I recognize the benefits of having one, as it can significantly extend the life of your phone, particularly if you are prone to dropping it.

Although I have had a cracked screen in the past, I choose not to use a case on my Pixel 5 because I prefer its design.

Regardless, Pela might already be a name you're familiar with. If not, well, now you are! 😄

Key points:

  • 🌍 Pela cases are the world's first truly sustainable phone case, which are also compostable.

  • 🌾 The cases are made from flax shive and a plant based biopolymer.

  • 💔 If the screen cracks while wearing a Pela Case and their liquid screen protector, they cover the repair costs.

  • 🌊 Pela donates a % of every sale to Ocean Cleanup and Preservation Initiatives.

Curious to see if they have a phone case for your model.

Check out their website here.

Eco-Design

Tetrix Roofs

Roof tiles that withstand the test of time.

Tetrix Roofs is a Poland-based company that manufactures high-quality composite tiles from plastic waste. The tiles are made from plastic derived from recycled packaging waste mixed with sand, creating a durable composite.

Unique production techniques using steel molds ensure dimensional stability and repeatable quality.

The X-grid design evenly distributes the strain on the tiles, making them even stronger and lighter.

The tiles are resistant to UV exposure, frost, natural forces, condensation, hail, hurricane-force wind and are fire-resistant.

The tiles are lighter, more resistant to natural forces, and more durable than ceramic tiles. They are also soundproof and corrosion-resistant, making them a better alternative to sheet metal tiles.

Tetrix Roofs has been awarded the Red Dot Award for the "Best of the Best", suggesting high quality of design, excellent functionality, and innovative breakthroughs.

Key points:

  • Recycled plastic into tiles

  • Easy to install

  • last 5 times longer than conventional tiles

  • Solar ready (no need for etxra mounting brackets)

  • Different designs available

Would you install these on your roof? Check out the website here if you want to learn more about it.

Jenga Ocean

The recycled fishing net Jenga Ocean.

Image by bureo.co

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jenga Ocean, a game like no other! Imagine turning a beloved pastime into a powerful tool not just for enjoyment but for sustainability as well. This innovation is brought to us by the forward-thinking folks at Bureo, in collaboration with Jenga.

Jenga Ocean is a beacon of environmental responsibility, thoughtfully crafted from 100% recycled fishing nets, each unit equivalent to over 25 sq ft of netting. This partnership pools the effort towards a cleaner ocean, as Bureo takes a bold step in recycling these abandoned nets that may otherwise contribute to marine pollution.

Key points:

  • Innovative Gaming: With designs of threatened marine animals etched onto each block, players are nudged to 'Save the Animals' via special edition rules.

  • Education while having fun: Jenga Ocean shines a light on the adverse effects discarded fishing nets pose to marine life, fostering an understanding and sparking conversations on how we all can help.

  • A Proven Legacy: Jenga’s founder, Robert Grebler, partnered with Bureo to revolutionize one of the most well-known board games in the world. Their efforts are now bringing joy to over 80 million households globally and importantly, keeping our oceans cleaner.

  • Engaging Artistry: Surf-lover, explorer, designer, artist Lake Buckley breathes life into Jenga Ocean's aesthetics. Each of her hand-drawn designs, inspired by the sea, adds a unique touch of wonder and engagement.

The road towards cleaner oceans and safeguarding our marine life is a shared journey, and I'm hopeful that with small actions like picking up Jenga Ocean, we're taking big steps in the right direction.

Intrigued? Why not visit Bureo's Shop, where you can explore more sustainable creations such as skateboards, sunglasses, shirts, and more goods all made with the same ocean-loving ethos?

Sign up for Bureo's updates for fantastic deals and discounts. Let's keep our oceans clean, enjoy fun times, and make a positive impact, together!

Check out their website here.

Zero Waste Tip

Tea Strainer

Get loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags; combined with a stainless steel strainer. They make for excellent plastic-free tea. Save money and drink better-quality tea. Learn more here.

Key points:

  • reduce the amount of microplastic in your body

  • drink fresher tea

  • support smaller farmers

Curious about how to make your own teabags?

Check out their website here.

Zero Waste Swap

Bring your Own Bag

The use of reusable bags instead of plastic or paper at grocery stores has many benefits, including reducing environmental impact and cost savings.

Some strategies to remember to bring your bags include keeping them in easily visible places and associating their use with other habits.

Reusable bags can be made from various materials like polypropylene, cotton, nylon, and rPET plastics, each with their own pros and cons.

It's also possible to make your own reusable bag from materials you already have at home, such as an old pair of jeans or a T-shirt.

While both paper and plastic bags are recyclable, they come with their own issues, making reusable bags a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.

Key points:

  • easy to remember and easy to forget

  • reduce plastic waste

  • small steps make a big impact

  • Stores often offer discounts to customers who bring their own bags.

Check out the deals I have found for you on various shops.

The Finish Line

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I would greatly appreciate your feedback on what you enjoyed and did not enjoy about today’s newsletter and any changes you would like to see.

I am eager to learn from your input. Thank you for taking the time to read, and I hope you found it helpful and inspiring!

 📣 You can submit any suggestions to my X or send me an email directly at [email protected].

Until Next Time, Hendrik aka Zerowasteman.