Today’s Solutions: January 15, 2025

Policy Making

Strong public policy leads to more cohesive, resilient, and sustainable societies. In this section, find out about the latest legislations from around the world aimed at making our world a better place.

gloved hands throw food waste into compost bin

Everything you need to know about California’s new composting law

Food waste is a huge problem to tackle, which is why we’ve shared numerous stories with tips on how you can help reduce your own personal food waste. To that end, we’ve suggested that people re-organize their pantry and refrigerator, download apps that connect consumers with grocery items that Read More...

a group of people checking their phones for texts and emails

Belgium's "right to disconnect" protects workers from burnout

In November of last year, we shared a story about how Portugal has made it illegal for employers to contact workers outside of working hours in an effort to encourage a healthier work-life balance. Now, Belgium’s Minister of Civil Service Petra De Sutter has introduced a similar law for the Read More...

young woman beautician hairstylist faces camera with arms crossed

Tennessee beauticians are trained to identify victims of domestic abuse

A law in Tennessee harnesses the unique position of beauty professionals to help identify victims of domestic abuse. The law, which was enforced on the first day of 2022, requires hairstylists and barbers to go through a free training program that will teach them how to look for signs that their Read More...

People walking, jogging, and cycling on a pedestrian street in Italy

European cities could see a lot less cars on the roads in the near future

As local governments are finally coming to the realization that prioritizing cycling and walking over driving can tremendously benefit their residents, many are considering implementing permanent policies to tackle car-centric city development. In a bid to accelerate the adoption of such policies, Read More...

First Nations children dance at a Pow Wow in Quebec, Canada

Canada pledges to compensate First Nations children billions of dollars

Indigenous community advocates in Canada are finally celebrating a historic win—the Canadian government has reached Agreements-in-Principle to financially compensate Indigenous children who suffered discrimination and injustice. On Tuesday, the federal government released a statement that Read More...

one white egg sits between two eggs painted in the LGBTQ rainbow

Same-sex couples in Israel can now become parents through surrogacy

Last July, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of lifting the surrogacy ban for same-sex couples. On Tuesday, the country announced that starting next week the ruling will go into effect, finally allowing Israeli same-sex couples to become parents through surrogacy. Before, surrogacy in Read More...

Fresh produce wrapped in plastic inside a plastic bag

French ban on plastic packaging for most fruit and veg comes into force

A few months ago, we wrote about France’s ambitious plan to phase out single-use plastic packaging. On January 1st, that ban went into effect, paving the way for more sustainable and ethical consumption habits among its citizens. As part of the ban, about 30 varieties of fruit and vegetables, Read More...

New York City skyline at dusk

New York City moves away from natural gas in new buildings

As cities scramble to meet their ambitious emissions reduction goals, local governments are increasingly looking to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy. New York City, for example, has become the latest major city to ban the use of natural gas in new buildings, reports Reuters. As Read More...

Turning of the year 2021 to 2022

8 Trends from 2021 We’ll Carry to the New Year

“Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” - Hal Borland  It’s the time of year for reflections and projections as we take stock of all that has happened over the last twelve months and peer with hopeful curiosity Read More...

Woman holding French flag

France thanks over 12,000 frontline workers with fast-tracked citizenship

While we are still struggling with the uncertainty of the pandemic, frontline workers continue to put their health at risk to work diligently to treat patients, provide essential supplies, and support our communities. As a recognition of the sacrifices and efforts of essential workers, France Read More...