Scientists have called for a binding global treaty to phase out the production of new plastics by 2040.

According to a report published in the journal 'Science', researchers say that a world agreement on plastic pollution limits and controls could be the answer to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans and on land.

The material, which was discovered in 1907, has now become a threat to the environment. Globally, an estimated eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the 1950s.

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>

Nils Simon, one of the report authors calls plastic "ubiquitous" and says that it is prevalent everywhere, from terrestrial environments to inside the human body.&nbsp;

The same properties which make plastic so necessary in the modern world are also the things that endanger the environment.

Jesse Smith, senior editor at Science says that as for most of the new technology, plastic was developed without much thought to its possible effects, but now as the world is faced with the rapidly growing plastic problem "it's impossible to deny their dark side".&nbsp;

As per the report, a new global treaty should be drafted to address plastics on both sides of the supply chain, from materials extraction to the legacy pollution left from their use.

Almost half (47 per cent) of plastic waste comes from packaging materials, while 14 per cent is from textiles and 6 per cent comes from transport.

Also read | <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>

In the year 2010 alone, about 8 million tonnes of plastic ended up in the oceans, representing 3 per cent of the world's plastic waste. Yet, the production of the pollutant has continued to increase.

The year 2019 saw around 368 million tonnes of newly made plastics.&nbsp;

A global carbon budget of 10-13 per cent&nbsp;could be consumed by 2050 for the production of new plastics made from fossil fuels in order to meet the Paris climate agreement's requirement not to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures.

The proposed binding global treaty calls for phasing out of virgin plastics by 2040. Other proposals include the creation of a circular economy, in which reuse and refill are incentivised, resulting in the elimination of significant amounts of plastic pollution. A global clean up of plastic waste is also advised.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Simon, one of the authors says that&nbsp;while still not completely understood, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, species and habitats, as well as cultural heritage.&nbsp;

He adds that plastics social impact is also doing considerable harm to human health, particularly&nbsp;affecting vulnerable communities and that&nbsp;it imposes substantial economic costs on regions that are tourist-dependent.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coke-pepsi-nestle-top-makers-of-plastic-waste-greenpeace-170482">Coke, Pepsi, Nestle top makers of plastic waste: Greenpeace</a>

A report by non-profit Tearfund revealed last year that&nbsp;Coca-cola, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever were by themselves responsible for over half a million tonnes of plastic pollution, or enough to cover 83 football fields every day.&nbsp;

Report authors Sarah Kakadellis and Gloria Rosetto also contend that plastic waste is poorly managed, and around 12,000 million tonnes of it is likely to accumulate in landfills and the environment by 2050, especially as a result of failing to address it.

&nbsp;

Scientists have called for a binding global treaty to phase out the production of new plastics by 2040. According to a report published in the journal 'Science', researchers say that a world agreement on plastic pollution limits and controls could be the answer to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans and on land.

Scientists have called for a binding global treaty to phase out the production of new plastics by 2040. According to a report published in the journal 'Science', researchers say that a world agreement on plastic pollution limits and controls could be the answer to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans and on land. The material, which was discovered in 1907, has now become a threat to the environment. Globally, an estimated eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the 1950s. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic Nils Simon, one of the report authors calls plastic "ubiquitous" and says that it is prevalent everywhere, from terrestrial environments to inside the human body. The same properties which make plastic so necessary in the modern world are also the things that endanger the environment. Jesse Smith, senior editor at Science says that as for most of the new technology, plastic was developed without much thought to its possible effects, but now as the world is faced with the rapidly growing plastic problem "it's impossible to deny their dark side". As per the report, a new global treaty should be drafted to address plastics on both sides of the supply chain, from materials extraction to the legacy pollution left from their use. Almost half (47 per cent) of plastic waste comes from packaging materials, while 14 per cent is from textiles and 6 per cent comes from transport. Also read | Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study In the year 2010 alone, about 8 million tonnes of plastic ended up in the oceans, representing 3 per cent of the world's plastic waste. Yet, the production of the pollutant has continued to increase. The year 2019 saw around 368 million tonnes of newly made plastics. A global carbon budget of 10-13 per cent could be consumed by 2050 for the production of new plastics made from fossil fuels in order to meet the Paris climate agreement's requirement not to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures. The proposed binding global treaty calls for phasing out of virgin plastics by 2040. Other proposals include the creation of a circular economy, in which reuse and refill are incentivised, resulting in the elimination of significant amounts of plastic pollution. A global clean up of plastic waste is also advised. Simon, one of the authors says that while still not completely understood, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, species and habitats, as well as cultural heritage. He adds that plastics social impact is also doing considerable harm to human health, particularly affecting vulnerable communities and that it imposes substantial economic costs on regions that are tourist-dependent. Also read | Coke, Pepsi, Nestle top makers of plastic waste: Greenpeace A report by non-profit Tearfund revealed last year that Coca-cola, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever were by themselves responsible for over half a million tonnes of plastic pollution, or enough to cover 83 football fields every day. Report authors Sarah Kakadellis and Gloria Rosetto also contend that plastic waste is poorly managed, and around 12,000 million tonnes of it is likely to accumulate in landfills and the environment by 2050, especially as a result of failing to address it.

