In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, All Nippon Airways is asking passengers to make sure to use the restroom before boarding.

The thought behind this unconventional request is that the slight difference in weight between a plane of passengers with empty bladders compared to one with full bladders will result in lower fuel usage. For the next month, this will be tested over 42 flights, with a predicted 5-ton-reduction in carbon emissions, according to The Daily Mirror, a UK tabloid.

If the trial is effective in fuel reduction and causes no ill will from passengers, it could be extended to other flights.

MALE, Maldives ­­— Members of the Maldives Parliament held a Cabinet meeting at the bottom of the ocean last month.

In efforts to promote awareness of global climate change, the ministers took scuba and diving lessons and prepared for the meeting by learning a series of underwater signals and signs for this first political meeting to take place under water, according to The Daily Mirror.

The most significant factor in the decision for such a creative and unconventional cabinet meeting is the fact that the Maldives is the lowest-lying nation on Earth: With its highest peaks just 7 feet above sea level, the Maldives are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels.

CHELYABINSK, Russia — Firefighters rescued a cow from the 13th floor of a building by leading it down the stairs.

After receiving multiple calls to report a heifer trapped in a building, emergency crews realized that the reports were not a hoax and dispatched the firefighters, according to Metro, a UK newspaper.

Though the cow was attempting to enter the elevator as the firefighters arrived, it was deemed safer for the farm animal to be led down the stairs rather than contain it in a small space.

BRAUNTON, Devon — A “legless” hedgehog was discovered rolling around an orchard of fermented apples.

The little animal, named Tipsy, was reported to be squealing loudly when animal rescuers came to bring it to the Prickly Ball Hedgehog Hospital near Newton Abbot, according to Metro, a UK newspaper.

After the binge on spoiling fruit, the incapacitated hedgehog suffered significant dehydration and a hangover, despite being treated with painkillers and antibiotics.

This is reportedly the first drunk hedgehog seen by the Prickly Ball Hedgehog Hospital.

Reach columnist Matthew Jackson at news@dailyuw.com.