Researchers at Michigan State University and collaborators examined centuries-old Marathi poems, songs and sacred stories to map past vegetation, featuring documented references of Savanna evidence to thorny trees and open grasslands that match modern western India savannas. The team reviewed literary sources dating back to the 13th century and identified 44 wild plant species, with many accounts explicitly mentioning acacias and other savanna-associated flora.

Their methodology combined literary analysis with ecological expertise to link named plants to present-day species and distributions. The findings indicate these grasslands persisted for at least 750 years, challenging assumptions that they were degraded forests and informing where reforestation may be inappropriate.

For consumers and policymakers, the work reframes conservation priorities by valuing native savanna ecosystems for biodiversity, cultural heritage and carbon storage, helping avoid one-size-fits-all tree-planting that could harm native landscapes.

For the first time in Dhaka, a trial program featuring environmentally friendly, battery-powered electric rickshaws has officially begun. These new e-rickshaws were designed and developed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) as part of an effort to improve city transportation while reducing pollution.

The e-rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles that travel at low speeds, making them safer for busy urban streets. Because they run on batteries rather than fuel, they also offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional rickshaws and motorized vehicles. The pilot program was launched on Saturday morning through two separate events held in different parts of the city.

“To ensure discipline and safe travel, this BUET-designed e-rickshaw has been introduced on a pilot basis. It will soon be expanded across Dhaka,” said Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Road Transport and Bridges Advisor.

The Sheep Inc. London store, designed by Mark Brown, is a retail space that incorporates bold graphic installations and sculptural display elements to define zones and animate the interior. The layout organizes products around a central installation composed of layered planes and suspended forms that draw attention upon entry. Surfaces combine contrasting finishes and materials to differentiate display areas and circulation paths without relying on conventional shelving alone. The strategy positions objects as focal points within a visually dynamic environment.

Display fixtures and furnishings are calibrated in scale to support both small accessories and larger garments, allowing flexibility in merchandising. Lighting is directed to accentuate key areas and enhance material contrasts across surfaces. The design emphasizes a balance between open space and sculpted elements, enabling clear sightlines while providing distinct spatial encounters as visitors move through the store. The project situates retail presentation within a visually orchestrated interior rather than a purely functional backdrop.

The American Egg Board (AEB) Incredibly Sustainable reporting tool has been created by the organization as a response to increasing calls for greater sustainability disclosure. The tool has beeb developed for US egg producers to help streamline the process of measuring, understanding and communicating sustainability data to customers. The tool will thus hone in on industry standards in response to the inconsistent inquiries that egg producers have received from their restaurant, CPG and retail customers.

President and CEO Emily Metz spoke on Incredibly Sustainable reporting tool saying, "Incredibly Sustainable is a first-of-its-kind innovation for the egg industry. The tool gives egg farmers a streamlined way to communicate their sustainability practices and demonstrate leadership in a changing marketplace. Just as importantly, it shows customers that America’s egg farmers are committed to providing the information they need most.”

A new Canadian company named Leaf & Mineral has entered the household cleaning product market with a range of products formulated primarily from plant-derived and mineral-based ingredients. The brand positions itself in direct contrast to both conventional cleaning brands and existing green cleaning alternatives by emphasizing a dual promise of competitive cleaning efficacy and a more accessible price point.

The Leaf & Mineral product range includes "Laundry Detergents, Laundry Powder Packs, Oxygen Whitening Solutions, Automatic Dishwasher Powder Packs, Rinse Aid, Liquid Dish Soap, and Fabric Softener Sheets." The company highlights third-party certifications for its biobased content, along with commitments to ingredient transparency, safety testing, and the exclusion of several chemical additives commonly found in mainstream products.

Hotel Shilla is embarking on a comprehensive sustainability initiative, aiming to transform all three of its hotel brands—Shilla Hotel, Shilla Monogram, and Shilla Stay—into eco-friendly properties. Under this program, the company will implement a set of management standards covering 13 key areas, including energy conservation, enhanced recycling practices, and the adoption of environmentally friendly products across its operations.