Scientists call for binding global treaty to target production of new plastics

Students at a Kyiv school have been learning about saving the environment and helping those in need by using a special recycling machine which uses plastic bottles as currency.

Kyiv recycling machine trades plastic for donations to good causes

Scientists in the UK have genetically engineered used plastic bottles into vanilla flavouring (vanillin) to&nbsp;make recycling more attractive and tackle global plastic pollution.

Vanillin&nbsp;is the molecule responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of vanilla. It is used in food and cosmetics, and is an industrially important platform chemical. Traditionally, it is extracted from the vanilla plant, but global demand far outweighs supply from natural sources.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used types of plastic. Most existing recycling technologies degrade it into&nbsp;second-generation plastic materials.

Research duo&nbsp;Stephen Wallace and Joanna Sadler from the&nbsp;University of Edinburgh&nbsp;used genetic engineering to create a strain of&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;that converts terephthalic acid into vanillin.&nbsp;

Wallace believes&nbsp;''Instead of simply recycling plastic waste into more plastic, what our system demonstrates for the first time is that you can use plastic as a feedstock for microbial cells and transform it into something with higher value and more industrial utility.''

Sadler is unsure if vanillin derived directly from waste would meet regulatory standards for food consumption but envisages it would be suitable for cosmetics or other applications as a bulk chemical.

Their modified&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;produces enzymes to convert terephthalic acid to vanillin through an oxidation, a methylation and two reduction steps. These enzymes were introduced to the cell on plasmids, which Wallace describes as ‘circular pieces of DNA that are effectively an instruction book for the chemistry you want that cell to do.’

Adding such a large number of non-native enzymes to&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;proved to be a big challenge.

''When you start introducing new enzymes you are putting a lot of stress on the cell, and at some point, it will become unhappy with the amount of work you are asking it to do. This poses various biological hurdles,'' explains Sadler.

Through careful optimisation of reaction conditions and media, eventually they found a sweet spot where each of the enzymes was able to play its part in the biocatalytic transformation of terephthalic acid to vanillin.Unfortunately, getting the cell to carry out the transformation was only half of the battle.

''Whole cell biocatalysis has a lot of benefits, but a huge challenge is physically getting the substrate into the cell so that the chemistry can happen,''&nbsp;says Sadler.

To overcome this, they added small amounts of alcohol that essentially poke holes in the cell membrane to increase its permeability. Another complexity was that vanillin itself is toxic to their new strain of E. coli.

To mitigate those toxicity issues, they removed the product from the reaction mixture in situ by extracting it into oleyl alcohol. With optimised conditions in hand, the team directly converted a waste plastic bottle, picked off a street in Edinburgh, to vanillin in a one-pot process.

According to&nbsp;Wolfgang Streit, an expert in microbial plastic degradation at the University of Hamburg, Germany ''This is a very promising and timely study demonstrating that terephthalic acid can be implemented into a biotechnological process.''

''They outline a clear strategy for biological up-cycling of PET waste into a single value-added small molecule. Since vanillin has the potential to serve as a platform chemical compound, this makes a significant contribution to the emerging field of microbiological plastic recycling.''

Meanwhile, Zeynep Cetecioglu, a researcher in the field of microbial waste valorisation at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, calls the work quite an important step not only for creating biorefinery hubs in cities, but also for a more sustainable society.

Plastic waste is a big problem for all the world and the need is to find a solution to remove or dispose it. This study has taken a step further and successfully converted the compound of plastic waste to a high-value chemical.

Aside from the useful transformation, Wallace says their research ''completely changes the perception of plastic waste as a problematic end product into a utilisable feedstock for modern industrial biotechnology.''

Scientists in the UK have genetically engineered used plastic bottles into vanilla flavouring (vanillin) to make recycling more attractive and tackle global plastic pollution.

