Sometimes, the news can be overwhelming, and finding bright and positive stories can be hard. Social media and the new concept of “doom scrolling” can take a toll, leaving a feeling of helplessness, so it’s important to look at the uplifting things taking place around us.
This is why I’ve gathered a few stories that show that even small changes don’t go unnoticed. While I’ve highlighted just three stories here, it was difficult to choose as there are so many more positive stories to explore.Â
Thrifting is making a difference
To some, thrifting is the best way to get unique closet staples, while for others, it offers unbeatable prices. But, no matter why you thrift, it’s undoubtedly a better alternative than fast fashion.Â
Fast fashion poses ethical issues and is estimated to be responsible for 10% of greenhouse gases, according to More Than A Fad thrift store. For reference, it is widely said that one pair of jeans uses about 1,800 gallons of water just to end up in a landfill.
Every effort to decrease this adds up to bigger, positive effects. Just last year, Bloomberg reported that $227 billion was spent on secondhand clothing, accounting for 10% of all global spending on clothing.
This statistic is expected to increase over the next few years based on current trends. So the next time you donate or buy something secondhand, keep in mind that you’re acting as part of something much bigger and more impactful.
France limits PFAs in unnecessary use
You might have come across a label or advertisement stating that something is a “PFA-free” product without knowing exactly what it means.
PFAs are most commonly known as “forever chemicals.” In short, these chemicals are substances that don’t easily break down in the environment or human body and can pose harm when accumulated, according to the charity CHEM Trust. However, this did not become known until the late 1990s.
PFAs were discovered in the 1930s, but commercial use didn’t boom until the 1950s because of their industrial benefits in oil-resistant products and other items, according to Health Canada.
In February, France’s parliament voted in favour of limiting the production and sale of these chemicals, banning them in clothing, cosmetics, and ski wax.
While regulations on PFAs are implemented in various countries, including Canada, this new move calls for more active action and will make the many French exports to Canada more environmentally and human-friendly.
Endangered species migrating through Toronto receive unique, safe passage
This last story hits closer to home. Toronto is a big city, and traffic here is almost non-stop. Amidst the millions of daily commuters, the movement doesn’t seem to stop for anyone… except for the endangered Jefferson Salamander, which is only found in Southern Ontario.Â
During the winter, these salamanders remain tucked away in hibernation in burrows, but once the environment begins to defrost, they need wetlands and ponds to breed.
Because of their ecological importance in pest control, soil health and the food web, and as an indicator species, the cities of Burlington and Richmond Hill have taken the responsibility to close roads, allowing the salamanders safe migration passage to breed and continue to thrive.
So, if your commute to Toronto Metropolitan University includes blocked roads, then this may just be a good excuse.
Where to find more good news
If you enjoyed reading these uplifting stories, I’d recommend the Instagram account jacobsimonsays. His account is filled with “real stories that replace dread with hope,” as he puts it.
Also, every day, the CBC posts new stories they call “The Moment,” often short stories that “celebrate world kindness.”
Another way to recharge is simply taking a break and going out to find everyday joys — a new cafe that just opened up, the sound of geese migrating back, or the first flowers of spring blooming.Â