The sustainability drive begins this year with Seoul Shilla Hotel and Jeju Shilla Hotel, both of which are set to achieve Green Key certification, an internationally recognized eco-label for hotels. Hotel Shilla’s long-term goal is to extend this achievement across all 20 of its properties, both domestically and internationally, establishing a consistent standard of environmental responsibility and sustainable hospitality throughout the brand.

Dominica has launched a captivating new tourism campaign, 'Nature of Love.' Highlighting the island’s pristine rainforests, volcanic peaks, rivers, and waterfalls, the initiative invites travelers to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate their spirits, and create meaningful memories with loved ones. The campaign emphasizes experiences that nourish the soul, offering a wide range of ecotourism and wellness activities tailored for couples, families, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Accommodations on the island reflect Dominica’s commitment to sustainable tourism, from eco-luxury cliffside villas with panoramic ocean views to riverside cottages nestled deep in the rainforest. Guests can also benefit from customized itineraries with the help of local guides. For visitors seeking a more authentic cultural experience, charming guesthouses in historic villages provide a glimpse into local life while maintaining comfort and sustainability.

TreeSoil 3D-printed bricks support young trees in changing climates by creating biodegradable shelters that protect saplings during early growth. Developed by researchers at the Technion’s Material Topology Research Lab and the Weizmann Institute Tree Lab, each modular unit is made from local soil and natural binders. The interlocking design allows for quick assembly around seedlings, shielding them from wind, heat, and moisture loss. Its geometry regulates airflow and temperature, adapting to environmental conditions while maintaining soil health.

Over time, the structure naturally breaks down, returning nutrients to the ground and leaving no waste behind. This closed-loop approach merges advanced fabrication with ecological stewardship, reducing reliance on synthetic materials and irrigation. By combining precision technology with nature’s logic, TreeSoil demonstrates how design innovation can nurture resilience and regeneration in reforestation and landscape restoration projects worldwide.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by WOW Architects is conceived as Singapore’s first regenerative eco-resort, combining hospitality with environmental stewardship. The complex includes 338 guest rooms and 24 treehouse-style pods shaped like seed capsules, raised on stilts to allow wildlife to move freely below. The architecture draws inspiration from the rainforest canopy, positioning structures to merge with layers of foliage while minimizing disruption to the ecosystem.

Green roofs, living facades, and open-air walkways connect built spaces with the surrounding reserve. Passive design strategies such as natural ventilation, solar energy systems, and rainwater harvesting help reduce the resort’s footprint, supporting its certification as a Green Mark Super Low Energy development. By embedding conservation into its layout and operations, the project redefines eco-luxury as a shared experience between guests and environment. WOW Architects presents the resort as both a retreat and a model for how architecture can contribute to regeneration.

India Post has partnered with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) to introduce more sustainable packaging for its parcel delivery services. Under the agreement signed in Mumbai, IIP will help develop eco-friendly materials that meet the postal system’s needs while following global environmental standards.

The collaboration focuses on creating cost-effective, durable alternatives to traditional corrugated boxes and cloth wraps, including options suitable for air transport and sensitive items like liquids. The new packaging is designed to be shock-resistant, ensuring parcels arrive safely across India’s extensive postal network.

The IIP will also work with India Post on a pricing approach paper that will highlight the costs incurred by the business as it transitions to sustainable packaging alternatives. This swap will be supported with training materials that educate staff on the benefits of sustainable packaging.

BENEO has announced a new initiative to support sustainable rice farming practices in Vietnam through a three-year collaborative project that will address a series of regional issues. The initiative is being funded by the Government of Flanders with partners including the aforementioned BENEO alongside Rikolto and CarbonFarm. The project will take a variety of the inefficiencies related to rice cultivation into account and will see at least 1,000 farmers within the Mekong Delta region receiving training on the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards.

Operations Managing Director for Specialty Rice Ingredients Roland Vanhoegaerden spoke on the sustainable rice farming practices initiative saying, "This initiative clearly demonstrates Beneo's dedication to climate mitigation actions, sustainability and its proactive approach to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. We are proud and excited to leverage Beneo’s longstanding expertise in producing and marketing functional ingredients in collaboration with our project partners and Vietnamese farmers to reduce the environmental impact of rice production."