These Algae Farms Could Help Clean Up Air Pollution

Algae could save us all. A French and Dutch design firm Cloud Collective has developed a bioreactor that uses tubes of circulating algae to help clean up air pollution using photosynthesis. They suspended the algae farm over a stretch of highway in Geneva, Switzerland to prove that the model could work along highways around the world.

The project was developed as part of a garden festival in the city that focused on “the co-habitation of the urban and the natural within the context of the urban expansion of Geneva.” Knowing that the festival would bring in more traffic, Cloud Collective decided to help curb that impact with this system.

In addition to the air quality improvement, there’s actually a lot more to this contraption than meets the eye. Once the algae has bloomed and matured in the tubes, thanks to plenty of sunlight and carbon dioxide, it can be used to create biodiesel, green electricity, medicine, cosmetics and food.

The hope is that these bioreactor signal more good practices yet to come. Cloud Collection sees this as the start of what could be more urban farming, the conservation of green space and rethinking modern infrastructures, which all sound like hopeful, promising and exciting things for the world.

Would you like to see these along the roads you use daily? Let us know in the comments.

In our consumerist, fast-paced world, it's easier than it should be to be wasteful, and we're always looking for eco-friendly (and simple) changes we can make. In honor of Earth Month (and Earth Day on April 22nd), we rounded up 30 challenges that will educate, reduce waste, and even help you save money. From using up your food scraps to being more intentional with your gasoline emissions, try one of these sustainabilitychallenges every day of April, and keep them going all year long. Let's get into it!

30 Sustainability Challenges For April

Image via Brit + Co

  • Use stainless steel straws: Instead of throwing away plastic straws, invest in a set of stainless steel straws. That way, you can use, wash, and repeat!
  • Shop with a reusable bag: Bring your own tote bag to the grocery store instead of taking home a paper or plastic bag.
  • Text yourself receipts: At coffee shops and boutiques, pick the "text me" option to prevent yourself from throwing away a paper receipt.
  • Read a sustainability book by a WOC: Learn about sustainability from an expert or someone who lives a zero-waste lifestyle.
  • Wash on the cold water cycle: Cold water in the washing machine uses up less energy, and it's actually better for delicates and dark colors than hot water.
  • Shop second-hand: Grabbing something another person has already used prevents those items from ending up in a landfill *and* cuts down on fast fashion production. Check out our Beginner's Guide To Thrift Stores for more inspo!

Image via Brit + Co

  • Choose sustainable fashion: If you do want to grab something new, instead of shopping from fast fashion retailers, purchase any items you may need from a sustainable fashion brand like Sézane, Reformation, MATE the Label, Marine Layer, Girlfriend Collective, or others.
  • Buy seasonal produce: Buying produce in season means you're cutting down on the energy costs of long-distance shipping. There's a good chance it'll be cheaper *and* you'll be supporting local farmers.
  • Get a reusable water bottle: Ditch the single-use plastic bottles in favor of a reusable bottle that will last you at least a few years.
  • DIY oat milk in a glass bottle: Oat milk is surprisingly simple to make. DIY it yourself and store it in a glass bottle to cut down on your trash.
  • Follow a sustainability activist: If you're active on social media, find a sustainability activist that will offer some inspo and tips + tricks every time you get on your phone.
  • Buy a menstrual cup/reusable period products: There are tons of reusable period products to pick from, from menstrual cups to period underwear. In addition to being kinder to your body, they're more sustainable and way cheaper in the long run.

Image via Brit + Co

  • DIY beauty products: Make DIY face mask or sprinkle a mix of cocoa powder and corn starch on your roots in lieu of dry shampoo.
  • Shop in store: While online shopping from the comfort of your couch is easy, head to the store to save yourself from dealing with the paper, tape, and cardboard boxes your shipments will come in.
  • Upcycle out-of-style clothing: Cut the ankles of your skinny jeans and add printed fabric for one-of-a-kind upcycled wide-leg pants. Embroider a top to make it feel more you, or make a quilt out of all the old camp shirts you don't wear but can't part with.
  • Go on an experience date: Instead of getting takeout or grabbing coffee, go on a walk or browse a museum with one of our Affordable Date Ideas.
  • Grocery shop in bulk: Products like nuts, frozen foods, and canned goods can be bought in bulk, which is both cheaper in the long run and less wasteful than a bunch of pre-packaged bags.
  • Turn off the A/C and cool your home passively: Cut down on your electric bill by using passive methods to cool a room. All you have to is close your curtains during hours of bright sunlight to avoid heating the air inside your space. Then open up your windows at night to let the cool air in!

