The 10 Most Inspiring Stories We Reported On This Year

2019 was no doubt full of seemingly hopeless, depressing, eco-anxiety inducing news. But it’s important that we recap on the progress that we have made this year. Here are 10 of the most inspiring stories that Green Queen reported on this year – read on to stay positive and motivated to make the world a better place in 2020. 

1. Generation Alphas want to save the world 

Born in the middle of a climate crisis, Generation Alphas are hoping to help reshape the world: 67% of 6-9 year olds want to make saving the planet their career mission. 

2. Bruce Friedrich of GFI is fighting the meat industry (and winning)

We interviewed one of the most influential individuals in the alternative protein industry – Bruce Friedrich of the Good Food Institute (GFI). He’s been responsible for the success of dozens of the most well-known plant-based and cultivated meat startups, and he shared some fascinating insights on his journey. 

3. Unilever announces plans to divest from unsustainable portfolio companies

Multinational consumer goods giant Unilever’s CEO Alan Jope made a statement this year proposing that it will divest from companies that do not make a positive impact on the planet and society. 

4. This 10-year-old activist Lance Lau strikes for the climate every Friday

We found Hong Kong’s very own Greta Thunberg. Lance Lau is a 10 year old student in Hong Kong striking every Friday for climate action to save his future. 

5. The anti Black Friday #WhiteMonday movement took off

This year, we saw a significant growth in the number of people boycotting Black Friday and our wasteful consumer culture by joining in on the #WhiteMonday movement.

6. Underwater speakers can revive our corals 

Scientists found that playing sounds of healthy coral reefs via underwater speakers can bring life to dying coral reefs. 

7. Indian cotton farmers defy Monsanto 

Indian farmers fight back against the agrochemical giant Monsanto by switching to using native seeds.

8. Carbon offsetting is on the rise

Thanks to the “Greta Thunberg Effect”, organisations around the world have experienced a major uptick in support and funding for carbon offsetting through tree planting and reforestation projects.

9. Charity Reemi is fighting period poverty in Bangladesh

We had the opportunity to speak to Emily Au-Young, co-founder of Reemi, a charity that has developed a sustainable and culturally appropriate period underwear solution to those without access in Bangladesh.

10. Hong Kong co-working factory empowers local women

Social venture HATCH is a co-working factory that employs local women, providing them with training, fair wages and flexible family-friendly working arrangements while reviving the “Made in Hong Kong” culture.

Lead image courtesy of Unsplash.