Scientists in the UK have genetically engineered used plastic bottles into vanilla flavouring (vanillin) to make recycling more attractive and tackle global plastic pollution. Vanillin is the molecule responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of vanilla. It is used in food and cosmetics, and is an industrially important platform chemical. Traditionally, it is extracted from the vanilla plant, but global demand far outweighs supply from natural sources. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used types of plastic. Most existing recycling technologies degrade it into second-generation plastic materials. Research duo Stephen Wallace and Joanna Sadler from the University of Edinburgh used genetic engineering to create a strain of E. coli that converts terephthalic acid into vanillin. Wallace believes ''Instead of simply recycling plastic waste into more plastic, what our system demonstrates for the first time is that you can use plastic as a feedstock for microbial cells and transform it into something with higher value and more industrial utility.'' Sadler is unsure if vanillin derived directly from waste would meet regulatory standards for food consumption but envisages it would be suitable for cosmetics or other applications as a bulk chemical. Their modified E. coli produces enzymes to convert terephthalic acid to vanillin through an oxidation, a methylation and two reduction steps. These enzymes were introduced to the cell on plasmids, which Wallace describes as ‘circular pieces of DNA that are effectively an instruction book for the chemistry you want that cell to do.’ Adding such a large number of non-native enzymes to E. coli proved to be a big challenge. ''When you start introducing new enzymes you are putting a lot of stress on the cell, and at some point, it will become unhappy with the amount of work you are asking it to do. This poses various biological hurdles,'' explains Sadler. Through careful optimisation of reaction conditions and media, eventually they found a sweet spot where each of the enzymes was able to play its part in the biocatalytic transformation of terephthalic acid to vanillin.Unfortunately, getting the cell to carry out the transformation was only half of the battle. ''Whole cell biocatalysis has a lot of benefits, but a huge challenge is physically getting the substrate into the cell so that the chemistry can happen,'' says Sadler. To overcome this, they added small amounts of alcohol that essentially poke holes in the cell membrane to increase its permeability. Another complexity was that vanillin itself is toxic to their new strain of E. coli. To mitigate those toxicity issues, they removed the product from the reaction mixture in situ by extracting it into oleyl alcohol. With optimised conditions in hand, the team directly converted a waste plastic bottle, picked off a street in Edinburgh, to vanillin in a one-pot process. According to Wolfgang Streit, an expert in microbial plastic degradation at the University of Hamburg, Germany ''This is a very promising and timely study demonstrating that terephthalic acid can be implemented into a biotechnological process.'' ''They outline a clear strategy for biological up-cycling of PET waste into a single value-added small molecule. Since vanillin has the potential to serve as a platform chemical compound, this makes a significant contribution to the emerging field of microbiological plastic recycling.'' Meanwhile, Zeynep Cetecioglu, a researcher in the field of microbial waste valorisation at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, calls the work quite an important step not only for creating biorefinery hubs in cities, but also for a more sustainable society. Plastic waste is a big problem for all the world and the need is to find a solution to remove or dispose it. This study has taken a step further and successfully converted the compound of plastic waste to a high-value chemical. Aside from the useful transformation, Wallace says their research ''completely changes the perception of plastic waste as a problematic end product into a utilisable feedstock for modern industrial biotechnology.''

Vanilla from used plastic bottles? Scientists brew valuable chemical from junk

Brazilian artist Eduardo Srur reproduces works by renowned masters without using a drop of paint - just recycled shreds of plastic picked up from city streets and rivers.

Brazilian conjures works of art from plastic bags

It’s raining plastic - literally! 1,100 tonnes of micro plastics float in the skies of United States at any moment. Microplastics are increasingly being found across species and were recently spotted in a human placenta.

A new modelling was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and showed that 84 per cent of airborne micro plastics in Western USA came from roads outside of major cities.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/water-with-microplastics-is-safe-world-health-organization-who-244807/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An additional 11 per cent potentially came from the winds coming in from the ocean. Researchers behind the model also believe that the microplastics remain airborne for at least a week.

The particles raining down on humans are smaller than 5 millimetres and can be traced back to multiple sources including plastic bags and bottles that are thrown into waterways. Over time, these break into smaller pieces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-among-seafood-highest-levels-of-microplastics-found-in-molluscs-study-352659" hreflang="en">Among seafood highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs: Study</a>

The study cited washing machines as another source, for synthetic clothes release tiny microfibres after every wash, which are then into the water.

Plastics that are released into the ocean disintegrate into smaller pieces over time but never completely disappear. Even now, the number of microplastics in the ocean continue to increase.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ocean-bed-now-has-more-microplastics-than-ever-before-296144" hreflang="en">Ocean bed now has more microplastics than ever before</a>

Microplastics continue to threaten marine life and could also pose threat to humans if consumed in large quantities. Plastic pollution is considered the major pollutant of oceans, and many patches of plastic garbage have emerged in the oceans over the last few decades.

It’s raining plastic - literally! 1,100 tonnes of micro plastics float in the skies of United States at any moment. Microplastics are increasingly being found across species and were recently spotted in a human placenta.