You'll Love These Sustainability Hacks For 2024

Image via Brit + Co

  • Use empty candle jars as decor: Candles these days are so cute — turn the jars into decor to store your makeup brushes or even Hershey kisses!
  • Turn the lights off: When you leave a room, turn the lights off to prevent unnecessary waste. You can also try and keep the lights off until the sun sets. Your wallet will thank you!
  • Carpool: Hop in the car with a friend or family member to save gas money, take up less room in a parking lot, and cut down on gas emissions.
  • Use reusable utensils: Besides the fact that reusable utensils cut down on waste, you can also get them in super cute colors. That's a win-win in our book.
  • Bike or walk around town: If you're able, ditch your car entirely and bike or walk all over town instead! Work out and run errands at the same time.
  • Compost food scraps: Everyone can compost, even if you live in a tiny apartment! Compost egg shells, banana peels, and coffee grounds. They'll breakdown naturally instead of sitting in landfill and they make for a great addition to garden soil. If you live in a big city, chances are there's a composting service you can sign up for to take away your scraps at the end of each week.

Image via Stasher

  • Use Tupperware/silicone baggies: With alternatives like glass storage containers and silicone bags, you'll never need to throw away a plastic bag again.
  • Sew worn-out clothes: Just because your toe is peeking through your sock or you have a hole in your shirt doesn't mean you have to get rid of it! Check out our online sewing class or Google a few beginner's tips to fix them yourself.
  • Get a library card: Instead of ordering books from Amazon, get a library card! Plus, you won't have to find a place to keep all your books.
  • Go vegetarian/vegan: A vegan or vegetarian diet uses up a lot less water than a meat-eating diet. Even making two vegan recipes a week can help the environment, and might just have a positive effect on your health too!
  • Save all your errands for one drive: Instead of driving out multiple times in a few days, figure out all of the places you need to go, figure out the best route, and do it in one go.
  • Get shampoo bars:Shampoo bars are a way to cut down on shampoo plastic bottles while still keeping your hair clean.

Tag us with your sustainability hacks on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more earth month content!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Featured image via Mike Ostrovsky/Unsplash.

This post has been updated.

On today's episode of "TikTok Made Me Do It," we'll be talking about my latest obsession: at-home latte recipes! It would be funny if I weren't joking because the running joke is social media influences people to do too much. But, there are healthy things to pick up from like spending less money at Starbucks because you've become your own barista.

With the help of my Ninja Espresso machine, I've whipped up everything from a cinnamon sugar to a matcha latte, and they've been frighteningly good coming from someone who rarely drinks coffee.

Scroll to find your next at-home latte obsession aka discover the best latte recipes that'll make you place an Instacart order tonight

Jasmine Williams

Iced Caramel & Cinnamon Sugar Latte

This was my first successful attempt at making an at-home latte recipe and it's easily become my favorite thing to drink in the morning. A ton of trial and error was involved, but I've perfected the amount of ingredients I like to use so it's super easy to make.

Ingredients:

3 Teaspoons Cinnamon Sugar

2-3 Teaspoons of Nescafé Gold Espresso Blonde, Instant Coffee

Ghiradelli Premium Caramel Sauce

Caramel Syrup (any brand works!)

Unsweetened Original Almond Milk (I Prefer Silk)

A mini hand frother (if you don't have an espresso machine at home)

Ice

Steps:

  1. Drizzle caramel sauce in your glass of choice and add ice to it.
  2. Using a separate, smaller cup, scoop in cinnamon sugar and Nescafe' Gold Espresso Blonde. Pour in a small amount of unsweetened almond milk and use a handheld frother to mix them together. Set aside once done.
  3. Take the same unsweetened almond milk and pour in a few oz. to the glass you drizzled caramel sauce in.
  4. Pour your cinnamon sugar, milk and, Nescafé Gold Espresso Blonde mixture into it.
  5. Enjoy!

Jasmine Williams

Strawberry & Caramel Latte

Does strawberry and caramel really go together? If you ask this delicious latte, they do! I actually used the same ingredients from my Caramel & Cinnamon Sugar Latte outside of using strawberry syrup instead of caramel! The only tip I have is to avoid being heavy-handed with how much you use because it can be unbearable sweet if you're not eyeing it. Two pumps at the most should do the trick!

