Environment
February 4, 2022

France Bans Single-Use Plastic Wraps on Fruits and Vegetables in Grocery Stores

Single-use plastics are a major threat to our planet. Waste clogs landfills, where it will take hundreds of years to rot. The trash also washes into oceans, where it kills marine life. Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally every year, 91% is destined to pollute our Earth rather than be recycled. Like other countries in the European Union, France is aiming to mitigate these environmental harms.

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Embroidery
February 3, 2022

Embroidered Brooches Look Like Portraits of Real Birds

Nature-lovers know that there's an abundance of bird species in the world. While it may be hard to see many of these in person, artist Paulina Bartnik (aka Embirdery) immortalizes their portraits in exquisite embroidered brooches. She uses her meticulous stitching techniques to render the unique appearance of each feathered creature—from barn owls to hummingbirds. “I chose birds because of the beautiful colors, shapes, and texture of feathers,” Bartnik tells My Modern Met.

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Nature
February 2, 2022

Lightning Bolt Travels Across Three U.S. States and Sets a New World Record

Stretching nearly 770 kilometers (about 478.5 miles), a bolt of lightning that reached across three U.S. states has set a new world record. According to the World Meteorological Organization, this incredible megaflash beat the previous record by nearly 70 kilometers (43.5 miles). This extreme weather event is one of two record-setting incidents announced by the UN organization. The megaflash occurred on April 29, 2020 in an area of the United States known for powerful storms.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.