Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · 6d

Plants like okra & fenugreek are more than food, they may help clean water too! Sticky extracts trapped up to 90% of microplastics in tests, outperforming synthetic polymers. www.acs.org/pressroom/pr...

#CleanWater #PlantPower #MicroplasticSolution

Research Update: Okra, fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water - American Chemical Society

Researchers report in ACS Omega that okra and/or fenugreek extracts attracted and removed up to 90% of microplastics in ocean water, freshwater and groundwater.

www.acs.org

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · 18d

Coca-Cola is forced to rework “100% recyclable / recycled” claims in Europe after consumer groups flagged them as misleading. The new labels will clarify that caps & labels aren’t included, no more greenwashing. www.esgtoday.com/coca-cola-co...

#Greenwashing #PlasticTruth #ConsumerRights

Coca-Cola Commits to Improve Recycling Claims Following EU Greenwashing Complaint - ESG Today

Coca-Cola has agreed to make a series of changes to the recycling claims on its plastic bottles, according to a statement today by the European Commission, following a greenwashing complaint made by t...

www.esgtoday.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · 22d

Gen Z is holding companies accountable, not with slogans, but with data. They're demanding clarity on Scope 3 emissions, supply chains, and real impact. They're not holding on to vague promises. Companies are definitely feeling the pressure. cleantechnica.com/2025/07/14/w...

#ClimateAccountability

Why We Should Pay Attention To Gen Z's Climate Demands - CleanTechnica

Savvy about marketing from a life online, Gen Z wants transparency about sustainability, especially when it comes to Scope 3 emissions.

cleantechnica.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · 28d

Are you interested in composting, but not sure what to add? Start with fruit peels, veggie scraps, and yard trimmings. Avoid meat, dairy, and oils.

#Compost101 #SustainableLiving #GoGreen

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Sep 17

Shift Browser’s new browsing footprint calculator lets you estimate the carbon impact of your online habits (streaming, unread emails, etc.) and offsets a full year of your internet emissions when you use it. www.prnewswire.com/news-release...

#DigitalFootprint #EcoTech #ClimateAction

Shift Browser Launches Innovative Browsing Footprint Calculator Revealing the Hidden Impact of Your Digital Habits

/PRNewswire/ - Shift, the world's first carbon-neutral browser, today announced the launch of its Browsing Footprint Calculator, a tool that reveals the hidden...

www.prnewswire.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Sep 15

Researchers from UT Austin made a hydrogel from food scraps and other biomass that can pull 14+ liters of drinkable water from air per kg per day. This could be a massive help in bringing clean water to off-grid communities. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...

#CleanWater #WaterTech

From scraps to sips: Everyday biomass produces drinking water from thin air

Discarded food scraps, stray branches, seashells and many other natural materials are key ingredients in a system that can pull drinkable water out of thin air developed by researchers.

www.sciencedaily.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Sep 13

Gardening’s boom isn’t slowing even in these hard economic times. People are planting for edibles & joy. If you're feeling up to it, take some time to garden and use it as an antidote for uncertainty.

#GardeningTrends #GrowYourOwn #GreenTherapy

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Sep 9

2024 saw record CO₂ removal credit purchases. Biochar, DAC, and BECCS lead the charge as companies rush to offset emissions they can’t eliminate. www.twinfm.com/article/carb...

#CarbonRemoval #ClimateCredits #NetZero

Carbon Credits Explained – Biochar, DAC and BECCS

www.twinfm.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Sep 5

A nickel-based catalyst from Northwestern University could revolutionize plastic recycling by breaking down mixed polyolefins (including PVC-contaminated waste) into reusable oils, waxes, and fuels, without sorting. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...

#PlasticUpcycling #CircularEconomy

A simple metal could solve the world’s plastic recycling problem

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking nickel-based catalyst that could transform the way the world recycles plastic. Instead of requiring tedious sorting, the catalyst ...

www.sciencedaily.com

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Sep 1

In Grenada, sargassum seaweed is being repurposed into biogas to power a local bakery. It's a creative win for clean energy and coastal economies. It'll also, hopefully, give ideas for other uses for it. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

#Sustainability #CleanEnergy #ClimateSolution

From foul to fuel: how a seaweed problem could power the Caribbean

As the climate heats up, Grenada’s beaches have become swamped with rotting sargassum. But biotech can turn it into fuel, fertiliser and plastic

www.theguardian.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 27

Communities across Canada are protecting freshwater by testing water with easy kits and sharing real data via Water Rangers’ open platform. Using the same kits, you can create volunteer groups and protect your local waters too. waterrangers.com/tour/

#FreshwaterProtection #CommunityScience

Here's what you can do with Water Rangers - Water Rangers

waterrangers.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 21

In Buttes, Switzerland, Sun‑Ways installed a 100m pilot of removable solar panels between train tracks, generating around 16,000 kWh/year. This tech could revolutionize clean energy by using existing railways, not new land. www.swissinfo.ch/eng/climate-...

#CleanEnergy #CleanDesign #Sustainability

Switzerland turns train tracks into solar power plants

A Swiss start-up’s system to install and remove solar panels between train tracks is now being tested. The technology is attracting interest from other countries.

www.swissinfo.ch

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 18

While we still have time this August, set aside a small garden patch for experimentation. This could be for new crops, unique varieties, or companion planting. You might discover a new favorite.

