Happy Earth Day! In this edition of #NotBadNews, we’ve found the hotel that’s going green and a lot of cute animals.
Welcome to #NotBadNews, our new (and hopefully short-lived) daily column where we round up the good, surprising, and weird things that have happened around the world during this coronavirus pandemic.
The Dog That Picks up After You
Chipper enjoys long walks on the beach, hiking America’s stunning national parks, and picking up trash along the way. When his owner takes him for a hike or a paddleboard ride, this dog makes sure to stop for any forgotten water bottles or misplaced garbage. Chipper is helping the planet one plastic bottle at a time.
This dog loves picking up trash in national parks 👏 pic.twitter.com/Yc2RuO62wH
— The Dodo (@dodo) April 22, 2020
To honor him for his hard work, we think this good boy deserves a treat (or two).
Our New Earth Day Anthem
Singer Kacey Musgraves, who has won over the hearts of both country and pop lovers (not to mention billboards) has released a new song just in time for Earth Day. Musgraves reworked her song Oh, What a World for the occasion, and is donating all proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund.
a BRAND NEW version of Oh, What a World is here. I reworked + recorded it just for Earth Day and for all the brave, quiet heroes out there right now. You’re the northern lights in our skies. https://t.co/ByBmjT3og2 (proceeds will be donated to @World_Wildlife) #OWAW pic.twitter.com/3QQzSBPLc2
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) April 22, 2020
A new bop for a great cause? Consider this song queued-up.
The Island Resort Creating Coral Reefs
Soneva Fushi, a luxury island resort in the Maldives, has expanded their reach–homing more than just tourists by creating habitats for sea life. The biology team at the resort has installed a coral nursery with the aim to make, “a restoration project [that] enables small coral to thrive and grow stronger.” Once these little guys are big enough to be moved, they can then be taken to struggling reefs to help with repopulation.
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With coral being one of the biggest helpers when it comes to protecting our coasts, this ocean-conscious initiative by Soneva is ensuring that there is a beach for future generations to enjoy!
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PSA: Masks Hurt Oceans
While masks might help protect us from spreading COVID-19, these products are not helping our oceans. Masks have been washing up on Hong Kong beaches after being improperly disposed of, with many of those found single-use masks.
MASKS SHOULD NOT GO INTO OCEAN. there is now a new crisis of face masks being thrown away and ending up in the ocean where sea creatures can eat it and clogg their digestive systems. Be mindful. #COVID19 #EarthDay pic.twitter.com/TxdVmUrrWK
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) April 22, 2020
In Earth Day spirit, let’s consider changing our actions to help protect our oceans from this waste! Consider purchasing a reusable cotton mask (one that could be machine washed) and leave single use masks for our first responders.
Jellyfish Vacation in Venice
Shocking as it may sound, the canals of Venice, once murky with pollution, have become so clear residents were able to spot a jellyfish floating through them. There’s no argument here–COVID-19 is bad, but the environmental impact lockdown has had is undoubtedly good.
This creature is out enjoying a swim, uninterrupted by tourists, gondolas, and floating trash—a happy Earth day for this guy indeed!
It Wouldn’t Be Earth Day Without a Baby Animal
Lastly, we bring to you one of our favorite things about this planet we call home: cute baby animals. Custer State Park in South Dakota just welcomed its first bison calves for the 2020 year, and boy are they sweet!
This park remains open, with social distancing rules in place. For those in the South Dakota area, these babies can be seen in person, and for those of us sticking to home, we’re happy to get the chance to virtually say hello and audibly say awww!
Check-in every day for an update on the wonderful and weird things happening in our current coronavirus world.