Due to the bad news that often dominates NU.nl, the good news can be snowed under. That is why we list positive and cheerful messages. This week: Thousands of people went out to pick up rubbish last weekend, scientists find a way to break down ‘eternal’ chemicals and a 90-year-old turtle has become a father for the first time.
Thousands of volunteers pick up rubbish
About 50,000 volunteers took part in the 21st edition of the National Cleanup Day on Saturday. They have cleaned up as much litter as possible in thousands of places across the country.
This also happened along the banks of the Maas, where the Maas Cleanup was organized. About ten thousand people participated in this initiative. Together they cleaned up about 200,000 kilos of waste. At the National Cleanup Day, participants picked up approximately one garbage bag per person, according to the organization.
Found a way to break down ‘eternal’ chemical substances
Canadian scientists have found a new way to break down polluting chemicals. With the new method, even so-called eternal chemical substances (also known as PFAS) can be broken down.
“This is very good news. Now we can tackle those hard-to-degrade substances and break them down for good,” researcher Madjid Mohseni said to The Guardian.
Eating and drinking breaks in Eredivisie and KKD for the first time due to Ramadan
The KNVB will allow eating and drinking breaks in professional football from the next round of play. This is done with a view to players participating in Ramadan.
It is the first time that the Dutch football association takes this into account. Referees will briefly suspend football matches in the Eredivisie and Kitchen Champion Division at the first available time after sunset. Then Muslims participating in Ramadan are allowed to eat and drink.
Even more news to make you happy
There was even more good news this week. Among other things, these messages, with big or small news, gave us a smile at the editor:
- Ninety-year-old turtle Mr. Pickles becomes a father for the first time. mr. Pickles is a ray tortoise living in a zoo in the United States. Radiated tortoises are known for having few offspring. Partly because of this, the animal is on the list of critically endangered species.
- During the renovation of a kitchen in the British city of York, two ancient murals were discovered. According to the British Department of Historical Heritage, the painting dates from 1660 or even older.
- From 2024, children may bear both the father’s and the mother’s surname. It will also be possible for children to bear the surname of both parents. In which order that happens, future parents can decide for themselves.
- Thanks to a new DNA technique, researchers have been able to identify a dead person from World War II after 79 years. The new technique is made possible by special chemicals. The person’s identity has not been disclosed at the request of the family. The man is buried in the Loenen National Ereveld.
- It will become easier for Caribbean students to study in the Netherlands. When applying for student finance, they will immediately receive a BSN in the future. This makes it easier, for example, to open a bank account. The Council of Ministers approved the plan on Friday, which is now being worked on.
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