Tokyo unveils 2020 Olympic medals, made entirely from recycled cellphones
The Tokyo 2020 organizing committee unveiled its Olympic and Paralympic medal designs. They are all completely made of over six million recycled cellphones.
Cities
Indian cities to buy thousands of electric buses
The sudden jump in electric buses purchases is the result of a financial subsidy worth US$360 million, offered by the central government.
New York City begins enforcing Styrofoam ban
The city banned Styrofoam because the material can’t be “recycled in a manner that is economically feasible” or “environmentally effective.”
Paris bans nearly 3 million vehicles during weekdays to curb pollution
The policy is set to ban diesel cars and vans made before Jan. 1, 2006, from the city between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays.
Sydney declares state of emergency over climate crisis
The decision makes Sydney the first major city in Australia to declare a climate emergency, but nearly the 660th to do so worldwide.
Beijing opens new bicycle expressway
Researchers say infrastructure for bicyclists make roads safer for everyone, while reducing congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
New York City becomes first city in the United States to invest in female musicians
The New York City Mayor’s Office is addressing the underrepresentation of women in music by opening up $500,000 worth of grants to local female-identifying musicians.
Canary Wharf is now the world’s first plastic free commercial center
Canary Wharf, the Estate at the heart of London’s capital, has become the first commercial center in the world to be awarded a ‘Plastic Free Community’ status.
Oakland in California decriminalizes magic mushrooms and peyote
The city council’s vote directed law enforcement to cease investigating and prosecuting individuals for using or possessing drugs sourced from plants, cacti, and mushrooms.
Mexico City drops gender-specific school uniforms
“Boys can wear skirts if they want and girls can wear trousers if they want,” Mexico City Mayor Claudia Mayor Sheinbaum said.