10 Rules We Never Thought Could Exist in Other Countries

As someone living in a time when information travels faster than ever, I’m constantly bombarded with news from all over the world. It’s very easy to get discouraged by this flood of information, but sometimes I come across some welcome news, like, for example, new laws aimed at positive changes from all around the world that I often wish my country would adopt.

1. A recent Portuguese law makes it illegal for bosses to contact employees after work hours.

In order to improve work-life balance, Portugal introduced a new law in 2021 that makes it illegal for bosses to contact employees after work hours. Unless there’s an emergency, employers cannot text, send emails to, or call their employees about work matters.

2. In Norway, influencers have to admit if they edited a photo.

This law is aimed at combatting body image issues that might arise from picture-perfect, retouched photos that most influencers post on social media. The Norwegian law requires influencers to use a tag in order to warn their followers if they edited a photo.

3. In Basel, Switzerland, all new buildings must have green roofs.

The adoption of this law makes Basel the first city in the world to make green roofs mandatory on newly built buildings. And recently, renovated buildings have been included in this too. Adding greenery to the city’s flat roofs helps combat smog and pollution.

4. 2 trees are planted for every new addition to the family in Wales.

This Welsh Government initiative celebrates the birth of each child by planting 2 trees, one in Wales and the other in a deforested area of Uganda. What’s even better is adopted children are included in the initiative as well.

5. Spain banned single-use plastic wrap for fruits or vegetables in 2023.

This law came into effect in Spain in 2023. It encourages consumers to use their own reusable containers and bags when buying fruit and vegetables in stores or at farmer’s markets.

6. It’s illegal to own just one guinea pig in Switzerland.

Guinea pigs are social animals, so they can get bored and lonely very easily on their own. That’s why in Switzerland, you aren’t allowed to adopt just one of these animals. There’s even a service that provides a new partner for a lonely guinea pig if their previous mate passes away.

7. In California, there’s a law that requires grocery stores to donate all edible food waste.

This law just came into effect at the beginning of 2022. Food retailers are now obliged to donate all edible food waste to people in need. Moreover, California is planning to extend the law to restaurants and hotels in the future too.

8. South Africa will ban the breeding of lions in captivity.

This is a huge step forward for lions, as in South Africa, there are currently more lions in captivity than out in the wild. They will no longer be bred for hunting or so that tourists can pet them.

9. France banned short domestic flights in favor of greener ways of transportation.

This law only applies to really short flights, where the same route can be made with a train under 2 and a half hours. Trains are often cheaper, and they pollute a lot less than airplanes, so the ban will support ecotourism.

10. In some US states, leaving your dog outside in cold weather is illegal.

In 2020, Pennsylvania adopted a law that makes it illegal for dog owners to leave their pets out in very cold or very warm weather for more than 30 minutes. Some other US states, like Texas, have similar laws aimed at protecting our furry friends.

Which of these laws do you think could bring about the most positive change? Are there any other cool laws that you wish your country had too?