Plastic pollution has now become one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The rapid rise in production of disposable plastic products has overwhelmed the ability to deal with them. Although, now in an attempt to control plastic pollution, the US is planning to form coalition of countries to drive negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty.

WION Climate Tracker: US seeks to form coalition of countries to control plastic pollution

Poorly managed plastic waste is threatening the marine ecosystem and economy of the Maldives. A Maldivian youth is hoping to lead a campaign against single-use plastic bottles and packets which are ending up on shores of the beautiful beaches from parts of the world.

WION Climate Tracker: Maldivian youth to lead cleaning campaign as plastic is polluting beaches

The Ivory coast known for its beach, resorts, rainforests and a French colonial legacy the vast Ebrie lagoon. It is famously known as pearl of lagoons. Well, what was once a jewel of West Africa is now visibly sick and sorry sight.

WION Climate Tracker: Lagoon in Ivory Coast is choked by plastic pollution

In June 2021, during a European Championships press conference, soccer player and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo removed two Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him. He then picked up a water bottle and showed it to people, indicating the negative health impact of carbonated drinks and that it is better to have normal water.

The video became an instant hit on social media and, as per reports, the market valuation of Coca-Cola, which was the sponsor of the event, went down by $4 billion immediately as a consequence of this gesture.

You might ask, how is this related to the title of this article? Let me give you a couple of reasons. First, Coca-Cola is the world's biggest plastic polluter, and second, the idea of drinking water from single-use plastic bottles is not very environmentally tenable.

While a lot of us understand that drinking aerated drinks is not very health-friendly, not many of us know that the major manufacturers of these beverages are the world's biggest polluters. According to a survey conducted by Break Free From Plastic in 2021, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are the world’s top plastic polluters for the 4th consecutive year.&nbsp;

Single-use plastic items, including the bottles used for beverages, are found everywhere, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. It is not that the plastic remains there harmlessly. As it breaks down, the traces of microplastics percolate in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat, and consequently enter our bodies and organs, including our lungs, spleen, kidneys, and blood.

This ubiquitous material poses a serious threat to humanity and all its species, and therefore needs replacement, and we need to act fast.

In line with this thought, from July 1st 2022, many single-use plastic items and disposable plastic products were banned by the Indian Government. Even though single-use plastic bottles are not included as part of the banned items, the list is a substantial start. There are many items that Indian consumers use on a regular, if not daily, basis.

If we look closely, all the items that are part of the banned list have existing alternatives that are feasible and also better for the environment. Let us go through this list and see the alternatives.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Earbuds with Plastic Sticks: Earbuds with wooden sticks and paper or recycled paper sticks</li>
	<li>Balloons with plastic sticks for balloons: Balloons with sticks made from paper or recycled paper</li>
	<li>Plastic Flags: Flags made with paper or sustainable fabrics.</li>
	<li>Candy Sticks and Ice-cream Sticks: Sticks made with wood</li>
	<li>Decorate with jute, cloth, paper, or recycled paper.</li>
	<li>Plastic plates and trays: Plates made with siali leaves, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, areca palm, wheat bran</li>
	<li>Cups and glasses made of clay, bamboo, and plants such as corn, sugarcane, and yam</li>
	<li>Cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, and stirrers: Cuttlery made with birchwood</li>
	<li>Plastic straws: straws made with paper, grass</li>
	<li>wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes. Wrapping with paper or recycled paper</li>
	<li>Invitation cards: Cards made with paper or recycled paper</li>
	<li>cigarette packets: biodegradable plastic cigarette packets</li>
	<li>Plastic or PVC banners with a thickness of less than 100 microns:Banners made of wood or fabric</li>
</ul>

Skeptics might argue that the replacement options are expensive compared to the plastic ones. For example, a biodegradable Arcea palm plate will cost Rs. 25, or a plate made with sugarcane bagasse will cost Rs. 12, compared to Rs. 4 for a disposable plastic plate. Similarly, paper straws are five times more costly than plastic straws.

Indeed, there are cases where the biodegradable options are expensive, and the main reasons for high prices are limited demand and the nascent domestic industry for these plastic substitutes. Many plastic substitute items are imported from other countries.

With the ban in place, the alternatives will generate better demand, which will lead to economies of scale, technological upgrades, localization, competition, and a subsequent reduction in prices.&nbsp;

Future alternatives to plastics

As we see, paper, wood, agricultural waste, food crops, and many plants have emerged as substitutes for many single-use plastic items. However, we need more clean alternatives. Firstly, growing trees and food crops for packaging is not very sustainable given the land constraints, and secondly, there are a plethora of disposable plastic items still requiring a solution-plastic packets for dairy and FMCG food products, plastic bottles used for liquids, food delivery containers, plastic wrappers and polystyrene (thermocol) used in white goods, plastic covers used by e-commerce companies, to name a few.&nbsp;

Fortunately, efforts are already underway

Seaweed is a species of marine plant or algae that is extensively found in our oceans. With the advent of material science, plastic made with seaweed has emerged as a breakthrough alternative in the fight against plastic pollution. Many biotech&nbsp;startups have leveraged the properties of seaweed to create compostable, marine-safe, low-carbon bioplastic packaging. Compared to food crops, seaweed cultivation doesn’t need fresh water, arable land, or fertilisers to grow, and therefore, if this marine plant can be harvested sustainably, it has the potential to provide many benefits to humanity.

Another alternative that is being tried is oxo-biodegradable plastics. Oxo plastic is made using a bioadditive, which is added to the final plastic compound. The additive helps in the degradation of the plastic in the presence of sunlight and oxygen, eventually turning it into wax, which mixes with the soil in about a year.

These technologies are still in the early stages of development, but if given the right support and incentives, they carry a huge potential to replace many types of traditional plastic.

India, by banning some single-use plastic items, has taken a lead in curbing plastic pollution, but the country would need a long-term plastic management strategy that suits its economy, budget, resources, and societal needs.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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In June 2021, during a European Championships press conference, soccer player and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo removed two Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him.