Half Baked Harvest

Iced Peach Lemonade Matcha Latte

Summer's only a few months away so it's time to start thinking about easy-going latte recipes that don't feel like you're preparing for a long, harsh winter. This recipe is perfect because it features two unlikely components — peach and lemonade — that sweeten its overall deal! Yum! (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Girl on Bloor

Homemade Nutella Mocha Latte

Your eyes aren't deceiving you — nutella is one of the ingredients in this yummy latte. It's almost replaced my love for hot chocolate which says a lot because no chocolatey drinks ever tasted this good to me before. Plus, the coconut whipped cream really completes the flavor profile! (via The Girl on Bloor)

P.S. It's a sweet drink so make sure you're prepared!

Averie Cooks

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Who am I to tell you pumpkin spice season is over? It's your kitchen so you get to make the rules and if that means you want to make this latte for the rest of 2025, I won't judge you. Don't be surprised if your roommates or partner ask if they get a cup because this easy recipe is delicious, and only takes 5 minutes to make! (via Averie Cooks)

Earthly Provisions

Iced Lavender Matcha Latte

You can never make too many matcha recipes because there's so many ways to have fun with them! For example, this one calls for lavender syrup which blends together with the oat milk and matcha powder you'll also be mixing together. (via Earthly Provisions)

Feel Good Foodie

Golden Milk Turmeric Latte

I highly recommend that you drink this latte recipe during golden hour in the morning. You'll love feeling the soothing milk turmeric as it gently warms your insides. (via Feel Good Foodie)

P.S. You may think you don't need to add cinnamon on top, but it adds an extra layer of warmth that's sometimes needed to prepare you for the day.

The Edgy Veg

Biscoff Latte

Cookie lattes are trending on TikTok, but I can see why. They're comforting without making you feel like you're drinking something seasonal. For instance, this vegan Biscoff Latte calls for actual biscoff spread or any cookie butter of your choosing. As fancy as that sounds, it only takes five minutes to make this tasty drink! (via The Edgy Veg)

The Endless Meal

Coconut Turmeric Latte

Not only is flu season still here, now we're moving into allergy territory. But you know what combats both? This yummy coconut turmeric drink I didn't expect to like. It has all the makings of a typical latte, but the addition of black pepper kicks things up a notch. (via The Endless Meal)

Rachl Mansfield

Magical No-Coffee Cacao Collagen Latte

This recipe's for anyone who's not the biggest fan of coffee. I've since learned that you don't actually need it to make a great latte which may be surprising. All you need is a little blend, hot water, cacao powder, collagen peptides, and dates. Yes, the fruit. (via Rachl Mansfield)

Munching with Mariyah

Homemade Iced Chai Latte

Look, it's another chai latte recipe! It seems like there's only one way to make it, but it's not! You can make a "hot" one or opt for a iced version like this! IMO it's much lighter than other lattes I've drank and doesn't have a weird aftertaste. (via Munching with Mariyah)

Half Baked Harvest

Gingerbread Chai Brûlée Latte

This recipe has Christmas drizzled and mixed all over it, but I don't mind. Like my mom loves to tell me, everyday's a gift so we should treat it like one.

It's the perfect drink to lift your spirits if you've been having a rough work week because the maple syrup, ginger, star anise, and chai tea will instantly put a smile on your face. If you think I'm bluffing, make it at home one time and tell me if you don't chuckle at least once! (via Half Baked Harvest)

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Plastics are the most common form of debris in our oceans, and many brands are finding ways to keep plastics out of our oceans and recycled back into the products we use every day. As we head to the beach this summer, it's a good reminder to be gentler on the planet as we shop for the season's sunscreen, beauty, and fashion. We pulled together some of our favorite brands that keep the planet and people in mind by using sustainable materials and fair labor practices. Feel good, look good, and do good with these 19 summer essentials.

LØCI NINE Sneaker ($185)

Put a spring in your step this summer. Made with 20 plastic bottles (for each pair) and recycled rubber, these lightweight vegan sneakers have a water-resistant upper, a custom-made cork insole for extra bounce, and are handmade with sustainable materials in LØCI factory in Portugal. Check out the wide variety of color combos too.

Sunski Miho Sunset Sepia ($58)

Takes these stylish recycled frames from the beach to brunch. They come in plastic-free packaging and block 100% UVA/UVB/UV400 waves.

Summersalt The Easy Breezy Eco Voile Tie-Shoulder Dress Cover-Up ($75)

This flowy maxi dress cover-up, perfect for the beach or backyard, is made from a voile fabric sourced from sustainable forests to help save water, maintain forest cover, and reduce CO2 emissions.