It’s raining plastic - literally! 1,100 tonnes of micro plastics float in the skies of United States at any moment. Microplastics are increasingly being found across species and were recently spotted in a human placenta. A new modelling was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and showed that 84 per cent of airborne micro plastics in Western USA came from roads outside of major cities. An additional 11 per cent potentially came from the winds coming in from the ocean. Researchers behind the model also believe that the microplastics remain airborne for at least a week. The particles raining down on humans are smaller than 5 millimetres and can be traced back to multiple sources including plastic bags and bottles that are thrown into waterways. Over time, these break into smaller pieces. Also read: Among seafood highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs: Study The study cited washing machines as another source, for synthetic clothes release tiny microfibres after every wash, which are then into the water. Plastics that are released into the ocean disintegrate into smaller pieces over time but never completely disappear. Even now, the number of microplastics in the ocean continue to increase. Also read: Ocean bed now has more microplastics than ever before Microplastics continue to threaten marine life and could also pose threat to humans if consumed in large quantities. Plastic pollution is considered the major pollutant of oceans, and many patches of plastic garbage have emerged in the oceans over the last few decades.

It's raining plastic and we can't even see it!

Bolivia's Uru Uru lake is more plastic than water, with discarded bottles, containers, toys and tires stretching out towards the horizon, a dystopian image reflecting years of human pollution and the scar of climate change. On Wednesday (April 7) hundreds of people gathered up waste from the surface of the lake, whose waters have also been contaminated by nearby industry and mining.

'Made of plastic': Cleaning up Bolivia's Uru Uru lake

Scientists in Siberia have come up with a device that turns medical waste into synthesis gas and inert slag that can be used in fuel and construction.

Siberian turns PPE kits into fuel & slag

It's a monster of a sailing boat which was presented on Tuesday (January 26) in Paris which aim is to clean plastic from the ocean. French skipper Yvan Bourgnon and his NGO 'The SeaCleaners' presented a model of a boat that self-recycles collected plastic trash from seas.

French sailor vows to take on ocean's trash with his 'Manta'

Plastic has been one of the biggest environmental concerns in modern times and a new study has claimed that this material is being found at historic sites as well.

Castell Henllys in the Welsh Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, UK is where a village during the Iron Age was present about 2,000 years ago.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-biodegradable-plastics-failing-to-tackle-pollution-crisis-350466">China's biodegradable plastics 'failing to tackle pollution crisis'</a>

Over the years, archaeologists and researchers have rebuilt have built four roundhouses which were once there in this ancient village.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-the-plastic-surgery-capital-of-the-world-354553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These structures were rebuilt about 30 years ago to understand how the materials used to decay and degrade over time.

But, what researchers found is absolutely unbelievable: 2,000 plastic items.&nbsp;

The study that was published this week in journal antiquity showed that plastic food wrap, candy wrappers, utensils, bottle caps, straws, straw wrappers, plastic bags, were some of the items found in this site.&nbsp;

Even though the site is ably maintained and cleaned, small plastic remains used by plenty of visitors were uncovered beneath benches installed in dark corners of the roundhouses.&nbsp;

The site has a rural setting and is based in the countryside, and that is why Harold Mytum, lead researcher and professor of archaeology at the University of Liverpool said "the amount of plastic litter was a surprise," as quoted by CNN. &nbsp;

He also said that if the children who visited this place were given lunch without plastic packing "it would have made a huge difference" as about 6,000 children each year visit this site.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Plastic has been one of the biggest environmental concerns in modern times and a new study has claimed that this material is being found at historic sites as well.

Plastic has been one of the biggest environmental concerns in modern times and a new study has claimed that this material is being found at historic sites as well. Castell Henllys in the Welsh Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, UK is where a village during the Iron Age was present about 2,000 years ago. Also read | China's biodegradable plastics 'failing to tackle pollution crisis' Over the years, archaeologists and researchers have rebuilt have built four roundhouses which were once there in this ancient village. Watch | These structures were rebuilt about 30 years ago to understand how the materials used to decay and degrade over time. But, what researchers found is absolutely unbelievable: 2,000 plastic items. The study that was published this week in journal antiquity showed that plastic food wrap, candy wrappers, utensils, bottle caps, straws, straw wrappers, plastic bags, were some of the items found in this site. Even though the site is ably maintained and cleaned, small plastic remains used by plenty of visitors were uncovered beneath benches installed in dark corners of the roundhouses. The site has a rural setting and is based in the countryside, and that is why Harold Mytum, lead researcher and professor of archaeology at the University of Liverpool said "the amount of plastic litter was a surprise," as quoted by CNN. He also said that if the children who visited this place were given lunch without plastic packing "it would have made a huge difference" as about 6,000 children each year visit this site.

Plastic leaves its mark at 2,000-year-old Iron Age site

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days. 
 
“This level of extreme heat would have been almost impossible in the absence of human-caused global warming,” the report said.

Greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high last year, putting us on track for an average temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius. 2020 could be the hottest year yet on record as temperatures continue to soar.

