This morning we unveil a sculpture made of plastic waste, investigate the government's new proposals for mobile connectivity and find out why insects can be a better food for your pets than steak.
Plastic-waste seal raises coastal pollution awareness
Essex artist Sue Lynas used plastic debris collected at Walton-on-the-Naze beach to create a sculpture of a seal and her pup.
Here she is! Our beautiful seal sculpture is now on display at The Naze Centre for you to visit… plus she has a pup!? Watch this space for more info on how our seal is going to be raising awareness for coastal pollution in Essex #BigSealReveal #EssexMarineMonth pic.twitter.com/kI6O0gdnUc
— Essex Wildlife Trust (@EssexWildlife) August 24, 2019
Commissioned by the Essex Wildlife Trust, the plastic-waste seal draws attention on the impact that waste has on marine life.
Rural areas will spearhead 5G revolution
In a bid to bridge the technology divide between town and country, the Government has launched a £30-million competition allowing ten pilot rural communities to pioneer use of 5G applications.
Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan has also put forward proposals to relax planning rules for mobile phone masts in the countryside to help extend coverage.
Princes’ charity split becomes official
Following an announcement, earlier this year that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would leave the Royal Foundation to set up their own charity, the change has become formal this week.
Here is the document filed with Companies House officially changing the title of the Royal Foundation to:
The Royal Foundation of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge
This is the foundation's 3rd name change. https://t.co/9up59g2bqF pic.twitter.com/dIau3tTOGk
— Gert's Royals (@Gertsroyals) August 27, 2019
According to documents filed at Companies House, the charity originally set up by Prince William and Prince Harry, and later joined by their respective wives, has been officially rechristened, dropping the Sussexes’ names from its the title. It will now be called The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
On this day…
On August 28, 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act received Royal Assent, marking the end of slavery across the British Empire (albeit with the exception of East India Company territories, which had to wait another ten years).
Today is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade. From our collections, the 1833 #Slavery Abolition Act that passed on August 28th that year. #TowerEquality pic.twitter.com/qLMOiZlEGT
— Parliament Archives (@UKParlArchives) August 23, 2019
Pacific pink salmon could invade Britain
The Environment Agency is asking anglers to report sightings of Pacific pink salmon, a rare but invasive species that could endanger Britain’s wild Atlantic salmon.
The Pacific pink was spotted in Britain 2017, when it successfully spawned in Scotland, and, because it has a two-year life cycle, the fish could appear again in the next few weeks.
And finally…
Insects could be a better food for pets than steak, according to the British Veterinary Association.
Insect-based food 'better for pets than top steak' – BBC News https://t.co/Cpk74TusYt https://t.co/GA5oXyiqcm pic.twitter.com/BJeXJzMmWG
— Manfred Rosenberg (@4PawShop) August 27, 2019
High in protein and low on carbon emission, creepy-crawlies can form the backbone of a balanced pet diet that’s also eco-friendly…or in other words, slimy, yet satisfying.

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Why the black soldier fly could save the planet
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