Whale Language, Seaweed Farming, Clothing Recycling: Initiatives and Solutions Inspiring Action and Change - 26th Issue

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping scientists better understand how sperm whales communicate with each other. These highly sociable marine mammals produce a series of rapid clicks; NPR’s Lauren Sommer describes the clicks as a combination of “Morse code and popcorn popping.”

But what do they mean? By recording those vocalizations and analyzing their patterns, researchers have discovered what they’re labeling as a “sperm whale phonetic alphabet.” In a paper published by the journal Nature Communications, the researchers detailed how they used advanced computer algorithms to detect patterns in the clicks. The repetitive patterns—“codas”—seem to be distinct in the same way syllables and words are for us humans.

By attempting to decode the building blocks of whale language, these researchers hope to gain stronger insights into the behaviors of sperm whales and the ongoing threats they face, which could be key to helping protect them.

The Australian SailGP Team has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to raise awareness about plastic pollution and the devastating effects it has on the oceans and their delicate ecosystems. Their interactive community hub invites people to learn about the global plastic crisis and all the ways they can get involved to help keep more plastic away from the shores and out of the water.

SailGP’s website published a news article regarding the initiative; in it, Parley for the Oceans CEO Cyrill Gutsch says:

"Sailors know the seas - and they know the impacts of plastics and climate change are real. Who better to push for the transformation away from fossil fuels than problem-solvers who are already at the helm and collaborating with the elements?”

It’s becoming increasingly easier for consumers to recycle their clothing should they prefer not to donate it. Recycling is ideal for clothing that will most likely get thrown away by the employees working at donation centers (think socks that have lost their “solemates,” or shirts with holes or stains).

Organic clothing company MATE the Label and sock and apparel brand Bombas incentivize customers to purchase a Take Back Bag through their partnership with Trashie. Trashie’s Take Back Bag makes it possible for consumers to fill their bags with any and all types of unwanted clothes, including shirts, pants, shoes, underwear, bras, socks, sheets, towels, and handbags.

The clothing can be from any brand and in any condition; the only stipulation is that everything should be washed. The bag comes with a pre-paid shipping label and once it’s registered and then shipped via USPS, consumers can enjoy the feeling of knowing that their unwanted textiles won’t end up in a landfill. Plus, they can earn rewards through Trashie or receive a shopping credit from the company from which they purchased the bag.

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument—both located in California—will both be expanded in a move that puts President Biden on track to conserve more lands and waters than any President in history, according to The White House. These important expansions add protections to nearly 120,000 acres of land. Vice President Kamala Harris stated:

“These expansions will increase access to nature, boost our outdoor economy, and honor areas of significance to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples as we continue to safeguard our public lands for all Americans and for generations to come.”