In June 2021, during a European Championships press conference, soccer player and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo removed two Coca-Cola bottles placed in front of him. He then picked up a water bottle and showed it to people, indicating the negative health impact of carbonated drinks and that it is better to have normal water. The video became an instant hit on social media and, as per reports, the market valuation of Coca-Cola, which was the sponsor of the event, went down by $4 billion immediately as a consequence of this gesture. You might ask, how is this related to the title of this article? Let me give you a couple of reasons. First, Coca-Cola is the world's biggest plastic polluter, and second, the idea of drinking water from single-use plastic bottles is not very environmentally tenable. While a lot of us understand that drinking aerated drinks is not very health-friendly, not many of us know that the major manufacturers of these beverages are the world's biggest polluters. According to a survey conducted by Break Free From Plastic in 2021, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are the world’s top plastic polluters for the 4th consecutive year. Single-use plastic items, including the bottles used for beverages, are found everywhere, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. It is not that the plastic remains there harmlessly. As it breaks down, the traces of microplastics percolate in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat, and consequently enter our bodies and organs, including our lungs, spleen, kidneys, and blood. This ubiquitous material poses a serious threat to humanity and all its species, and therefore needs replacement, and we need to act fast. In line with this thought, from July 1st 2022, many single-use plastic items and disposable plastic products were banned by the Indian Government. Even though single-use plastic bottles are not included as part of the banned items, the list is a substantial start. There are many items that Indian consumers use on a regular, if not daily, basis. If we look closely, all the items that are part of the banned list have existing alternatives that are feasible and also better for the environment. Let us go through this list and see the alternatives. Earbuds with Plastic Sticks: Earbuds with wooden sticks and paper or recycled paper sticks Balloons with plastic sticks for balloons: Balloons with sticks made from paper or recycled paper Plastic Flags: Flags made with paper or sustainable fabrics. Candy Sticks and Ice-cream Sticks: Sticks made with wood Decorate with jute, cloth, paper, or recycled paper. Plastic plates and trays: Plates made with siali leaves, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, areca palm, wheat bran Cups and glasses made of clay, bamboo, and plants such as corn, sugarcane, and yam Cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, and stirrers: Cuttlery made with birchwood Plastic straws: straws made with paper, grass wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes. Wrapping with paper or recycled paper Invitation cards: Cards made with paper or recycled paper cigarette packets: biodegradable plastic cigarette packets Plastic or PVC banners with a thickness of less than 100 microns:Banners made of wood or fabric Skeptics might argue that the replacement options are expensive compared to the plastic ones. For example, a biodegradable Arcea palm plate will cost Rs. 25, or a plate made with sugarcane bagasse will cost Rs. 12, compared to Rs. 4 for a disposable plastic plate. Similarly, paper straws are five times more costly than plastic straws. Indeed, there are cases where the biodegradable options are expensive, and the main reasons for high prices are limited demand and the nascent domestic industry for these plastic substitutes. Many plastic substitute items are imported from other countries. With the ban in place, the alternatives will generate better demand, which will lead to economies of scale, technological upgrades, localization, competition, and a subsequent reduction in prices. Future alternatives to plastics As we see, paper, wood, agricultural waste, food crops, and many plants have emerged as substitutes for many single-use plastic items. However, we need more clean alternatives. Firstly, growing trees and food crops for packaging is not very sustainable given the land constraints, and secondly, there are a plethora of disposable plastic items still requiring a solution-plastic packets for dairy and FMCG food products, plastic bottles used for liquids, food delivery containers, plastic wrappers and polystyrene (thermocol) used in white goods, plastic covers used by e-commerce companies, to name a few. Fortunately, efforts are already underway Seaweed is a species of marine plant or algae that is extensively found in our oceans. With the advent of material science, plastic made with seaweed has emerged as a breakthrough alternative in the fight against plastic pollution. Many biotech startups have leveraged the properties of seaweed to create compostable, marine-safe, low-carbon bioplastic packaging. Compared to food crops, seaweed cultivation doesn’t need fresh water, arable land, or fertilisers to grow, and therefore, if this marine plant can be harvested sustainably, it has the potential to provide many benefits to humanity. Another alternative that is being tried is oxo-biodegradable plastics. Oxo plastic is made using a bioadditive, which is added to the final plastic compound. The additive helps in the degradation of the plastic in the presence of sunlight and oxygen, eventually turning it into wax, which mixes with the soil in about a year. These technologies are still in the early stages of development, but if given the right support and incentives, they carry a huge potential to replace many types of traditional plastic. India, by banning some single-use plastic items, has taken a lead in curbing plastic pollution, but the country would need a long-term plastic management strategy that suits its economy, budget, resources, and societal needs. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Single use plastic ban in India and the alternatives we have

Did you know that by 2016, nearly 60-90 per cent of the marine area was covered in nearly 14-19 million tonnes of plastic that found their way to the oceans?&nbsp; Are humans to be blamed? Of course yes. Despite numerous awareness campaigns, advisories and regulations, people still appear unable to refrain from discarding the trash into the sea. The majority of people don’t even realise the harm they cause. Recently, a video on Twitter went viral which showed the situation at Mumbai beach in India. It shows the harsh reality and currently has more than 78,000 views, tonnes of comments, and hundreds of retweets, India Today reported.

A video posted on July 16 by Mumbaimatterz Twitter account, provides a bird-eye view of Mumbai’s Mahim beach, covered in trash. The captions states, “Citizens throng Mahim beach to have a look at the return gift from the Arabian Sea.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beaches?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beaches</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> now Open. 
 
Citizens throng Mahim beach to have a look at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReturnGift?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReturnGift</a> from ArabianSea..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlasticPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlasticPollution</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/1JUmIpWof2">pic.twitter.com/1JUmIpWof2</a>
— मुंबई Matters™✳️ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1548277355939917825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-single-use-plastic-from-july-1-violators-can-be-penalised-492964">India bans single-use plastic from July 1; violators can be penalised</a>

Netizens offered their opinions in the comment section while clearly enraged. Many people discussed the need for tough regulations to prevent plastic pollution. Others requested a substantial fine for people who violate the rules. Netizens expressed their anger on Twitter in response to the video shared.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We should do our bit as our citizens to keep the beach clean!
— Shane Albuquerque (@shane5114) <a href="https://twitter.com/shane5114/status/1548281807602589696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Nature warns first, when it has no effect, it will react. Let's not wait for that reaction, because we may not be able to bear that.
— GK Pillai (@pillaigkp) <a href="https://twitter.com/pillaigkp/status/1548333904461185024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Well done Mumbai. Keep it up. But seriously, <a href="https://twitter.com/mybmc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mybmc</a> needs to do something on a war footing. This is just not acceptable..year after year. It’s a shame&amp; scary.
— she speaks (@SheSpeaks2021) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheSpeaks2021/status/1548289497569574912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eating-drinking-and-breathing-for-years-scientists-find-microplastics-everywhere-493992">Eating, drinking and breathing for years: Scientists find microplastics everywhere</a>

Later, the profile also posted a subsequent post demonstrating how the authorities organised a clean-up campaign to remove the trash gathered at the beach.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thanks a lot <a href="https://twitter.com/mybmcWardGN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mybmcwardGN</a> 
You have done a fabulous job... 
 
BTW all the trash thrown from the hutments along Mithi River lands here along with the dumping from people inside Mumbai locals passing over the bridge btwn Bandra Mahim.. <a href="https://t.co/7y5qLzEYwx">https://t.co/7y5qLzEYwx</a>
— मुंबई Matters™✳️ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1548572901279879168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic are produced using fossil fuels. Once the plastic enters the environment, the fragments strangle marine life and the food chain.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Did you know that by 2016, nearly 60-90 per cent of the marine area was covered in nearly 14-19 million tonnes of plastic that found their way to the oceans? Are humans to be blamed?

