Take a look through some of the more uplifting changes that have taken place each month in 2025, both in Bristol and internationally. Many of these are annual events, so keep an eye out for them in the New Year!

JANUARY - Thailand banned imports of plastic waste

In January, Thailand banned the import of plastic waste from other countries. After China put the same ban in place in 2018, Thailand received even more waste from countries including the UK, the US, other European countries and Japan, with these countries taking an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach. Thailand would get paid to import these countries' waste and recycle it; however, it often ended up being burned instead. This ban is a step in the right direction against waste colonialism, forcing countries including the UK to take more responsibility for their waste.

FEBRUARY - National Climate Change Conference 2025, UK

The National Climate Change Conference is held by the Government to discuss their latest environmental policies. The event was held online, and discussed topics including how to decarbonise homes and engage both businesses and residents. Another topic that was discussed was reducing our carbon footprint by assessing areas on a local basis, so that a bespoke approach can be taken.

MARCH - New Separation of Waste Regulations in England & Bristol City Council Climate Investment Target reached

A couple of exciting things for March!

Firstly, new laws for the separation of waste have been brought in; previously, it was only recommended that businesses separated out recyclable waste for collection. As of 31st March this year, businesses of all kinds are legally required to do this. Waste collection will also be standardised across the UK, with the aim of reducing confusion and contamination of recycling. This law is due to be extended to households as well on 31st March 2026.

In local news, Bristol City Council reached its £2M climate investment target early in March! The money will be used to provide renewable energy to council-owned buildings.

APRIL - Earth Day 2025

Earth Day, which is designed to raise awareness around protecting the planet, takes place every year on April 22nd, and celebrated its 55th year in 2025. This years theme was 'Our power, our planet', and placed emphasis on renewable energy. The organisers encouraged people to sign petitions and organise protests, to try and reach their aim of tripling renewable energy generation worldwide by 2030.

MAY - International Biodiversity Day

International Biodiversity Day took place on May 22nd. The 2025 theme was 'Harmony with nature and sustainability development'. The aim this year was to link our next steps to improve biodiversity with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

SDGS: 17 global sustainability development goals - see diagram

KMGBF - 23 global sustainability targets to reach before 2030; you can read these here: 2030 Targets (with Guidance Notes)

JUNE - Ban of disposable vapes in the UK

From the 1st June, the sale of disposable vapes, both in shops and online, was banned in the UK, regardless of whether the vape contains nicotine or not. If a business is found to be selling them repeatedly, they could land a two-year prison sentence. They must also have a 'take back' service in place for customers to recycle vape parts. For a vape to be classed as reusable, it must have a rechargeable battery and refillable container for the vape liquid. In 2024, 5 million vapes were thrown away each week in the UK, and so this law is a really positive step in reducing the UK's waste.

JULY - Bristol Heat Network reaches equivalent of 11500 homes

The Bristol Heat Network is a new network of underground pipes that supply low-carbon and affordable energy to buildings in Bristol. It works by distributing energy from industry, for example, rather than each building having its own heating source. This is part of Bristol's aim to try and reach carbon neutrality by 2030. By July, Bristol Heat Newtwork was supplying the equivalent of 11500 homes across the city, with 5 more buildings due to be connected.Click here to view an interactive map of the Bristol Heat Network: Bristol heat network - Vattenfall Heat UK

AUGUST - National Allotments Week, UK

National Allotments Week took place from 11-17 August, with this year's theme being 'Allotments and Wellbeing'. During the week, the survey results from allotment holders across the UK were revealed, and member and public events took place, including a webinar discussing the science behind gardening and wellbeing. Allotments play a siginificant role in creating a healthy urban environment - they reduce the need for plastic packaging, and provide an environment for urban wildlife; the Great British Bee Count, 2014, found that allotments were the most common habitat of bees in the city.

SEPTEMBER - Climate Week NYC 2025

Climate Week NYC hosted over 1000s events across the city, centred around sustainability discussions. This year was the biggest Climate NYC yet, with a focus on what can be achieved not as an individual, but through collective action. Click here to read the 2025 report: The 2025 report | Climate Week

OCTOBER - Blue Earth Summit 2025

Given the rapid acceleration of climate change, discussions around our environment can sometimes be a bit downbeat. Blue Earth Summit is an event based in London which focuses on environmental discussions framed in a positive light. 2025's speakers included Chris Packham, advocating for animal rights. You can view all 2025 speakers and find out more about the event here: Blue Earth Summit

NOVEMBER - COP30

COP30 took place in November; you can read all about it here:  COP30 - What you need to know

Although the outcomes of the conference have been considered not particularly conclusive, there were some positive changes that came out of the conference, such as the goal to triple the amount of money pledged to help developing countries become more sustainable.

DECEMBER - Locals Deadline for Quantock Hills Input

The Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership has put together a plan for how to manage the area over the next five years. The Quantock Hills was the first part of England to be recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956, and so it is vital that it is well-managed. The current proposal includes the goals of ensuring that the landscape is resilient enough to adapt to climate change, and that forestry and farming in the area is sustainable. Locals have been asked for their input, and have until New Year's Eve to comment on it. If you would like to fill in the online feedback form, follow this link to their management plan page: Management Plan 2026-2031 (All) | Quantock Hills