#EcoGardening #SustainableLiving #GreenTips

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 11

Green groups are suing the current administration for removing taxpayer funded climate & pollution tools like EJScreen and FEMA's Future Risk Index from federal websites.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

#Transparency #ClimateJustice #RightToKnow

Green groups sue Trump administration over climate webpage removals

The White House has pulled federal webpages tracking climate and environmental justice data

www.theguardian.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 9

Climate TRACE now delivers monthly CO₂ & methane data (within just 60 days) via satellites and AI. With this, decision-makers can act faster and hold polluters accountable. cleantechnica.com/2025/04/21/c...

#ClimateData #ClimateAction

Climate TRACE Makes Real Time Tracking Of Pollution Possible For The First Time - CleanTechnica

Climate TRACE will bring scientists, governments, and the business community near real time data on global emissions.

cleantechnica.com

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 6

Leave bolted lettuce and cilantro for pollinators around. It’s free food for them and I'd say it adds some beauty too.

#PollinatorFriendly #AugustGarden

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 2

Time for the midsummer prune. August is perfect for trimming herbs like basil & mint to encourage fresh growth before fall. If you have any extras, you can dry them to use for cooking later.

#AugustGarden #HerbHarvest #Sustainability

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Aug 2

Scientists at UCL were able to turn cow dung into nanocellulose fibers. These fibers can be used for packaging, textiles, and much more. If adopted, this could tackle waste and overall support a circular economy. www.thebrighterside.news/post/scienti...

#CircularEconomy #SustainableMaterials

Scientists turn cow manure into one of world’s most used materials

Scientists have transformed cow manure into sustainable cellulose, addressing pollution and waste while creating high-value products.

www.thebrighterside.news

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 31

Are you a gamer and want to reduce your carbon footprint while gaming? Simple things like using energy‑saving modes, dimming your screen, or shutting down your console when idle can help. Even choosing efficient hardware is helpful. Game smarter, not harder. tinyurl.com/2paspbec

#SustainableGaming

Sustainable Gaming Tips for Gamers

In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, it's essential for every individual, including casual gamers, to play their part in preserving the environment. Whether you're a sea...

www.gamingthegreenway.org

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 29

On July 23, 2025, the International Court of Justice ruled unanimously that climate change is an urgent human rights issue. Countries may face legal liability, including reparations, if they fail to curb emissions. www.reuters.com/sustainabili...

#ClimateJustice #ICJ #LegalAction

World Court climate opinion turns up the legal heat on governments

A landmark opinion delivered by the United Nations' highest court last week that governments must protect the climate is already being cited in courtrooms, as lawyers say it strengthens the legal arguments in suits against countries and companies.

www.reuters.com

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 27

A bit late with this news: once one of the most polluted U.S. cities, Chattanooga is now the first in North America to earn National Park City status! www.southernliving.com/chattanooga-...

#NationalParkCity #UrbanNature #GreenRevival

This Southern Destination Was Just Named North America’s First 'National Park City’

Chattanooga is North America's first 'National Park City' according to the National Park City Foundation, a global organization that recognizes cities that prioritize and promote nature.

www.southernliving.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 25

Sultan Qaboos University students have proposed energy harvesting sidewalks in high-traffic areas like airports and malls. It would turn each step into clean electricity to support sustainability goals. I would LOVE to see it. happyeconews.com/kinetic-ener...

#SmartCities #Sustainability

Omani Students Propose Kinetic Energy Sidewalk Technology for Sustainable Power | Happy Eco News

Omani students have proposed kinetic energy sidewalk technology that could generate renewable electricity from foot traffic in high-traffic areas, such as airports and shopping centers.

happyeconews.com

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 22

If you haven't heard of Chaya, let me introduce you. It's an easy to grow tropical leafy green that is packed with nutrients and thrives year after year. Just cook before eating, no garden reset needed. www.echocommunity.org/en/resources...

#Chaya #PerennialVeggie #SustainableGardening

Chaya – High Nutrition Perennial

Chaya grows easily in Cambodia Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa or C. aconitifolius) is a perennial plant that grows easily throughout Cambodia. Many people know it by the name “spinach tree”. If left al...

www.echocommunity.org

Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 20

Rain powered homes may hopefully be a reality soon. Singapore researchers created a tube system that turns raindrops into electricity, lighting 12 LEDs. Even rainy days can boost clean energy. www.acs.org/pressroom/pr...

#RainEnergy #EcoInnovation #CleanTech #Sustainability

A step toward harnessing clean energy from falling rainwater - American Chemical Society

Researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have generated electricity from rain-like droplets moving through a tube.

www.acs.org

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Climate Quest @climatequest.io · Jul 19

Quebec’s Montérégie farmland is losing 1 cm of organic soil yearly. Still, researchers at Laval University found adding straw and wood chips restores soil health and yields, saving the disappearing farmland from extinction. impactful.ninja/straw-wood-c...

#SoilHealth #SustainableAg #Sustainability

Straw and Wood Chips Save Quebec's Disappearing Farmland From Extinction | Impactful Ninja

Researchers at Laval University found that straw and wood chips effectively preserve Quebec's rapidly disappearing organic farmlands, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments for soi...

impactful.ninja