Latest news with #Aquitaine
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
From Closet To Bloodstream: The Silent Microplastics Crisis In Fashion
Clothing shopping Every time we wash our clothes, an invisible crisis unfolds. According to Eco Standard, polyester, acrylics, nylon and polypropylene are synthetic fibers and make up 70% of the fiber market. As a result of this composition, 35% of all primary microplastics in the ocean come from the aforementioned synthetic textiles. Moreover, these plastic threads less than 5 millimeters long, are released in billions with every laundry cycle. The scale is staggering. A research published in Science Direct indicated that an average can release up to 700,000 microfibers. A recent 2022 Environmental Technology and Innovation research indicated that Wastewater plants capture only about 65% of these fibers leaving a significant amount to flow into rivers and oceans. TOPSHOT - French scientist and member of the association "4P Shore & Seas" Edgar Dusacre shows ... More microplastic waste collected on the Aquitaine coast on the beach of Contis, southwestern France, on August 17, 2020. - (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH / AFP) (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images) This invisible pollution doesn't stop at marine ecosystems. According to a University of New Castle research, humans consume an estimated 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is equivalent to the weight of a credit card. In 2022, research in Environmental International found microplastics in 77% of human blood samples. Microplastics have also been found in lung tissue and human placentas, raising concerns about toxicity and chronic inflammation. Certain plastic additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), often present in synthetic fibers, are known endocrine disruptors linked to infertility and cancers according to the National Library of Medicine. Globally, the fashion industry is heavily reliant on synthetics and found in over 70% of clothing produced today uses fossil-fuel-derived fibers, with polyester alone accounting for about 52% of total fiber production. Moreover, the demand for synthetic fibers is expected to grow to 93 billion USD by 2030 up from 63.93 billion USD in 2022 according to Statista. The microplastic crisis is woven into the very fabric of modern fashion. With synthetic fibers dominating the market and billions of microfibers escaping into waterways and human bodies, the environmental and health risks are undeniable. As consumers, small shifts such as choosing natural fibers, washing more carefully, capturing waste, and investing in better-quality clothing can collectively drive meaningful change. Addressing the invisible waste from our wardrobes is no longer optional; it is essential for protecting both the planet and public health.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Huge hailstones hit parts southern France
Severe thunderstorms with large hail hit parts of south-west France on Monday - the French weather service - had issued amber weather warnings in the Midi-Pyrenees and Aquitaine regions for thunderstorms and flash the south of Toulouse, residents captured video of impressive hailstorms which ripped off tree branches and damaged of the large hail was reported to be the size of ping-pong area of thunderstorms, producing approximately 13,000 lighting strokes in south-west France, also gave some significant rainfall weather station in the town of Montauban, about 50km (31 miles) to the north of Toulouse recorded 83.5mm (3.3in) of rain in 24 hours up to 08:00 local time on 30mm - just over an inch - of that fell between 19:00 and 20:00 local put this into some context, the average rainfall for the whole of May here is around 43mm (1.7in).The heavy showers and thunderstorms moved east overnight with an amber warning in place for the Var region into Tuesday morning for a risk of some flash flooding.
Boston Globe
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Where to eat outside in Boston
Alcove Visit Alcove's waterfront patio for prime access to T.D. Garden; an updated small plates menu (grilled octopus, swordfish skewers); and aperol spritz pitchers. Patio is open now. 50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-248-0050, Aquitaine South End restaurants come and go, but not Aquitaine, thanks in large part to their cozy outdoor set-up: Enjoy rosé, steak frites, and street scenes on their patio. 569 Tremont St., Boston, 617-424-8577, Advertisement Atlantic Fish Co. A seafood standby after strolling Newbury Street: Dine outdoors beginning Thursday, May 1, at brunch, lunch, and dinner. Added bonus: a kids' menu. 761 Boylston St., Boston, 617-267-4000, The patio at Atlantic Fish Co. Handout Back Bay Social There's something for everyone at this Back Bay gathering spot, including a patio that opens at 8 a.m. on Marathon Monday. 867 Boylston St., Boston, 617-247-3200, Baleia This South End Portuguese hotspot debuts its patio for the first time on Monday, April 28. Snack on octopus carpaccio and grilled sardines. 264 East Berkeley St., Boston, 617-505-3243, Banyan Bar + Refuge One of the most soothing, shady patios in the South End, this sanctuary spot for bao buns and poke bowls traditionally opens their patio on Thursday, May 1. 553 Tremont St., Boston, 617-556-4211, Advertisement Baramor A dog-friendly, 150-seat patio, live music on Tuesdays, and Hawaiian cocktail flights? This Newton hangout has it all. 45 Union St., Newton, 617-202-6718, Bar Enza's patio. Handout Bar Enza This year-round heated escape at the Charles Hotel serves Italian standards from 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-5050, The Barking Crab You know it's springtime in Boston when the Barking Crab unveils its patio: It's now open daily at noon, with first-come, first-served seating. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, 617-426-2722, Bar Vlaha Try feta pie, snails in red wine, and other northern Greek specialties on a verdant 22-seat patio, open now (with an early 10 a.m. opening on Marathon Monday). 1653 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-906-8556, The Beehive Enjoy live music and South End style on a 100-seat patio that opens at the beginning of May; reservations are encouraged. 