Did you know that by 2016, nearly 60-90 per cent of the marine area was covered in nearly 14-19 million tonnes of plastic that found their way to the oceans? Are humans to be blamed? Of course yes. Despite numerous awareness campaigns, advisories and regulations, people still appear unable to refrain from discarding the trash into the sea. The majority of people don’t even realise the harm they cause. Recently, a video on Twitter went viral which showed the situation at Mumbai beach in India. It shows the harsh reality and currently has more than 78,000 views, tonnes of comments, and hundreds of retweets, India Today reported. A video posted on July 16 by Mumbaimatterz Twitter account, provides a bird-eye view of Mumbai’s Mahim beach, covered in trash. The captions states, “Citizens throng Mahim beach to have a look at the return gift from the Arabian Sea.” #Beaches in #Mumbai now Open. Citizens throng Mahim beach to have a look at the #ReturnGift from ArabianSea..#PlasticPollution#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/1JUmIpWof2 — मुंबई Matters™✳️ (@mumbaimatterz) July 16, 2022 × Also read | India bans single-use plastic from July 1; violators can be penalised Netizens offered their opinions in the comment section while clearly enraged. Many people discussed the need for tough regulations to prevent plastic pollution. Others requested a substantial fine for people who violate the rules. Netizens expressed their anger on Twitter in response to the video shared. We should do our bit as our citizens to keep the beach clean! — Shane Albuquerque (@shane5114) July 16, 2022 × Nature warns first, when it has no effect, it will react. Let's not wait for that reaction, because we may not be able to bear that. — GK Pillai (@pillaigkp) July 16, 2022 × Well done Mumbai. Keep it up. But seriously, @mybmc needs to do something on a war footing. This is just not acceptable..year after year. It’s a shame& scary. — she speaks (@SheSpeaks2021) July 16, 2022 × Also read | Eating, drinking and breathing for years: Scientists find microplastics everywhere Later, the profile also posted a subsequent post demonstrating how the authorities organised a clean-up campaign to remove the trash gathered at the beach. Thanks a lot @mybmcwardGN You have done a fabulous job... BTW all the trash thrown from the hutments along Mithi River lands here along with the dumping from people inside Mumbai locals passing over the bridge btwn Bandra Mahim.. https://t.co/7y5qLzEYwx — मुंबई Matters™✳️ (@mumbaimatterz) July 17, 2022 × Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic are produced using fossil fuels. Once the plastic enters the environment, the fragments strangle marine life and the food chain. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch | Nature's return gift: Mumbai beach awash with tonnes of plastic, video raises questions

What does 'greenwashing' mean and why is it a problem? Why do big brands like Coca Cola engage in it? Greenwashing serves as a smokescreen which hides the continued exploitation of the planet and allows those responsible to get away with it. "The number of products labelled as sustainable or green has increased exponentially in recent years, with many household brands guilty of greenwashing. Yet, as businesses claim progress towards sustainability, emissions continue to rise, extraction increases, and overproduction spirals," says Changing Markets Foundation (CMF)

What is greenwashing, the practice major companies are accused of engaging in?

Humans have left small plastic fragments all over the planet, from oceans to mountains. Every year millions of tonnes of plastic are created using fossil fuels and then the plastic enters the environment and break into tiny particles which choke marine life and the food chain. We have taken these microplastics into our bodies without even knowing the consequences. Plastic pollution places have become so common these days. One such instance of this can be the enormous “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” As per a shocking analysis released in the same year by the environmental charity WWF, on an average people consume and breathe in up to 5 grammes of plastic per week, reported by AFP.

Scientists recently discovered that plastics exist in the body, it is quite possible that humans have been ingesting plastic though food, drinking and breathing for many years. In 2019, there were 460 million tonnes of plastic consumed, which is twice as much as 20 years earlier and only 10 per cent of it was recycled.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-start-up-remoulds-plastic-into-useful-and-trendy-furniture-493700">Kenyan start-up remoulds plastic into useful and trendy furniture</a>

The United Nations has started a process to create a legally binding agreement to address the global plastic crisis and warned that the world is facing pollution crisis and along with biodiversity and climate crisis.&nbsp;

Jean-Francois Ghiglione, a researcher at the Laboratory of Microbial Oceanography in France in conversation with AFP said, “We did not imagine 10 years ago that there could be so many small microplastics, invisible to the naked eye, and that they were everywhere around us.” He also told that the scientists are currently finding microplastics in several human organs such as lungs, Speen, kidneys and even the placenta.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India to implement single-use plastic ban from July 1

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"Small microplastics invisible to the naked eye have deleterious effects on all the animals that we have studied in the marine environment, or on land," said Ghiglione.

Laura Sadofsky from the Hull York Medical School in the UK in conversation with AFP said that her team found polypropylene and PET (polythene terephthalate) in lung tissues and it was shocking to that how deep it was in the lungs and the size of the particles.&nbsp; 
Bart Koelmans, professor in Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality at Wageningen University said, " People cannot stop breathing, so even if you change your eating habits you will still inhale them. They're everywhere."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ahead-of-un-ocean-conference-mermaids-call-for-ocean-protection-in-portugal-climate-protest-492230">Ahead of UN Ocean conference, mermaids call for ocean protection in Portugal climate protest</a>

One hypothesis that these microplastics could be responsible for human health and certain syndromes. While the health effects of plastic are not known, scientists are aware of the effects of the indoor and outdoor air pollution, which according to the Lancet Commission on pollution experts, resulted in deaths of nearly 6.7 million people in early 2019.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Humans have left small plastic fragments all over the planet, from oceans to mountains. Every year millions of tonnes of plastic are created using fossil fuels and then the plastic enters the environment and break into tiny particles which choke marine life and the food chain.

