If you're feeling overwhelmed by climate crisis headlines, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss, you're not alone. But here’s the good news: real, meaningful progress is happening, and your choices are part of it. From booming renewable energy to record sea turtle hatchings, the tide is turning.
All around the world, communities, scientists, and changemakers are working toward a healthier planet. So here’s your dose of good environmental news—and a reminder that small, intentional actions can ripple out in big ways.
Our Mission: Saving Sea Turtles, One Balm at a Time
At Blue Heron Botanicals, saving sea turtles is kind of our thing. Every Lip Balm, Salve, and Sustainable Swap you buy helps rescue at least one baby sea turtle and clean up plastic from their nesting beaches—thanks to our partnership with SEE Turtles. So far, your purchases have helped us save over 100,000 baby sea turtles (and counting!). And SEE Turtles as a whole? They’ve protected 20 million sea turtles to date.
SEE Turtles powers community-driven conservation efforts that:
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Relocate vulnerable turtle nests to safe hatcheries
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Patrol beaches to protect nesting mamas and hatchlings
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Clean up plastic waste from critical coastal habitats
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Educate locals and tourists on turtle-friendly practices
And if you're dreaming of helping baby sea turtles in real life, SEE Turtles offers incredible eco-adventures where you can volunteer on turtle nesting beaches in Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize, the Galapagos, and beyond. It’s the perfect mix of travel, purpose, and pure turtle magic.
Learn more about our turtle-saving work →
Good Environmental News to Celebrate
From tree planting to renewable energy, here’s the uplifting environmental news you might have missed:
Renewable Energy Becomes the Fastest-Growing Power Source
In 2024, renewable energy grew by an incredible 50%—the fastest rate in two decades. Wind, solar, and hydro are rapidly overtaking fossil fuels in the energy sector, helping meet energy demand while reducing carbon emissions.
Portugal made history in April by generating 95% of its electricity demand from renewables, showing the world that combating climate change through clean power is more than just possible - it's happening!
Reforestation Projects Take Root Around the World
The world is on a mission to restore forests, and it's working. 9.6 billion trees have been restored or protected globally in the past two years. Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program is especially impactful, with over 280 million trees planted in British Columbia alone—bringing carbon dioxide capture to the forefront of addressing climate change and rising global temperatures.
Marine Fungi vs. Ocean Plastics
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are enlisting a surprising ally in the fight against plastic pollution: hungry marine fungi. These naturally occurring organisms are being trained to safely consume ocean plastics - a promising solution to reduce plastic waste in our oceans and waterways.
Beavers Beat Bureaucracy in Czechia
In a whimsical win for wildlife, a family of wild beavers built a dam in the exact spot where Czech officials had long been planning one. The project had been delayed by red tape, but the beavers handled it overnight—saving over €1 million in taxpayer money.
Plastics Recycled in Just Four Hours—With Air and Water
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking way to break down plastic using just air, moisture, and a clever catalyst. In just four hours, they can recover 94% of the materials from common plastics like water bottles and synthetic fabrics—without harsh chemicals or high heat.
Ocean Sanctuaries Restore Marine Ecosystems in Mexico
Marine conservation is making waves in Mexico, where local communities have established no-catch fishing zones that now protect over 2 million hectares of ocean. These sanctuaries, developed with support from scientists and nonprofits, are already showing signs of ecological recovery. Coral reefs are rebuilding, fish populations are returning, and endangered sea turtles are finding safer shores.
Wildlife Make a Triumphant Return Across Europe
The Iberian lynx, once on the brink of extinction, has rebounded - growing from less than 100 in the early 2000s to over 2,000 in 2023, all thanks to intensive conservation and rewilding efforts. In Italy, loggerhead sea turtles set a new nesting record in 2024 with 601 documented nests—a 30% increase in just one year.
Turning Waste into Energy
In exciting climate tech news, Scientists at Northwestern University have figured out how to turn industrial waste into materials for powerful clean energy batteries. These batteries could store renewable energy, like wind and solar power, and help reduce carbon emissions.
The UK Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 1870s Levels
The UK government announced a stunning 53% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990—levels not seen since the 1870s. Thanks to declining emissions in the energy sector and increased renewable energy adoption, the UK now leads the G20 in climate progress.
World’s Largest Tropical Forest Reserve Set to Launch
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has revealed plans to create the world’s largest tropical forest reserve—6 million hectares of protected land to help combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
New Plastic Dissolves in Seawater—No Microplastics Left Behind
Japanese researchers have developed a plastic that completely dissolves in seawater, leaving no harmful microplastics behind. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize how we address ocean plastic pollution and protect marine life.
How You Can Make a Difference
If you’re wondering how to make a difference in the face of global warming, here’s the good news: you already are.
Here’s how to stay empowered:
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Support sustainable skincare brands: Choose products (like ours!) that prioritize zero-waste, plastic-free packaging, reef-safe ingredients, and local sourcing.
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Buy from brands that clean up ocean plastic: Every Blue Heron Botanicals purchase directly funds cleanup efforts on turtle nesting beaches.
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Ditch single-use plastics: and replace them with reusable, earth-friendly alternatives. Browse some of our favorite plastic-free beauty and sustainable kitchen swaps like our Life-Changing Lip Balm, Reusable Cotton Rounds, Swedish Dish Cloths, Reusable Eco Dryer Balls and Plastic-Free Dish Scrubbers.
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Get involved in hands-on conservation efforts: Join a local beach cleanup, plant trees in your community, or take part in a sustainability effort that aligns with your passions—there are so many ways to show the Earth some love.
You don’t need to be perfect—just intentional. Read our blog for more tips on how to easily reduce plastic in your home and beauty routine.
FAQs: Your Questions About Positive Climate News
Q: Is there any good news about climate change?
Yes—there’s a lot of progress happening! In 2024, renewable energy grew faster than it has in 20 years, with global capacity jumping by 50%. Portugal even ran on 95% renewable electricity in April.
Q: Are we making progress in reducing global temperatures?
Temperatures are still rising, but there’s hope. The International Energy Agency says clean energy and better energy efficiency are starting to slow down emissions growth—which is key to keep warming in check.
Q: What are some recent sustainability efforts making a difference?
Reforestation projects have helped restore or protect nearly 10 billion trees in the past two years. And companies like XCycle are transforming plastic waste in just a few hours using only air and moisture.
Q: How can I contribute to positive climate action?
Everyday choices matter. Cut down on single-use plastics, support eco-conscious brands, join local environmental projects, and keep learning. When lots of people take small steps, it creates real momentum for change.
Why Plastic-Free Beauty is Part of the Solution
Our mission goes beyond sea turtles. We're deeply committed to plastic-free beauty because ocean plastic is one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems. All of our packaging is zero-waste and plastic-free — designed to leave the lightest footprint possible.
And when you choose Blue Heron, you’re not just choosing clean ingredients. You’re choosing to help save sea turtles, support environmental justice, and show that beauty can be both effective and earth-friendly.