541 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-0069, Cosmica The South End's Cosmica, outside The Revolution Hotel, serves California-Mexican cuisine on a 120-seat patio starting in May. 40 Berkeley St., Boston, 617-313-7878, Deck 12 at Yotel Relax on the rooftop high above the Seaport; just be sure to make reservations. Feeling amorous? They even offer an al fresco proposal package, complete with rose petals, bespoke music, and a 'marry me' sign. 65 Seaport Blvd., 617-377-4747, Eastern Standard Garrett Harker's Kenmore Square classic, now a few blocks down the road from its original location, has it all — including a friendly patio. 775 Beacon St., Boston, 617-530-1590, Glass House A quick jaunt from Kendall Square, Glass House offers an outdoor bar and patio, with a firepit and comfy Adirondack chairs. 450 Kendall St., Cambridge, 617-945-9450, Advertisement Gufo Twinkling lights, a bocce court, and delicately charred pizza—what more could you ask for on a balmy spring eve? 660 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-945-9734, The patio at Harvest. Handout Harvest It's been a scene-y staple in the Square for 50 years. Get a lobster roll on the partially covered patio, which also offers a fireplace when the weather gets crisp. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255, The Koji Club Sip sake on this cheeky patio at the Charles River Speedway beneath a glittering disco ball. 525 Western Ave., Legal Harborside's The Overlook A four-season rooftop bar with retractable glass walls offers 180-degree views of Boston Harbor, paired with an updated Legal Sea Foods menu that includes sushi. 270 Northern Ave., Boston, 617-477-2900, The Lexington Chef Will Gilson's rooftop patio opens for cocktails and dinner on Tuesday, April 15, overlooking Cambridge Crossing. 219 Jacobs St., Cambridge, 617-945-1349, The patio at the Lexington. Handout Lolita Fort Point This glitzy Mexican cavern unveils their patio now — with a weekend-long Cinco de Mayo party happening next month with DJs and potent margaritas. 253 Summer St., Boston, 617-369-0931, Lovestruck Books Fresh air and a good book in Harvard Square: What could be nicer? Their patio opens on Saturday, April 26, with wine and coffee from George Howell. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-286-2346, Lucia Parms, calamari, a mammoth lasagne: The North End stalwart launches patio-and-umbrella season on Thursday, May 1, with all of your favorites. 415 Hanover St., Boston, 617-367-2353, Advertisement LUCIE Drink + Dine The Colonnade's in-house restaurant has a year-round, 40-seat patio, within easy walking distance of the Pru. 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-425-3400, Mare Oyster Bar Fire pits, couches, a skyline view, and a crudo bar, a tiny bit removed from the North End fray: What's not to like? Visit for dinner nightly; the patio is open now. 3 Mechanic St., Boston, 617-723-6273, Matria at InterContinental Boston A prime meeting place between the Financial District and the Seaport: There's a 90-seat terrace and a Northern Italian steakhouse menu, plus fire pits, with Fort Point Channel views, open daily until 10 p.m. 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston, 617-217-5151, Matria's terrace is conveniently tucked between downtown and the Seaport. Handout Midnight Morning A family-friendly urban oasis in Roslindale: Sip al fresco espresso in the morning or enjoy cocktails by night, along with a global menu (and a kids' version). 14 Birch St., Roslindale, 617-390-5830, Monteverdi Nightlife king Seth Greenberg's perch overlooking the Charles River at the Royal Sonesta has an outdoor bar and skyline views, and it's open now. 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-806-4100, Nautilus Pier 4 Oysters, fried fish sandwiches, roast duck to serve a crowd—it's party time at this Seaport destination, which has a waterfront patio open for lunch and dinner. 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, 857-957-0998, Nautilus in the Seaport's scenic patio. Handout Ned Devine's A crowd-pleaser in Faneuil Hall, complete with outdoor TVs; the patio is open now. 1 North Market St., Boston, 617-248-8800, Porto Jody Adams's coastal Italian spot at the Pru opens their covered, lush garden patio on Tuesday, May 13, with seats for 100 people, plus an outdoor bar. Ring Road, Boston, 617-536-1234, Advertisement Puritan & Company Chef Will Gilson's cozy Puritan & Company has a conveniently covered patio, launching on Tuesday, April 15. Visit Monday through Saturday for dinner. 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-615-6195, Saltie Girl Seafood towers, champagne, tinned fish, and good vibes: Saltie Girl's got it all, plus a sunken patio ideal for Back Bay people-watching, overlooking Newbury Street, opening on Tuesday, April 15. Visit for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 279 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-267-0691, The Salty Pig Straddling the Back Bay and the South End, this first-come, first-serve patio is open now for lunch and dinner, serving plentiful porcine delights: charcuterie, pate, sausage pizza. 130 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-536-6200, Season to Taste This Cambridge gem enjoys larger digs and a longer menu since moving from North Cambridge to just outside Harvard Square. Visit their 16-seat patio for smoked trout toast and cheddar-thyme biscuits. 1678 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-826-9037, Source Relax on a 32-seat patio, open now, and feast on Neapolitan pizza — or swing by for their family-style, $36 Sunday supper. 27 Church St, Cambridge, 857-856-6800, The patio at Stephanie's. Handout Stephanie's on Newbury A Back Bay icon for three decades: Stephanie's opens their patio on Tuesday, April 15, for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 190 Newbury St., Boston, 617-236-0990, Stratus at View Boston Perched atop the Prudential Center observation deck's 51st floor, there's a 360-degree open air roof deck with jaw-dropping views and an approachable pub menu. 800 Boylston St., The Tip Tap Room Chef Brian Poe's convivial monument to meat opens their Beacon Hill patio on Thursday, May 1. 138 Cambridge St., Boston, 857-350-3344, Advertisement Trattoria Il Panino. Handout Trattoria Il Panino This North End classic has a fully covered patio, so it's a safe choice even when it rains. Get the homemade rigatoni. 280 Hanover St., 617-720-1336, Urban Hearth Starting in May, Urban Hearth reopens its patio and outdoor bar, with room for 26 people (make a reservation). Chef Erin Miller is fresh off a 2263 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-682-7295, Kara Baskin can be reached at