Humans have left small plastic fragments all over the planet, from oceans to mountains. Every year millions of tonnes of plastic are created using fossil fuels and then the plastic enters the environment and break into tiny particles which choke marine life and the food chain. We have taken these microplastics into our bodies without even knowing the consequences. Plastic pollution places have become so common these days. One such instance of this can be the enormous “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” As per a shocking analysis released in the same year by the environmental charity WWF, on an average people consume and breathe in up to 5 grammes of plastic per week, reported by AFP. Scientists recently discovered that plastics exist in the body, it is quite possible that humans have been ingesting plastic though food, drinking and breathing for many years. In 2019, there were 460 million tonnes of plastic consumed, which is twice as much as 20 years earlier and only 10 per cent of it was recycled. Also read | Kenyan start-up remoulds plastic into useful and trendy furniture The United Nations has started a process to create a legally binding agreement to address the global plastic crisis and warned that the world is facing pollution crisis and along with biodiversity and climate crisis. Jean-Francois Ghiglione, a researcher at the Laboratory of Microbial Oceanography in France in conversation with AFP said, “We did not imagine 10 years ago that there could be so many small microplastics, invisible to the naked eye, and that they were everywhere around us.” He also told that the scientists are currently finding microplastics in several human organs such as lungs, Speen, kidneys and even the placenta. Watch | India to implement single-use plastic ban from July 1 "Small microplastics invisible to the naked eye have deleterious effects on all the animals that we have studied in the marine environment, or on land," said Ghiglione. Laura Sadofsky from the Hull York Medical School in the UK in conversation with AFP said that her team found polypropylene and PET (polythene terephthalate) in lung tissues and it was shocking to that how deep it was in the lungs and the size of the particles. Bart Koelmans, professor in Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality at Wageningen University said, " People cannot stop breathing, so even if you change your eating habits you will still inhale them. They're everywhere." Also read | Ahead of UN Ocean conference, mermaids call for ocean protection in Portugal climate protest One hypothesis that these microplastics could be responsible for human health and certain syndromes. While the health effects of plastic are not known, scientists are aware of the effects of the indoor and outdoor air pollution, which according to the Lancet Commission on pollution experts, resulted in deaths of nearly 6.7 million people in early 2019. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Eating, drinking and breathing for years: Scientists find microplastics everywhere

Every day tonnes of disposable plastic ends up in the ocean, suffocating the marine life, clogging up rivers and oceans around the world, endangering wildlife, poisoning the food chain, and causing the climate crisis. In Kenya, a company has taken up the daunting task of putting all this plastic to good use. The start-up called Noma Green Plastic is giving approximately 30 tonnes of ocean plastic a new shape: that of trendy furniture. It&nbsp;collects almost 30 tonnes of plastic each month from various landfills, sifts, and warms them via moulds using thermo-regulated gear. All this disposable plastic is then turned into poles, tiles, table beams, and other outdoor furniture pieces.

Watch |&nbsp;Climate change endangers Australia's ancient Huon Pines

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Mugo Macharia, Founder of Noma Green Plastic limited while talking to Africa News, said that making furniture out of plastic was practical,&nbsp;and economical&nbsp;and it prevents carpenters from having to cut down trees for wood.

"We believe we contribute to the action on climate change in two ways. One is that we clean up the environment. We take the waste plastic from landfills, and we know the contribution of landfills to global warming, and the second way, our products are very great substitutes for wood."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/big-brands-like-coca-cola-found-guilty-of-greenwashing-what-is-this-and-why-is-it-problematic-493682#what-exactly-is-greenwashing-493670">Big brands like Coca Cola found guilty of 'greenwashing', what is this and why is it problematic?</a>

"Just look at it this way, one wooden pole is one of our plastic poles. So, the more we use the plastic poles, the more trees we have in our environment and the more we can save our environment from deforestation".

In his opinion plastic's malleability is one of its best qualities. He said that this plastic&nbsp;can be transformed into&nbsp;things, like outdoor benches, tables etc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ahead-of-un-ocean-conference-mermaids-call-for-ocean-protection-in-portugal-climate-protest-492230">Ahead of UN Ocean conference, mermaids call for ocean protection in Portugal climate protest</a>

"We can partner with anyone who has any form of plastic waste. We can take your plastic waste and we can give it to you in the form that you want. You want signboards for your roads, you want flower pots. It's malleable so we are limited by the extent of the imagination. Because the more products that we can make out of (waste) plastic, the more we can save our environment from the plastic menace."

The UN Environment Program estimates that 400 million tonnes of plastic garbage are produced annually. The truth is that even if the 30 tonnes of green plastic that Norma Green Plastic regenerates every day cannot save the world on its own, they do contribute significantly, both in practice and by example.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Every day tonnes of disposable plastic ends up in the ocean, suffocating the marine life, clogging up rivers and oceans around the world, endangering wildlife, poisoning the food chain, and causing the climate crisis.

Every day tonnes of disposable plastic ends up in the ocean, suffocating the marine life, clogging up rivers and oceans around the world, endangering wildlife, poisoning the food chain, and causing the climate crisis. In Kenya, a company has taken up the daunting task of putting all this plastic to good use. The start-up called Noma Green Plastic is giving approximately 30 tonnes of ocean plastic a new shape: that of trendy furniture. It collects almost 30 tonnes of plastic each month from various landfills, sifts, and warms them via moulds using thermo-regulated gear. All this disposable plastic is then turned into poles, tiles, table beams, and other outdoor furniture pieces. Watch | Climate change endangers Australia's ancient Huon Pines Mugo Macharia, Founder of Noma Green Plastic limited while talking to Africa News, said that making furniture out of plastic was practical, and economical and it prevents carpenters from having to cut down trees for wood. "We believe we contribute to the action on climate change in two ways. One is that we clean up the environment. We take the waste plastic from landfills, and we know the contribution of landfills to global warming, and the second way, our products are very great substitutes for wood." Also read | Big brands like Coca Cola found guilty of 'greenwashing', what is this and why is it problematic? "Just look at it this way, one wooden pole is one of our plastic poles. So, the more we use the plastic poles, the more trees we have in our environment and the more we can save our environment from deforestation". In his opinion plastic's malleability is one of its best qualities. He said that this plastic can be transformed into things, like outdoor benches, tables etc. Also read | Ahead of UN Ocean conference, mermaids call for ocean protection in Portugal climate protest "We can partner with anyone who has any form of plastic waste. We can take your plastic waste and we can give it to you in the form that you want. You want signboards for your roads, you want flower pots. It's malleable so we are limited by the extent of the imagination. Because the more products that we can make out of (waste) plastic, the more we can save our environment from the plastic menace." The UN Environment Program estimates that 400 million tonnes of plastic garbage are produced annually. The truth is that even if the 30 tonnes of green plastic that Norma Green Plastic regenerates every day cannot save the world on its own, they do contribute significantly, both in practice and by example. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenyan start-up remoulds plastic into useful and trendy furniture

In Netherlands, a sleek and smart solution to one of the world's biggest problems plastic waste has been developed by a Dutch startup called Run Marine technology. This Aquadrone is one of many innovations sprouting up in recent years to address the problem of plastic waste in rivers and seas

Trash traps to keep rivers, seas free from plastic waste

Global leaders have been scrambling to find ways to limit global warming and combat pollution. Amid this an NGO based in the Netherlands is trying to trap plastic tide in Guatemalan river

20,000 tons of Plastic flows through Las Vacas each year

Usually, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down naturally, but scientists from Germany have now discovered a highly efficient enzyme that degrades PET in record time. The discovery is being hailed as a gamechanger, considering the dire state of plastic pollution worldwide.

The enzyme, which has been called polyester hydrolase (PHL7), was recently found at a German cemetery, chewing off the compost.

