The Know Daily - Thursday 5 June 2025

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Cascais just made it easier to be a more eco-friendly traveller. The Portuguese town’s new tool, Cascais for Tomorrow, lets visitors measure their environmental impact then reduce it by supporting local projects. From forest restoration to protecting biodiversity, every contribution stays rooted in the region. It’s a quiet, thoughtful way to turn tourism into something regenerative. We love it 🫶

👩‍🔬 New tampon research released

A report by the Pesticide Action Network discovered there can be pesticides in the tampons bought from UK stores.

What did the study find?
Researchers in the UK recently tested 15 brands of tampons. In one, they found glyphosate – a pesticide often used in cotton farming. Another chemical, AMPA (a glyphosate by-product), was also found in several samples. These findings don’t necessarily prove tampons are toxic as they didn’t test for absorption or long-term effects, but it does raise a bigger question about transparency around the products we use.

Wait… aren’t these products regulated?
Yes and no. Tampons and pads are classified as medical devices in many countries, including the UK and US. But ingredient disclosure? Not legally required. That means brands don’t have to tell you what’s in their products – whether it’s cotton, polyester, fragrances, dyes, or, yep, pesticide residue. For a product that sits inside your body for hours at a time, that’s not ideal.

So, is it time to switch up the products I use?
This study only found high pesticide levels in one brand out of 15, and it’s not clear if these chemicals are absorbed through vaginal tissue. Still, it’s worth being thoughtful about what you’re using and what questions aren’t being asked. Some people are switching to organic tampons or reusable options like cups and period underwear. Others are pushing for more transparency, not just cleaner products. 

So what can I do?
🏷️ Check the label. Look for unscented, dye-free, or organic cotton products if possible. Daye, TOTM and Flo are all brilliant, toxin-free options.
♻️ Explore reusable products like cups and pads. If they work for you, they can cut down waste as well as cost.
👄 Talk about it with friends and experts. We’re in this together!

⛏️ Selling steel: President Trump’s 50% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium have come into effect across the globe this week, with the UK temporarily exempt.

• The bigger story: The move has drawn criticism from key trading partners who are requesting exemptions and preparing retaliatory measures. The UK has secured a temporary reprieve, with tariffs held at 25% under a provisional trade agreement. Trump argues the hike is necessary to revive US industry, but critics say it risks inflaming global trade tensions and impacting consumers.

☀️ Reaping renewables: The UK’s sunniest spring yet has generated a record amount of solar power and reduced gas imports, being a major boost for clean energy.

🇪🇺 Stable sanctuary: The European Union will extend the temporary protection granted to Ukrainian refugees until 2027.

🍴Supporting families: The government has announced that all pupils in England whose families claim universal credit will be eligible for free school meals.

☕️ Café capital: Businesses in Bradford are being offered grants to help pay for outdoor furniture and boost the café scene in the UK’s City of Culture.

🏝️ Fireside chats: ITV have revealed who will be entering the Love Island UK series 12 villa – meet the Islanders.

🌊 Wonderful waterways: The best paddle-boarding routes in London have been revealed. Anyone up for a WFH lunch break on the Thames?

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Trivia answer: A) Espresso earned 1.6bn streams and became the most-streamed song of 2024 on Spotify – and fans are predicting Sabrina’s newly announced single could bag the top spot again this year.

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