Here’s a roundup of some of the stories that have captured Life & Soul Magazine’s attention this week:

1. The fungus and bacteria tackling plastic waste – Bio-manufacturing firm, Biohm is now working to develop a strain of fungus to make it an even more efficient digester that could potentially help get rid of plastic waste, BBC reports.

2. London police reveal big cat reports since 2015 – The police revealed that there has been 37 reports during that timeframe. One wildlife expert recently estimated there could be as many as 500 big cats roaming about the UK – possibly around 250 black leopards and 250 pumas in rural areas of the UK, according to Wandsworth Guardian.

3. 13 stunning images from the Galapagos Conservation Trust’s 2021 photo contest – From marine iguanas to lava formations, photographers capture life in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, writes The National News.

4. Why Shirakawa Village Is Considered One of the World’s ‘Top 100 Sustainable Destinations’ – Japan’s idyllic Shirakawa Village has worked to mitigate overtourism and preserve the integrity of the local traditions and landscape by limiting visitors to those who respect the town’s heritage and embrace the spirit of mutual assistance that drives the local culture, Sustainable Business writes. 

5. Is it possible to buy sustainable prawns? – Prawns, or shrimp, have come in for a lot of criticism in recent years for their environmental impact. Which? investigates whether there are any sustainable options.

6. This 24-hour wildlife watch is funding a hospital for Europe’s otters – Otter expert Ross Lawford has undertaken a 24-hour otter-watch along the rivers of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. So far it has raised more than €850 to help protect them, Euronews reports.

7. “Camino del Mayab” a community tourism project in Yucatán – Camino del Mayab is the first long-distance trail in Mexico. A community tourism project, where through its 111 kilometers (69 miles), connecting 14 communities in Yucatan, people can create a special bond with natural beauties, observe the low forest, its fauna, live with inhabitants of the towns, enjoy the rich gastronomy in the same houses of the locals, and learn more about the natural treasures found within the region, The Yucatan Times reports.

Image: Shirakawa Village, Japan 

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.