The scientists from Leipzig University then took the enzyme to their lab, during which they found that the enzyme was able to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by 90% in less than 16 hours.

Notably, this isn’t the first plastic eater enzyme discovered. In 2016, a PET-guzzling enzyme called LLC was found at a recycling plant in Japan. It is considered to be a particularly effective "plastic eater."

But the German scientists found that the newly found PHL7 is at least two times faster than the LLC.

The findings have now been published in the scientific journal ‘ChemSusChem’.

“The enzyme discovered in Leipzig can make an important contribution to establishing alternative energy-saving plastic recycling processes," said microbiologist Wolfgang Zimmermann from Leipzig University in Germany, according to Sciencealert.

"The biocatalyst now developed in Leipzig has been shown to be highly effective in the rapid decomposition of used PET food packaging and is suitable for use in an environmentally friendly recycling process in which new plastic can be produced from the decomposition products."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/impact-of-climate-change-rising-temperatures-could-cause-hours-of-sleep-loss-480890" hreflang="en">Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss</a>

Moreover, the scientists found that PHL7 doesn't even require any pre-treatment to decompose plastics. It will eat plastic without grinding or melting.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeings-starliner-spaceship-docks-with-international-space-station-in-key-test-mission-480867" hreflang="en">Boeing's Starliner spaceship docks with International Space Station in key test mission</a>

"Thus, by employing powerful enzymes such as PHL7 it is possible to directly recycle post-consumer thermoform PET packaging in a closed-loop process with a low carbon footprint and without the use of petrochemicals, realizing a sustainable recycling process of an important PET plastic waste stream," the authors conclude.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Usually, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down naturally, but scientists from Germany have now discovered a highly efficient enzyme that degrades PET in record time.

Usually, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down naturally, but scientists from Germany have now discovered a highly efficient enzyme that degrades PET in record time. The discovery is being hailed as a gamechanger, considering the dire state of plastic pollution worldwide. The enzyme, which has been called polyester hydrolase (PHL7), was recently found at a German cemetery, chewing off the compost. The scientists from Leipzig University then took the enzyme to their lab, during which they found that the enzyme was able to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by 90% in less than 16 hours. Notably, this isn’t the first plastic eater enzyme discovered. In 2016, a PET-guzzling enzyme called LLC was found at a recycling plant in Japan. It is considered to be a particularly effective "plastic eater." But the German scientists found that the newly found PHL7 is at least two times faster than the LLC. The findings have now been published in the scientific journal ‘ChemSusChem’. “The enzyme discovered in Leipzig can make an important contribution to establishing alternative energy-saving plastic recycling processes," said microbiologist Wolfgang Zimmermann from Leipzig University in Germany, according to Sciencealert. "The biocatalyst now developed in Leipzig has been shown to be highly effective in the rapid decomposition of used PET food packaging and is suitable for use in an environmentally friendly recycling process in which new plastic can be produced from the decomposition products." Also read | Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss Moreover, the scientists found that PHL7 doesn't even require any pre-treatment to decompose plastics. It will eat plastic without grinding or melting. Also read | Boeing's Starliner spaceship docks with International Space Station in key test mission "Thus, by employing powerful enzymes such as PHL7 it is possible to directly recycle post-consumer thermoform PET packaging in a closed-loop process with a low carbon footprint and without the use of petrochemicals, realizing a sustainable recycling process of an important PET plastic waste stream," the authors conclude. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists discover new enzyme that can chomp off plastic in record 16 hours

Weird waste: From sandy syringes to space junk

Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast as studies indicate traces of microplastics in marine life. According to these researchers, the plastic objects end up entering inside fish and other marine creatures.

Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

Plastic is among biggest pollutants on our planet. WION tells you how it was once assumed to be the great boon for human life.

Plastic: Beauty and the beast; How can we solve plastic pollution?

Almost as far as the eye can see trash spreads out across the southern end of the majestic lake kivu lapping against the dam that crosses it, it lies on the border between the democratic republic of the congo and Rwanda. However, the ocean of plastic now threatens to clog up the dam's hydroelectric plant.

Plastic pollution clogs hydropower dam in DR Congo

Recycled plastic bottles have been found to be passing more harmful chemicals into contents than the newly manufactured ones, as per researchers. Over 150 chemicals were found to be passed into drinks from plastic bottles. Around 18 were at levels exceeding regulations.

Why are recycled plastic bottles harmful?

The United Nations on Wednesday agreed to start negotiating a world-first global treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for the planet.

Nearly 200 nations at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi unanimously agreed to create an intergovernmental committee to negotiate and finalise a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024.

UNEA chair Espen Barthe Eide declared the resolution passed with a strike of the gavel, itself made from recycled plastic,&nbsp;as the assembly hall erupted into cheers and applause.

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"We are making history today. You should all be proud," said Eide, who is Norway's climate and environment minister.&nbsp;

Negotiators have been given a broad and robust mandate to target plastic trash in all its forms.

It addresses not just the bottles, straws and shopping bags floating in rivers and oceans, but invisible microplastics found in the deepest oceans and highest mountains, and within the air, soil and food chain.

'Historic crossroad'&nbsp;

Supporters described the commitment as the most important environmental decision taken by the UN in years.

"We stand at a crossroad in history when ambitious decisions taken today can prevent plastic pollution from contributing to our planet's ecosystem collapse," said Marco Lambertini from WWF.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coca-cola-and-pepsico-ranked-as-worlds-leading-plastic-polluters-449536">Also read |&nbsp;Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters</a>

The broad treaty framework approved by 193 UN nations, among them major plastic producers like the United States and China,&nbsp;does not spell out specific measures but leaves particulars to negotiations.

But the scope covers pollution "from source to sea",&nbsp;a key demand of many nations,&nbsp;and could for the first time introduce caps on the production of new plastic from fossil fuels.

Other regulations could require that industry redesign products to make recycling easier and stem the torrent of trash created by single-use items.

Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled. Most of the 460 million tonnes of plastic produced in 2019 wound up in landfill and oceans.

"This is a clear acknowledgement that the entire life cycle of plastic, from fossil fuel extraction to disposal, creates pollution that is harmful to people and the planet," said Graham Forbes from Greenpeace.

'Landmark' decision&nbsp;

The amount of plastic entering the oceans is forecast to triple by 2040, and governments have been under pressure to unite against the trash "epidemic".

The rate of plastic production has also grown faster than any other material and is expected to double within two decades without urgent action.

By some estimates, a garbage truck's worth of plastic is dumped into the sea every minute.

Large pieces of plastic are a notorious peril for sea birds, whales and other marine animals. But at the microscopic level, particles of plastic can also enter the food chain, eventually joining the human diet.

To address the urgency, talks toward concluding the treaty are being fast-tracked and the first round is slated for later this year.

Diplomats and conservationists cautioned that the strength of the treaty would be determined by the level of political will shown in these negotiations.