Caminito Sombra Sun Hat ($62)

This wide-brim style protects you from the sun while a vegetable-tanned leather cord keeps it secure on windy days. Caminito collaborates with trained weavers in Mexico and supports fair wages and clean work environments.

Slow Tide Psychedelic Sunshine Beach Towel ($45)

Made from 100% sustainably sourced cotton, this 70s-inspired designed towel is quick drying and features soft velour for cozy lounging. All Slowtide products exceed the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification and do not contain any allergic substances.

Pact The Canopy Button-Back Tank ($54)

Made with organic cotton in a fair trade factory, this top is lightweight with buttons in the back and the perfect go-to for everyday summer wear, from skirts to jeans to shorts. Pact partners with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard and SimpliZero.

Supergoop! Everyday SPF Faves Kit ($60)

This TSA-approved travel kit, made from packaging sourced from recycled plastic bottles, includes four Supergoop! SPF bestsellers for clean skin & beauty that protect against UV rays.

Berlook Tie Floral One-Piece Swimsuit ($38)

This vintage-inspired swimsuit, made from recycled nylon and recycled polyester, gives you a supportive lift up top and a flattering high leg (with sufficient coverage at the back).

Lingua Franca x Judy Blume Forever "i read banned books" Crewneck ($380)

Stand up for literature and human rights on cool summer nights with this handstitched crewneck made from 100% sustainably sourced, ethically produced cashmere. Lingua Franca has partnered with Judy Blume Forever and 10% of proceeds from this sweater will be donated to PEN America, which works tirelessly to prevent books like Judy Blume's from being banned.

Attitude Plastic-Free Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 ($21)

This plastic-free mineral sunscreen stick uses natural ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide to offer full protection, is ocean-safe, and blends into all skin tones without that white, cake-y residue. It comes in a biodegradable cardboard tube to reduce single-use plastic and oh did we mention: it smells just like summer!

Parade Scoop Bikini ($36 Top, Bottom $34)

Made from recycled bottles, this smoothing swimwear is so comfortable, comes in a slew of fun mix-and-match colors, and keeps your bits secure when you're running around the beach.

Bellroy Market Tote Plus ($49)

Great for beach days or market days, this everyday tote is made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles and is leather-free. It folds flat or stands upright and has two internal pockets for small essentials.

Caminito Luna Upcycled Blanket ($92)

Designed in San Francisco and handwoven in Mexico, this picnic/beach blanket is made with upcycled yarn and rolls up with handmade vegetable-tanned leather straps. Take your pick of colorful, modern prints.

Billie Super Salve ($9)

Watercolor your lips with this moisturizing lip shine made with shea butter, sunflower oil (packed with omega-9 fatty acids), avocado oil, vitamin e, and vegan (bee-free) candelillia wax.

Village Thrive Stripes Rattan Clutch Bag ($39)

Handmade in Bali from palm leaves, this summery yet sophisticated clutch will take you through wedding season in style.

Mejuri Jewelry ($78+)

This jewelry brand offers summer bling made from responsibly sourced and recycled gold, ethically sourced metals and stones, fair labor, and gives back to BIPOC & nonbinary communities. For this collection, stack the following:

Dôen FARLEY TOP ($168)

This soft, lightweight organic cotton top is your summer-into-fall staple. Wear it loose or tucked in jeans.

Klean Kanteen Insulated Water Bottle with Twist Cap ($33)

Keep yourself hydrated and plastic-free this summer with this insulated water bottle that stays 38 hours hot/135 hours cold. Klean Kanteen manufactures 95% of its products from certified 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel, reducing the company's greenhouse gas emissions from steel by about 50%.

Iris&Romeo Best Skin Days SPF 30 ($48)

Pack light this summer with this clean beauty product that is makeup, skincare, and SPF 30 all-in-one. The result? A glowy hydrated look that keeps you protected from the summer sun's rays.

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more summer style inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via LØCI

Sydney Sweeney broke the internet when she announced she'd postponed her engagement. And when she clapped back at her bikini body haters. And when she went topless on Instagram. But her recent Instagram post from filming The Housemaid just broke our Brit + Co group chat because of just how many times Brandon Sklenar appeared — and one very specific video that had us squealing.

Here's a breakdown of Brandon Sklenar & Sydney Sweeney's new Instagram video.

Brandon Sklenar and Sydney Sweeney get cheeky in a new Instagram video.

Throughout Sydney Sweeney's newest Instagram post, which she calls "a very very late jan x feb photo dump," she posts some reunions with Euphoria costars Maude Apatow and Barbie Ferrera and behind the scenes from The Housemaid (where she stars opposite Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar).