Some extreme weather events, such as heat- and cold-waves, intense precipitation events, and regional droughts, have become more frequent and intense.

COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to result in just a 0.01C reduction in global warming by 2050. However, green investment under government stimulus packages could cut up to 25% off emissions predicted in 2030.

The World Economic Forum also released data to illustrate the potential damage to the planet over the coming decades and stated that by 2030s – Climate change-related illnesses will kill 250,000 people each year.

According to the predictions, Up to 8 per cent of the global population will have seen a severe reduction in water availability. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand will be threatened by annual floods, sparking mass migration.

By 2050s – temperatures will soar to 60°C and by 2100s – Florida will disappear and south Spain will become a desert.

The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s.&nbsp;

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days.

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days. “This level of extreme heat would have been almost impossible in the absence of human-caused global warming,” the report said. Greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high last year, putting us on track for an average temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius. 2020 could be the hottest year yet on record as temperatures continue to soar. Some extreme weather events, such as heat- and cold-waves, intense precipitation events, and regional droughts, have become more frequent and intense. COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to result in just a 0.01C reduction in global warming by 2050. However, green investment under government stimulus packages could cut up to 25% off emissions predicted in 2030. The World Economic Forum also released data to illustrate the potential damage to the planet over the coming decades and stated that by 2030s – Climate change-related illnesses will kill 250,000 people each year. According to the predictions, Up to 8 per cent of the global population will have seen a severe reduction in water availability. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand will be threatened by annual floods, sparking mass migration. By 2050s – temperatures will soar to 60°C and by 2100s – Florida will disappear and south Spain will become a desert. The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s. One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report. (With inputs from agencies)

Coming decades will see unbearable 60°C days, warns World Economic Forum

Restaurants and e-commerce platforms in China will now have to report utilisation of single-use plastics. Additionally, delivery firms will also have to report their usage of plastic alongside submitting plans for recycling. The country’s commerce ministry put out proposals to regulate plastic use on Monday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-reminder-of-over-abundance-of-plastic-waste-piling-up-in-landfills-worldwide-336320/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As part of this, the ministry has set up a nationwide system to report consumption of plastic. The nationwide scheme will also promote recycling. China is dealing with plastic pollution, due to which its rivers have been pollution, and landfills of dump continue to increase.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/bottle-fed-babies-consume-16-million-microplastic-particles-each-day-study-336585" hreflang="en">Bottle-fed babies consume 1.6 million microplastic particles each day: Study</a>

Reuters reported that due to the surge in food delivery services, the trash has increased. The ministry had announced in September that single-user plastic bags and food utensils would face a complete ban by the end of 2020. In addition, single use straws will also be effectively banned in the country.

The chairman of China Scrap Plastic Association - Wang Wang had announced that bans “would only resolve the most visible types of plastic pollution”. In September, the country had introduced the “solid waste law” whereby fines would be increased ten fold on those who break recycling rules while constructing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/plastics-weighing-14-million-tonnes-likely-present-at-bottom-of-oceans-study-332918" hreflang="en">Plastics weighing 14 million tonnes likely present at bottom of oceans: Study</a>

From September, China has also prohibited some types of agricultural-use plastic film used to keep crops warm and moist. Chinese farmers use around 1.5 million tonnes a year, but it leaves residues that damage the soil.

In 2019, China produced 63 tonnes of plastic, with a correlating cycling rate of 30 per cent. Annually, the country produces 20 million tonnes of single-use plastic. This figure includes 3 million tonnes of shopping bags.

Restaurants and e-commerce platforms in China will now have to report utilisation of single-use plastics. Additionally, delivery firms will also have to report their usage of plastic alongside submitting plans for recycling.

Restaurants and e-commerce platforms in China will now have to report utilisation of single-use plastics. Additionally, delivery firms will also have to report their usage of plastic alongside submitting plans for recycling. The country’s commerce ministry put out proposals to regulate plastic use on Monday. As part of this, the ministry has set up a nationwide system to report consumption of plastic. The nationwide scheme will also promote recycling. China is dealing with plastic pollution, due to which its rivers have been pollution, and landfills of dump continue to increase. Also read: Bottle-fed babies consume 1.6 million microplastic particles each day: Study Reuters reported that due to the surge in food delivery services, the trash has increased. The ministry had announced in September that single-user plastic bags and food utensils would face a complete ban by the end of 2020. In addition, single use straws will also be effectively banned in the country. The chairman of China Scrap Plastic Association - Wang Wang had announced that bans “would only resolve the most visible types of plastic pollution”. In September, the country had introduced the “solid waste law” whereby fines would be increased ten fold on those who break recycling rules while constructing. Also read: Plastics weighing 14 million tonnes likely present at bottom of oceans: Study From September, China has also prohibited some types of agricultural-use plastic film used to keep crops warm and moist. Chinese farmers use around 1.5 million tonnes a year, but it leaves residues that damage the soil. In 2019, China produced 63 tonnes of plastic, with a correlating cycling rate of 30 per cent. Annually, the country produces 20 million tonnes of single-use plastic. This figure includes 3 million tonnes of shopping bags.