Setting targets, ensuring accountability, and monitoring success or otherwise could prove sticking points, said UN environment chief Inger Andersen.

Negotiators will need to establish what measures are binding or voluntary, and some countries are pushing for flexibility in setting their own goals through national action plans.

"There will be a number of thorny issues as there always is when we start a negotiation," said Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme.

Big corporations had expressed support for a binding agreement and negotiators were urged to engage industry players in the process.

Dozens of major businesses had called for a common set of rules around plastic to create a level playing field for competition.

"This is a landmark decision by UN member states," said Richard Slater, chief research and development officer at British consumer goods group Unilever.

Trade group Plastics Europe said its products played a vital role in society and industry was doing its part to bolster recycling and invest in solutions.

"The UNEA resolution represents a major step towards the creation of a waste free future which is critical to achieving our collective climate ambitions," said Plastics Europe president Markus Steilemann.

The United Nations on Wednesday agreed to start negotiating a world-first global treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for the planet.

The United Nations on Wednesday agreed to start negotiating a world-first global treaty on plastic pollution in what has been hailed as a watershed moment for the planet. Nearly 200 nations at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi unanimously agreed to create an intergovernmental committee to negotiate and finalise a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024. UNEA chair Espen Barthe Eide declared the resolution passed with a strike of the gavel, itself made from recycled plastic, as the assembly hall erupted into cheers and applause. "We are making history today. You should all be proud," said Eide, who is Norway's climate and environment minister. Negotiators have been given a broad and robust mandate to target plastic trash in all its forms. It addresses not just the bottles, straws and shopping bags floating in rivers and oceans, but invisible microplastics found in the deepest oceans and highest mountains, and within the air, soil and food chain. 'Historic crossroad' Supporters described the commitment as the most important environmental decision taken by the UN in years. "We stand at a crossroad in history when ambitious decisions taken today can prevent plastic pollution from contributing to our planet's ecosystem collapse," said Marco Lambertini from WWF. Also read | Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters The broad treaty framework approved by 193 UN nations, among them major plastic producers like the United States and China, does not spell out specific measures but leaves particulars to negotiations. But the scope covers pollution "from source to sea", a key demand of many nations, and could for the first time introduce caps on the production of new plastic from fossil fuels. Other regulations could require that industry redesign products to make recycling easier and stem the torrent of trash created by single-use items. Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled. Most of the 460 million tonnes of plastic produced in 2019 wound up in landfill and oceans. "This is a clear acknowledgement that the entire life cycle of plastic, from fossil fuel extraction to disposal, creates pollution that is harmful to people and the planet," said Graham Forbes from Greenpeace. 'Landmark' decision The amount of plastic entering the oceans is forecast to triple by 2040, and governments have been under pressure to unite against the trash "epidemic". The rate of plastic production has also grown faster than any other material and is expected to double within two decades without urgent action. By some estimates, a garbage truck's worth of plastic is dumped into the sea every minute. Large pieces of plastic are a notorious peril for sea birds, whales and other marine animals. But at the microscopic level, particles of plastic can also enter the food chain, eventually joining the human diet. To address the urgency, talks toward concluding the treaty are being fast-tracked and the first round is slated for later this year. Diplomats and conservationists cautioned that the strength of the treaty would be determined by the level of political will shown in these negotiations. Setting targets, ensuring accountability, and monitoring success or otherwise could prove sticking points, said UN environment chief Inger Andersen. Negotiators will need to establish what measures are binding or voluntary, and some countries are pushing for flexibility in setting their own goals through national action plans. "There will be a number of thorny issues as there always is when we start a negotiation," said Andersen, head of the UN Environment Programme. Big corporations had expressed support for a binding agreement and negotiators were urged to engage industry players in the process. Dozens of major businesses had called for a common set of rules around plastic to create a level playing field for competition. "This is a landmark decision by UN member states," said Richard Slater, chief research and development officer at British consumer goods group Unilever. Trade group Plastics Europe said its products played a vital role in society and industry was doing its part to bolster recycling and invest in solutions. "The UNEA resolution represents a major step towards the creation of a waste free future which is critical to achieving our collective climate ambitions," said Plastics Europe president Markus Steilemann.

UN takes 'historic' step toward global treaty on plastic trash

The coast of mangrove trees in UAE, once waste-free, is filled with piles of trash from surrounding landfills. Dead turtles, plastic bags, packages and bottle caps can be seen scattered across the shore.

Turtles dying from eating plastic trash in UAE

WWF on Tuesday said that plastic is impacting almost all parts of the ocean and called for immediate efforts to create an international treaty. As per their report, 88% of marine species are being affected by severe contamination of plastic in the ocean, including animals commonly consumed by humans.

Plastic pollution rising at an alarming rate, affecting 88% of marine species

The floating gardens of Mexico city are a UNESCO world heritage site but as it has happened with most parts of the world the floating gardens of Mexico city are battling a chronic problem of plastic pollution, our next report gets you all the details.

Plastic pollution at Mexico's floating gardens is worrisome

According to a newly released study, chemical pollution has crossed a “planetary boundary”, the point at which human-made changes to the Earth push it outside the stable environment of the last 10,000 years.

Chemical pollution has surpassed the planetary boundary, says scientists

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges of our times. Six turtles that was rescued from the coast of Argentina had their guts completely choked with plastic.

Two green turtles, four loggerhead turtles found clogged with plastic in Argentina

Can Dolphins be used as secret agents? The Hamas claims a 'killer dolphin' from Israel killed one of their commandos. They've even released footage claiming the dolphin was an operative of the IDF. Here's a report.

Hamas claims its naval commandos attacked by 'zionist killer dolphin'

In a law formulated to check plastic pollution, bars and cafés in France have been ordered to inform customers that a glass of tap water is free of charge. &nbsp;

Not just this, drinking fountains will become mandatory in all buildings, which are open to the public, such as nightclubs, homes. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-defense-academy-hit-by-cyber-attack-significant-damage-caused-441960" hreflang="en">UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused</a>

The rule, which has come into force from January 1, said, “Food and beverage establishments are required to visibly indicate on their menu or on a display space the possibility for consumers to request free drinking water.” &nbsp;

According to an&nbsp;existing rule, the diners have the right to get free tap water, bread, napkins, salt and pepper, along with a meal in restaurants. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The rule, however, did not apply to bars and cafés earlier. At these places, the customers usually ask for a glass of water along with an espresso or an ice cream. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marine-le-pen-accuses-french-government-of-breaking-law-by-hanging-eu-flag-off-arc-de-triomphe-441768" hreflang="en">Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe</a>

From January 1 this year, anyone can ask for a free glass of water at any bar, restaurant or café. &nbsp;

Especially in Paris, many restaurants charge a lot for mineral water. Tap water, which is also perfectly safe, can help you save some bucks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a law formulated to check plastic pollution, bars and cafés in France have been ordered to inform customers that a glass of tap water is free of charge. Not just this, drinking fountains will become mandatory in all buildings, which are open to the public, such as nightclubs, homes.

