🏆 Massive Youth-Led Climate Wins

Welcome to Friday! ☀️

We wanted to thank you all for your kind words of support and feedback last week - we’re still getting through replying to each and every one of you, but it truly means the world to us to have such a supportive community 💕 .

On a more somber note, we want to acknowledge that the last two weeks have been hard. From the devasting impact of the wildfires in Maui, to the 22K residents of Yellowknife forced to evacuate today. Our hearts go out to every family impacted by wildfires this year. We promise to keep you posted as we learn of ways to help🙏 .

Today we’ll be exploring ways that even the youngest generations have had a positive impact on our climate policies! Read on for a bit of good news 🤓 

Climate Trials: Montana youth sued state over climate and won 💪

In a historic ruling, a Montana judge sided with a group of young climate activists who argued Montana’s perpetual use of fossil fuels violated their right to a healthy environment.

Let’s back up: Earlier this year, 16 Montana youth came together to sue the state for violating their right to a livable planet by approving fossil fuel projects without considering their affect on the planet. The case became the US’s first constitutional climate trial.

The main impact of this week’s ruling: the reversal of a Montana state law that prohibits state agencies from considering their sustainability impact when approving fossil fuel projects.

This week’s groundbreaking court ruling marks a significant milestone in the fight against climate change! It showcases the power of youth-led initiatives in driving climate action and sets a precedent for similar cases, encouraging judges to take bold steps in addressing climate challenges.

Electrifying Innovation: Sweden leads the world with permanent electric roads ⚡

Sweden is revolutionizing the future of sustainable transportation by transforming a highway into the world's first permanent electrified road 🚘.

The innovative e-motorway, set to be completed by 2025, will enable cars and trucks to recharge while in motion, paving the way for extended travel distances and reduced dependence on larger batteries.

How will it work? For those that are curious, three methods are currently being considered — a catenary system (overhead wires that will charge buses and trams only), a conductive ground-based system (a charging rail that vehicles and buses can attach to in order to charge), and an inductive system (equipment buried under the road that sends electricity to vehicles, buses, and trams via a coil).

Sweden’s groundbreaking project aligns perfectly with the EU's ambitious goal of zero CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035. And the country’s trailblazing efforts in electrified roads could serve as a model for other nations seeking to accelerate their transition to cleaner, greener mobility.

Climate-Conscious Pricing: Supermarket tests "true costs" for carbon intensive foods 🛒

A German discount supermarket, Penny, is challenging the norm by adjusting the prices of select products to reflect their genuine environmental and health impact.

Collaborating with experts from the Nuremberg Institute of Technology and the University of Greifswald, Penny adjusted prices for nine items, primarily meat and dairy, to reflect their true environmental impact (on climate, soil, water use, and health).

This innovative experiment aims to raise awareness about the hidden costs associated with food production and consumption, sparking discussions about sustainable shopping practices.

With the move towards climate-conscious pricing gaining momentum in Germany, the trial could potentially set a new standard for responsible retailing, encouraging other supermarkets to consider the true costs of the products they offer.

At Team Herby, we think this is an interesting initiative to keep an eye on. With groceries becoming increasingly expensive, raising prices on select items even further might have a pretty big impact on what customers buy. Let’s see what happens 👀 

🦕 Herby’s climate-friendly finds

This week: some of Herby’s fav sustainable home essentials 🏡

• Kotn’s sheets, duvet covers, and comforters — elegantly designed, from organic Egyptian cotton, by a Canadian, B-Corp 🛌

• Everly’s refillable candles — incredible scents, in a refill pouch instead of a wasteful jar, by a Canadian, female-founded company 🕯

• Parachute’s curtains — made using high quality materials, by a Climate Neutral Certified company 😊

• Rove’s nightstands — modern design, sustainable practices (plastic-free packaging, electric delivery, natural fibers), Canadian 🍁

🍂 Herby’s weekly roundup

Some quick hits of interesting articles, books, and events this week

• Residents of Yellowknife are being asked to evacuate by noon on Friday as wildfires surge across the N.W.T.; here’s what we know so far 🦺

• Prince William protects ancient rainforest 🌴

• Carbon removal is here! The US announces the winners of a $3.5B carbon removal program 🏆

• Options for how you can help those affected by the Maui wildfires ❤️ 

• A fun, hopeful read: 10 questions with Young Harvesters in Hong Kong 🧒

• How a Guatemalan Agroecology School is ensuring food security 🍅

• Getting ready for Back to School? Here are 14 eco-friendly school supplies and stationary brands ✏

• Remodeling your home? Here’s are some home design recos to reduce your environmental impact 🏠

🤓 This or That?

Last week’s ‘This or That’: A roundtrip flight from Toronto to Vancouver actually has a lower carbon footprint than a backyard pool (in a year) 😢. Love swimming like Herby? Try switching to a community pool or natural body for water near you (lake, river, ocean). Here’s more on the carbon footprint of a swimming pool.

🙏 Thank you for sharing!

A huge thank you to everyone who shared last week’s email. Thanks to you, we are 432 subscribers strong! We see you, and we appreciate you 🙏!