7 Fall Wins for the Planet and Human Health: Proof That Progress Is Still Happening
7 Fall Wins for the Planet and Human Health: Proof That Progress Is Still Happening
Author: Team Grove
Throughout the year, we’ve shared some big wins that the planet saw for sustainability and environmental impact. Just like summer turns to fall, the momentum hasn’t stopped.
Here’s the fall roundup of positive progress from around the planet.
1. Ocean protection just leaped forward
In September, Morocco and Sierra Leone joined the High Seas Treaty as the 60th and 61st members, officially triggering the agreement’s entry into force after a 120-day period. That unlocks the world’s first legal framework to create marine protected areas in international waters (nearly half the planet’s surface) and strengthen safeguards for biodiversity and climate. The treaty will go into effect January 2026 — a pretty great way to start the year.
2. California passes first-in-the-nation testing for prenatal vitamins
California just enacted a law requiring prenatal multivitamins sold in the state to be tested for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic), with public disclosure. It’s a win for maternal and fetal health and a push for industry transparency at a time when supplements are often underregulated. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
3. Lagos begins enforcing a statewide single-use plastic ban
In Nigeria, Lagos (with a population of 20+ million) began enforcing a ban on single-use plastics including plates, straws, and cutlery, on July 1. Implementation isn’t perfect (alternatives and enforcement still need work), but it’s a major step in one of the world’s plastic-pollution hotspots and a signal to manufacturers to accelerate better packaging.
4. Shanghai upgrades its plastic rules across food delivery and retail
Shanghai implemented a plastic ban that took effect September 1, tightening rules across food delivery services, restaurants, and supermarkets (with fines and consequences for noncompliance). Targeting plastic-lined containers and single-use accessories at this scale can help cut waste upstream, before it hits bins or waterways.
5. Glowing bacteria is helping spot microplastics in water
Researchers have found a way to bioengineer bacteria that glow fluorescent green when microplastics are present, offering a faster, inexpensive alternative to screen water and target cleanup efforts more effectively. Faster detection can lead to better protection for ecosystems and our drinking water.
6. Renewables globally beat coal for the first time
A new report found that in the first half of 2025, global electricity generation from renewables edged past coal — a symbolic and practical milestone driven largely by rapid solar and wind growth in China and India. Cleaner power means cleaner air and better health outcomes for millions.
7. Public support for protecting nature is strong
A new international survey shows strong public backing for the “30x30” goal to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, averaging 82% support across eight countries: Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. This public response matters: it emphasizes that citizens want their governments to act on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and human health.
Moving forward, together
Cleaner power. Safer water. Smarter policy. All of these environmental wins are wins for our health and future. One choice at a time, we can keep that progress going by reducing waste and our impact at home. Sometimes the most powerful changes are the ones that start right where we are.