In a law formulated to check plastic pollution, bars and cafés in France have been ordered to inform customers that a glass of tap water is free of charge. Not just this, drinking fountains will become mandatory in all buildings, which are open to the public, such as nightclubs, homes. Also Read: UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused The rule, which has come into force from January 1, said, “Food and beverage establishments are required to visibly indicate on their menu or on a display space the possibility for consumers to request free drinking water.” According to an existing rule, the diners have the right to get free tap water, bread, napkins, salt and pepper, along with a meal in restaurants. The rule, however, did not apply to bars and cafés earlier. At these places, the customers usually ask for a glass of water along with an espresso or an ice cream. Also Read: Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe From January 1 this year, anyone can ask for a free glass of water at any bar, restaurant or café. Especially in Paris, many restaurants charge a lot for mineral water. Tap water, which is also perfectly safe, can help you save some bucks. (With inputs from agencies)

To check plastic pollution, bars, cafés ordered to serve tap water for free in France

Cameroon processes 600,000 plastic waste every year. Locals in the country are trying to tackle this menace through clean-up drives.

Cameroon locals organise beach clean-up drives

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges of our times. A turtle that was rescued from the coast of Argentina had its gut completely choked with plastic. The X-Ray revealed a blockage in the turtle's intestines.

Turtle's gut gets choked with plastic

Plastic pollution has been taking a toll on marine lives. A new study has now suggested that coastal species are adapting to polluted seas.

Plastic pollution takes toll on marine lives

Around 8 million metric tonnes of plastic go into the oceans each year. WION tells you how plastic pollutions have now been taking a toll on marine life.

8 mn metric tonnes of plastic dumped into oceans every year

A report has found that the United States is the world's biggest plastic polluter, with the country now generating about 42m metric tons of plastic waste in a year.

Report: US generates 42 mn metric tonnes of plastic waste in a year

The world is getting hotter by the day and it is all our fault. If left unchecked, climate change is going to threaten every aspect of our lives.&nbsp; 
 
The current aim is to control temperature rise within 1.5 degree celsius. But the world is already about 1.2 C warmer than it was at the end of the 19th century. Its effects are already being felt across the world.&nbsp; 
 
This year alone, countries in Europe, the US and India have all recorded extreme rainfall, leading to heavy flooding and loss of lives.&nbsp; 
 
Countries in West Asia, Africa and North America have experienced extreme heatwaves.&nbsp;

There were 47,057 wildfires in the United States from January 2021 to October this year.&nbsp; 
 
But the good news is that the world is finally paying attention. Countries around the world are taking steps to cut carbon emissions, with the likes of the European Union and China aiming to reach net zero emissions by the middle of this century.&nbsp; 
 
But while governments are responsible for taking steps to implement environment friendly policy, you and I also have the power to implement changes in our daily lives that, in the long run, will help.&nbsp;

Here are the things that we can do: 
 
Shop wisely&nbsp; 
 
Before you even step out to shop, make sure you have a reusable shopping bag, made from natural material like jute. Always choose reusable over single use. This way, not only will you have less trash to deal with, but so will the environment.&nbsp; 
 
Avoid using plastic as much as possible. This includes your plastic bags, bottles, cups, straws, plates, fruit and vegetable packaging. It is a difficult material to decompose, so it sticks around the environment for ages, harming wildlife and marine life in the process.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="bottles" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e837112-ca1c-45fb-86fd-77c8452f42bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_121.jpg" /> 
 
Employees sort bottles in a plastic recycling factory near Nairobi, Kenya. (Reuters Photo) 
 
Shopping second hand is another way to help out. It takes 700 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one plain T-shirt. Choose to shop at a thrift or vintage shop. Repurpose old cloths. This also applies to other consumer goods like toys, shoes, appliances, furniture, cars and more. Upcycling is a great way to turn trash to treasure.&nbsp; 
 
Watch what you eat&nbsp; 
 
Food production is a major driver of wildlife extinction. It is also a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 60% of biodiversity loss. Farming animals for meat and dairy requires large quantities of water and feed. Producing meat also creates more carbon dioxide than vegetables, grains and legumes. Shifting to a plant-based diet will not only help the environment but also your food expenditure.&nbsp; 
Travel responsibly&nbsp; 
 
One of the most efficient ways of lowering your impact on the environment is to reduce carbon footprint caused by travel. Walk, cycle or use the public transport whenever you need to travel anywhere. Take fewer flights. Shift to using an electric car if possible.&nbsp;

Conserve natural resources

We are taught in school that the earth has limited natural resources. Recycling goes a long way in reducing waste that could end up in a landfill. Conserve water and electricity. Use energy efficient bulbs, insulate your home better, buy energy star- certified appliances if you need to upgrade your appliances. You can use your purchasing power for good. What better way to use your hard-earned money than to protect the planet?&nbsp;

Use your voice&nbsp;

It is up to our generation to save our planet. Speaking up is one of the most powerful things you can do. Not only to politicians, brands and businesses but also to people around you who might not know better. Use your voice not only to advocate, but also to educate. Social media is an effective way to amplify your message and reach a wider audience. Even creating awareness in your own family and friends can lead to positive outcomes.&nbsp;

Now it may not be possible for one individual to do all the things listed. A lot of it also depends on socio-economic factors and the country you live in. But I hope you'll agree &nbsp;that doing even a little goes a long way if everyone does it.&nbsp;

The world is getting hotter by the day and it is all our fault. If left unchecked, climate change is going to threaten every aspect of our lives. The current aim is to control temperature rise within 1.