China: Reporting usage of single-use plastics to authorities now mandatory

Green activists Kim Yona and Lee Dong-I use the bottle caps to make a tube-squeezing device - something they hope consumers will find useful and be able to keep, rather than toss out after just one use.

South Korean "sparrows" try to cap surge of throwaway plastic

Scientists warn prevalence of plastic pollution may pose risks to human and ocean health.

Plastic pollution in Atlantic ocean | Pollution 10 times more than thought

The amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean and killing marine life could triple in the next 20 years, unless companies and governments can drastically reduce plastic production, a new study published on Thursday said.

Single-use plastic consumption has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the International Solid Waste Association, an NGO. Face masks and latex gloves are washing up daily on Asia’s remote beaches. Landfills worldwide are piled high with record amounts of takeaway food containers and online delivery packaging.

The new research, produced by scientists and industry experts for The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, offers solutions that could cut the projected volume of plastic entering the ocean by more than 80%.

The roadmap for stemming the runaway ocean plastic waste crisis is among the most detailed ever offered in a study.

If no action is taken, however, the amount of plastic going into the sea every year will rise from 11 million tonnes to 29 million tonnes, leaving a cumulative 600 million tonnes swilling in the ocean by 2040, the equivalent weight of 3 million blue whales, according to the study published in the journal Science.

“Plastic pollution is something that affects everyone. It isn’t a ‘your problem and not my problem’. It’s not one country’s problem. It’s everyone’s problem,” said Winnie Lau, senior manager at Pew and co-author of the study.

“It’s going to get worse if we don’t do anything.”

The strategy laid out in the report includes redirecting hundreds of billions of dollars in plastic production investment into alternative materials, recycling facilities and waste collection expansion in developing countries.

This would require a U-turn by the energy industry, which is rapidly building new chemical plants around the world to boost plastic output as its traditional fuel business is eroded by a rise in cleaner energy sources.

<h3>OIL AND SODA</h3>

The amount of plastic produced annually has been climbing fast since 1950, when global production totalled 2 million tonnes. In 2017, that number was 348 million tonnes, and is expected to double again by 2040, the study estimates.

Big plastic makers, including ExxonMobil, Dow and Chevron Phillips Chemical, have said they are committed to tackling plastic pollution, despite increasing production. The projects they fund focus on cleaning up waste.

The paper recommends, however, governments implement laws to discourage new plastic production and provide subsidies for reusable alternatives.

The plastic industry has lobbied against government bans on single-use plastic.

Some of the biggest buyers of plastic are consumer goods companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle and Unilever. They have all made commitments to use a greater amount of recycled content in products in the future.

But current government and corporate commitments will only reduce the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean by 7 percent by 2040, the Pew and SYSTEMIQ study finds.

To cut the flow of ocean plastic by 80%, paper or compostable alternatives to single-use plastic would be needed and packaging should be redesigned to more than double the share of recyclable material, the study says.

Some criticised the study’s inclusion of incineration, chemical recycling and plastic-to-fuel plants as ways to dispose of waste, saying these methods involve the release of climate-warming carbon emissions while also helping to sustain plastic production.

Instead, “we would be putting more emphasis on the need for reduction and stemming production of plastics,” said Von Hernandez, global coordinator at Break Free From Plastic, an NGO.

“If industry were allowed to continue with their projections of growth up to 2050, which quadruples production during this time, most of the recommendations from this report will be meaningless.”

The amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean and killing marine life could triple in the next 20 years, unless companies and governments can drastically reduce plastic production, a new study published on Thursday said.

The amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean and killing marine life could triple in the next 20 years, unless companies and governments can drastically reduce plastic production, a new study published on Thursday said. Single-use plastic consumption has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the International Solid Waste Association, an NGO. Face masks and latex gloves are washing up daily on Asia’s remote beaches. Landfills worldwide are piled high with record amounts of takeaway food containers and online delivery packaging. The new research, produced by scientists and industry experts for The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, offers solutions that could cut the projected volume of plastic entering the ocean by more than 80%. The roadmap for stemming the runaway ocean plastic waste crisis is among the most detailed ever offered in a study. If no action is taken, however, the amount of plastic going into the sea every year will rise from 11 million tonnes to 29 million tonnes, leaving a cumulative 600 million tonnes swilling in the ocean by 2040, the equivalent weight of 3 million blue whales, according to the study published in the journal Science. “Plastic pollution is something that affects everyone. It isn’t a ‘your problem and not my problem’. It’s not one country’s problem. It’s everyone’s problem,” said Winnie Lau, senior manager at Pew and co-author of the study. “It’s going to get worse if we don’t do anything.” The strategy laid out in the report includes redirecting hundreds of billions of dollars in plastic production investment into alternative materials, recycling facilities and waste collection expansion in developing countries. This would require a U-turn by the energy industry, which is rapidly building new chemical plants around the world to boost plastic output as its traditional fuel business is eroded by a rise in cleaner energy sources. OIL AND SODA The amount of plastic produced annually has been climbing fast since 1950, when global production totalled 2 million tonnes. In 2017, that number was 348 million tonnes, and is expected to double again by 2040, the study estimates. Big plastic makers, including ExxonMobil, Dow and Chevron Phillips Chemical, have said they are committed to tackling plastic pollution, despite increasing production. The projects they fund focus on cleaning up waste. The paper recommends, however, governments implement laws to discourage new plastic production and provide subsidies for reusable alternatives. The plastic industry has lobbied against government bans on single-use plastic. Some of the biggest buyers of plastic are consumer goods companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle and Unilever. They have all made commitments to use a greater amount of recycled content in products in the future. But current government and corporate commitments will only reduce the amount of plastic flowing into the ocean by 7 percent by 2040, the Pew and SYSTEMIQ study finds. To cut the flow of ocean plastic by 80%, paper or compostable alternatives to single-use plastic would be needed and packaging should be redesigned to more than double the share of recyclable material, the study says. Some criticised the study’s inclusion of incineration, chemical recycling and plastic-to-fuel plants as ways to dispose of waste, saying these methods involve the release of climate-warming carbon emissions while also helping to sustain plastic production. Instead, “we would be putting more emphasis on the need for reduction and stemming production of plastics,” said Von Hernandez, global coordinator at Break Free From Plastic, an NGO. “If industry were allowed to continue with their projections of growth up to 2050, which quadruples production during this time, most of the recommendations from this report will be meaningless.”

Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.&nbsp;

The contagion has had mixed outcomes for Thailand's environment, with dugongs, turtles, and otters returning to beaches normally packed with tourists.

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>

But in urban areas plastic food containers, cutlery, and bags have piled up, clogging canals, rivers and landfills as people stuck at home because of the epidemic order take-away.&nbsp;

Urban waste almost doubled between January and March from a year ago mainly due to increased food deliveries, says Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute.

In Bangkok alone, rubbish leapt by 62 per cent in April.&nbsp;

"The situation is really worrying," he says.

In Bangkok's network of canals, trash collectors pluck plastic bottles, bags and containers from the fetid waters.

"Plastic pollution may kill more people than (the coronavirus) in Thailand," says 12-year-old environmentalist Ralyn "Lilly" Satidtanasarn, the kingdom's answer to Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

Plastic detox&nbsp;

Thailand along with Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Vietnam produce half the plastic waste in the world's oceans, according to campaign group the Ocean Conservancy.

Over the last year, all of those countries have pledged, or introduced, new rules to ban single-use plastic bags and other throwaway items.

Thailand outlawed plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores in January. &nbsp;

Before then Thais on average used eight bags a day, 12 times more than a resident of the European Union.

While the kingdom has weathered the virus well, with just over 3,100 cases and fewer than 60 deaths, fears of contracting it have seen single-use plastic return with a vengeance.

The new normal comes with more plastic -- cutlery in sterilised bags and condiments in zip-lock sachets.

"A large part (of the extra plastic) will end up in the rivers and oceans," warns Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand.

He says the crisis had "cruelly highlighted" the need for better waste management in a country where only about 19 per cent of the two million tonnes of plastic waste produced last year was recycled.

The government aims for 100 per cent recyclable plastic to be in common use by 2027.

The other big four Asian plastic polluters are yet to give comprehensive figures on plastic use during the virus.

But some cities in Japan have reported an increase in plastic waste, even though its citizens are better at recycling.

Concerned by Thailand's enduring addiction to plastic, civil society is hoping to inspire a public detox.

In northern Thailand, an academic is leading a team paving roads with plastic bags mixed with sand.

The composite slabs are lighter to transport and can last up to 400 years before decomposing, says Wechsawan Lakas of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

His inspiration to find an alternative came after a trip to the beach with his two young sons, who discovered waters bloated with plastic waste.