I couldn't help but notice that Brandon shows up multiple times in the photo carousel: a selfie while he, Sydney, and a couple other women wear racing helmets, a photo in an arcade, and then a video where they're trying out a TikTok trend.

In the video, Brandon lifts Sydney up to sit on his shoulders while Rihanna's "Breakin' Dishes" plays in the background. They do more than a couple attempts until they get the video just right — and that includes lots of giggles from Syd, and a moment where she almost falls off his back.

"we love costars with chemistry," one X user says, while another adds, "They look so cute together."

Although, my goodness, if a man lifted me onto his shoulder that easily, I'd be in a fit of giggles too! (Although his strength makes sense given his upcoming role in The Olympian).

A third X user wonders whether the video is just a marketing strategy to drum up conversation — especially after Sydney confirmed all that chemistry with Glen Powell during Anyone But You was literally just to get the internet in a tizzy.

"I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film," she told The New York Times. "Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative."

"Once [the movie] did become a success, a lot of the interviews were just questions about [the rumors], so I don’t know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it," she added in a conversation with Vanity Fair. "We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that you’re a b—ch, so."

Are you excited to see Sydney Sweeney & Brandon Sklenar in The Housemaid? And check out the 10 Most-Anticipated Book-To-Film Adaptations We Can't Wait To See In 2025.

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, plenty of people are already celebrating Irish culture and trying to bring a little extra fortune into their lives.

One charming way to tap into the spirit is by naming your little one something lucky. Here are eight of the most adorable baby names that have luck-related meanings.

Scroll to see all the lucky baby names we love for 2025!

1. Evangeline

Zura Modebadze

Evangeline is Greek in origin and derived from the words "eu" and "angelma," meaning "good news" or "good tidings."

This name has gained popularity in the U.S. because it carries a sense of hope and prosperity, making it a wonderful choice for parents welcoming a little girl.

2. Felix

Yan Krukau

With Latin roots, Felix is a timeless baby boy name that means "happy" and "fortunate." If you want to bless your child with a life full of joy, this name definitely conveys positivity and good fortune.

Felix also dates back to the 1st century BC and has ties to the New Testament, as well as several popes. It remains a popular pick in North America, South America, and Africa.

3. Gwyneth

Anna Bondarenko

The name Gwyneth is Welsh in origin and derived from the word "gwynaeth," which means "happiness." It embodies cheerfulness, and "Gwynnie" can even be used as a cute nickname.

It's no secret that actress Gwyneth Paltrow has popularized this name, but it also carries a bit of fantasy, thanks to characters like the priestess Gwyneth Berdara in the beloved book series "A Court of Thorns and Roses."

4. Merritt

Карина Суховерхая

When spelled a bit differently as "Merit," this baby name of Latin origin holds multiple meanings, including "valuable," "worthy," and "deserving of praise." Otherwise, "Merritt," which is British, actually means "boundary gate."

Either way, a baby boy with this name will be lucky, as the ability to set healthy boundaries (and stick to them) is a very sought-after trait.

5. Felicity

Travis Grossen

Derived from Latin, Felicity is another charming name that means "happy" and "good fortune." It's perfect for a little one you hope will bring joy to those around her.

The TV show "Felicity" added to this name's popularity, as well as the release of the American Girl doll Felicity Merriman. Some cute nickname options include Flick and Fee.

6. Asher

Holly Landkammer

While Asher, a name with religious ties, has traditionally been given to boys, it's growing in favoritism as a girl's name as well.

In the Hebrew Bible, Asher is the eighth son of Jacob and the founder of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Jacob blessed Asher before his death, and Moses said, "May Asher be blessed above other sons."

That's why this name is often said to mean "happy" and "blessed." It's a lucky choice that's particularly popular among Jewish families.

7. Destiny

Subin Cherian

Do you feel like your daughter was meant to be? If so, Destiny may be a delightful fit. Derived from the Old French word "destinée" and the Latin "destinare," it translates to "fate" or "one's certain fortune."

In addition to its divine connections, Destiny also has ties to Hollywood. You may not know that Miley Cyrus' given name was actually Destiny when she was born in 1992. Plus, we obviously can't forget about the iconic girl group Destiny's Child.

8. Chance

Sergey Makashin

Last but not least is Chance, a strong name with British roots and a meaning of "good fortune." Originally a diminutive of Chauncey, it's also tied to the title Chancellor, which is given to high-ranking government officials.

So, to set your little one up for a life full of opportunities and luck, you can't go wrong with choosing Chance as a baby name.

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