This week in sustainability news: Mexico’s legislature has approved a new General Circular Economy Law establishing a binding framework to reduce waste, extend product lifecycles and move the country away from a linear consumption model. In the United States, Democratic lawmakers have reintroduced legislation proposing a carbon border adjustment aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive industries. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has filed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed beach club development in Cozumel, detailing potentially severe impacts on mangroves, native vegetation and wildlife habitats.
More news below:
Mexico Approves Circular Economy Law to Cut Waste
Mexico’s legislature has approved a new General Circular Economy Law that establishes a binding framework to reduce waste, extend product lifecycles and shift the country away from a linear consumption model. A central component of the reform is the introduction of extended producer responsibility, which will require companies to ensure their products are properly recycled, and where possible reused. The law also creates a national economic development system aimed at lowering environmental impacts and mandates the establishment of a National Circular Economy Program to guide public policy at the federal, state and municipal levels.
US Democrats Propose Carbon Border Tax to Boost Manufacturing
Democratic lawmakers in the United States have reintroduced the Clean Competition Act (CCA), a bill proposing a US carbon border adjustment mechanism to boost domestic manufacturing competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive industries. The CCA would impose a carbon intensity charge on imported and domestically produced goods from high-emission sectors, including steel, aluminum, cement, iron, fertilizers, hydrogen, fossil fuels, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, glass, pulp and paper, ethanol, and adipic acid. Coverage would expand to more complex downstream goods starting in 2028.
Royal Caribbean EIS Flags Severe Environmental Damage in Cozumel
Royal Caribbean has filed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed beach club development in Cozumel, outlining severe environmental impacts to mangroves, native vegetation and wildlife habitats on the island. According to the document submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the 17 hectare Royal Beach Club Cozumel would generate severe environmental impacts in six of the 15 elements evaluated across the preparation, construction, and operational phases. These impacts include reduced vegetation cover, damage to mangrove specimens, loss of native plant species, and a reduction in wildlife habitat. The project would also require the clearing of an estimated 1.7 hectares of vegetation.
Mexico Leads Latin America in Vegan Restaurants in 2025
Mexico ranks as Latin America’s leading country for fully vegan restaurants in 2025, with 512 dedicated establishments, according to new data from Veganuary and HappyCow. Mexico also placed second overall in total venues offering vegan options, with 3,224 locations, behind Brazil at 4,259 and ahead of Argentina with 1,402. Chile and Colombia rounded out the top five. While Brazil leads the region in overall vegan offerings, Mexico stands out for having the highest number of fully vegan restaurants, followed by Brazil and Colombia.