The world is getting hotter by the day and it is all our fault. If left unchecked, climate change is going to threaten every aspect of our lives. The current aim is to control temperature rise within 1.5 degree celsius. But the world is already about 1.2 C warmer than it was at the end of the 19th century. Its effects are already being felt across the world. This year alone, countries in Europe, the US and India have all recorded extreme rainfall, leading to heavy flooding and loss of lives. Countries in West Asia, Africa and North America have experienced extreme heatwaves. There were 47,057 wildfires in the United States from January 2021 to October this year. But the good news is that the world is finally paying attention. Countries around the world are taking steps to cut carbon emissions, with the likes of the European Union and China aiming to reach net zero emissions by the middle of this century. But while governments are responsible for taking steps to implement environment friendly policy, you and I also have the power to implement changes in our daily lives that, in the long run, will help. Here are the things that we can do: Shop wisely Before you even step out to shop, make sure you have a reusable shopping bag, made from natural material like jute. Always choose reusable over single use. This way, not only will you have less trash to deal with, but so will the environment. Avoid using plastic as much as possible. This includes your plastic bags, bottles, cups, straws, plates, fruit and vegetable packaging. It is a difficult material to decompose, so it sticks around the environment for ages, harming wildlife and marine life in the process. Employees sort bottles in a plastic recycling factory near Nairobi, Kenya. (Reuters Photo) Shopping second hand is another way to help out. It takes 700 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one plain T-shirt. Choose to shop at a thrift or vintage shop. Repurpose old cloths. This also applies to other consumer goods like toys, shoes, appliances, furniture, cars and more. Upcycling is a great way to turn trash to treasure. Watch what you eat Food production is a major driver of wildlife extinction. It is also a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 60% of biodiversity loss. Farming animals for meat and dairy requires large quantities of water and feed. Producing meat also creates more carbon dioxide than vegetables, grains and legumes. Shifting to a plant-based diet will not only help the environment but also your food expenditure. Travel responsibly One of the most efficient ways of lowering your impact on the environment is to reduce carbon footprint caused by travel. Walk, cycle or use the public transport whenever you need to travel anywhere. Take fewer flights. Shift to using an electric car if possible. Conserve natural resources We are taught in school that the earth has limited natural resources. Recycling goes a long way in reducing waste that could end up in a landfill. Conserve water and electricity. Use energy efficient bulbs, insulate your home better, buy energy star- certified appliances if you need to upgrade your appliances. You can use your purchasing power for good. What better way to use your hard-earned money than to protect the planet? Use your voice It is up to our generation to save our planet. Speaking up is one of the most powerful things you can do. Not only to politicians, brands and businesses but also to people around you who might not know better. Use your voice not only to advocate, but also to educate. Social media is an effective way to amplify your message and reach a wider audience. Even creating awareness in your own family and friends can lead to positive outcomes. Now it may not be possible for one individual to do all the things listed. A lot of it also depends on socio-economic factors and the country you live in. But I hope you'll agree that doing even a little goes a long way if everyone does it.

Fighting climate change. What can you do to help?

In a study released on Tuesday, the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said migratory species are likely to be hit hardest by plastic pollution. 
 
It was the first study to examine the impacts that plastic pollution has on animals living on land and in freshwater environments in Asia-Pacific.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-is-booming-from-coronavirus-and-will-get-worse-after-the-pandemic-304641">Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic</a>

Case studies of the Ganges and Mekong river&nbsp;basins were used for the study. These two river basins together contribute more than 200,000 tonnes of plastic pollution per year to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. 
 
However, not all plastic pollution ends up in the ocean. According to the study, freshwater and terrestrial species, as well as birds and land animals, are impacted by plastic pollution in river ecosystems and on land. 
 
The presence of plastic waste in freshwater can cause air-breathing mammals to drown since entanglement in the waste can prevent them from reaching the surface.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-flowing-into-oceans-to-triple-by-2040-study-315624">Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study</a>

Species like Ganges River Dolphins and Mekong river's Irrawaddy Dolphins, both of which are classified as Endangered on the IUCN red list are especially vulnerable. 
 
Another marine mammal classified endangered by CMS in the Asia-Pacific region is the Dugong, for which drowning due to entanglement in nets has been shown to be the most significant threat, including in river deltas. 
 
Dugong deaths have also been linked to plastic consumption in India and Thailand. 
 
Most plastic is used and disposed of on land, yet the majority of research on plastic pollution has been conducted on marine ecosystems, whereas terrestrial environments were exceedingly underrepresented in the collection of plastic pollution data.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-call-for-binding-global-treaty-to-target-production-of-new-plastics-395392">Scientists call for binding global treaty to target production of new plastics</a>

Plastic ingestion negatively impacts a broad variety of land animals as well. 
 
The Asian elephant which is protected under the CMS since 2020, has been observed eating plastic in Thailand and scavenging on trash dumps in Sri Lanka. 
 
In the Asia-Pacific region, birds account for almost 80 per cent of the CMS-listed species, and there is significant evidence of their interaction with plastics. 
 
A number of species of migratory birds, including the black-faced spoonbill and the osprey, have been observed building nests from plastic, fishing lines, and shipping debris, which often causes chicks to become entangled and perish.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plastic-coming-from-take-out-and-convenience-food-littering-the-ocean-study-390961">Plastic coming from take-out and convenience food littering the ocean: Study</a>

CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel said: "Since most plastic pollution is generated on land, it is unfortunately not surprising that it is impacting migratory and other animal species that live on land and in freshwater environments. 
 
"Clearly, we have huge gaps in the scientific literature of the threats of plastic pollution on many CMS species. We need more research to better identify risks to these species, and take appropriate steps to address them."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a study released on Tuesday, the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said migratory species are likely to be hit hardest by plastic pollution.

In a study released on Tuesday, the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said migratory species are likely to be hit hardest by plastic pollution. It was the first study to examine the impacts that plastic pollution has on animals living on land and in freshwater environments in Asia-Pacific. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic Case studies of the Ganges and Mekong river basins were used for the study. These two river basins together contribute more than 200,000 tonnes of plastic pollution per year to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. However, not all plastic pollution ends up in the ocean. According to the study, freshwater and terrestrial species, as well as birds and land animals, are impacted by plastic pollution in river ecosystems and on land. The presence of plastic waste in freshwater can cause air-breathing mammals to drown since entanglement in the waste can prevent them from reaching the surface. Also read | Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study Species like Ganges River Dolphins and Mekong river's Irrawaddy Dolphins, both of which are classified as Endangered on the IUCN red list are especially vulnerable. Another marine mammal classified endangered by CMS in the Asia-Pacific region is the Dugong, for which drowning due to entanglement in nets has been shown to be the most significant threat, including in river deltas. Dugong deaths have also been linked to plastic consumption in India and Thailand. Most plastic is used and disposed of on land, yet the majority of research on plastic pollution has been conducted on marine ecosystems, whereas terrestrial environments were exceedingly underrepresented in the collection of plastic pollution data. Also read | Scientists call for binding global treaty to target production of new plastics Plastic ingestion negatively impacts a broad variety of land animals as well. The Asian elephant which is protected under the CMS since 2020, has been observed eating plastic in Thailand and scavenging on trash dumps in Sri Lanka. In the Asia-Pacific region, birds account for almost 80 per cent of the CMS-listed species, and there is significant evidence of their interaction with plastics. A number of species of migratory birds, including the black-faced spoonbill and the osprey, have been observed building nests from plastic, fishing lines, and shipping debris, which often causes chicks to become entangled and perish. Also read | Plastic coming from take-out and convenience food littering the ocean: Study CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel said: "Since most plastic pollution is generated on land, it is unfortunately not surprising that it is impacting migratory and other animal species that live on land and in freshwater environments. "Clearly, we have huge gaps in the scientific literature of the threats of plastic pollution on many CMS species. We need more research to better identify risks to these species, and take appropriate steps to address them." (With inputs from agencies)

UN report identifies migratory species as most vulnerable to plastic pollution

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