But the small gains are outsized by the scale of the Thai plastics industry, he says, insisting greater political will is needed to alter both consumer habits and the sources of raw materials. &nbsp;

"Because of the power of the petrochemical industry it will be difficult for the government to implement aggressive policies," he warns.&nbsp;

"Changing mentalities will take years." 
&nbsp;

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge. The contagion has had mixed outcomes for Thailand's environment, with dugongs, turtles, and otters returning to beaches normally packed with tourists. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic But in urban areas plastic food containers, cutlery, and bags have piled up, clogging canals, rivers and landfills as people stuck at home because of the epidemic order take-away. Urban waste almost doubled between January and March from a year ago mainly due to increased food deliveries, says Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute. In Bangkok alone, rubbish leapt by 62 per cent in April. "The situation is really worrying," he says. In Bangkok's network of canals, trash collectors pluck plastic bottles, bags and containers from the fetid waters. "Plastic pollution may kill more people than (the coronavirus) in Thailand," says 12-year-old environmentalist Ralyn "Lilly" Satidtanasarn, the kingdom's answer to Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg. Plastic detox Thailand along with Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Vietnam produce half the plastic waste in the world's oceans, according to campaign group the Ocean Conservancy. Over the last year, all of those countries have pledged, or introduced, new rules to ban single-use plastic bags and other throwaway items. Thailand outlawed plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores in January. Before then Thais on average used eight bags a day, 12 times more than a resident of the European Union. While the kingdom has weathered the virus well, with just over 3,100 cases and fewer than 60 deaths, fears of contracting it have seen single-use plastic return with a vengeance. The new normal comes with more plastic -- cutlery in sterilised bags and condiments in zip-lock sachets. "A large part (of the extra plastic) will end up in the rivers and oceans," warns Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand. He says the crisis had "cruelly highlighted" the need for better waste management in a country where only about 19 per cent of the two million tonnes of plastic waste produced last year was recycled. The government aims for 100 per cent recyclable plastic to be in common use by 2027. The other big four Asian plastic polluters are yet to give comprehensive figures on plastic use during the virus. But some cities in Japan have reported an increase in plastic waste, even though its citizens are better at recycling. Concerned by Thailand's enduring addiction to plastic, civil society is hoping to inspire a public detox. In northern Thailand, an academic is leading a team paving roads with plastic bags mixed with sand. The composite slabs are lighter to transport and can last up to 400 years before decomposing, says Wechsawan Lakas of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. His inspiration to find an alternative came after a trip to the beach with his two young sons, who discovered waters bloated with plastic waste. But the small gains are outsized by the scale of the Thai plastics industry, he says, insisting greater political will is needed to alter both consumer habits and the sources of raw materials. "Because of the power of the petrochemical industry it will be difficult for the government to implement aggressive policies," he warns. "Changing mentalities will take years."

Food deliveries during virus lockdown fuel Thailand plastic usage

China is the top source of plastic bottles, bags and other rubbish clogging up global sea lanes, according to the latest country-wise data available.&nbsp;

Each year -- over eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste is generated in China. Over three million metric tonnes of this waste ends up as plastic marine debris.

To find out what happens to this plastic in our oceans. Let's go back to the petri dish next to the mullet fish. Each time -- this is what needs to be cleaned out before serving the famous grey mullet fish.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-dumps-most-amount-of-plastic-in-oceans-304655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If you toss the fish directly into the pant. This toxic plastic waste will end up on your plate. In the southern Chinese territory.

At least 170 marine species, including mussels, lobsters and silver herring have been found with microplastic inside them. Researchers at the University of Georgia say China and Indonesia alone are responsible for around five million tonnes of plastic waste ending up at sea each year.

That's one-third of total plastic debris in global waters. The Philippines and Vietnam are next on the list. Thailand and Malaysia too figure in the list of the top ten ocean polluters.

Hardly surprising — As east and south-east Asia together generate 60 per cent of the global plastic waste and then there's Bangladesh

Cheap labour has turned these countries into global manufacturing hubs especially -- packaging and textiles. These industries generate the most amount of plastic waste in the world.

Improper waste management methods in these middle and lower-income coastal countries mean plastic waste inevitably finds its way into the oceans. More advanced countries are guilty too, the 23 EU coastal countries release as much plastic debris as the united states. Plastic waste is a serious challenge for the natural world.

And despite that Plastic production is only going to increase. More than 40 per cent by 2030, now — environmentalists are posing another big question.

Plastic pollution in oceans will get worse after the Covid-19 pandemic. Much of the personal protective equipment -- like gloves, face masks and gowns -- are only used once. Surgical masks have already begun to wash up on our beaches. Each day -- China alone is making over 200,000 masks.

China is the top source of plastic bottles, bags and other rubbish clogging up global sea lanes, according to the latest country-wise data available. Each year -- over eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste is generated in China.

China is the top source of plastic bottles, bags and other rubbish clogging up global sea lanes, according to the latest country-wise data available. Each year -- over eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste is generated in China. Over three million metric tonnes of this waste ends up as plastic marine debris. To find out what happens to this plastic in our oceans. Let's go back to the petri dish next to the mullet fish. Each time -- this is what needs to be cleaned out before serving the famous grey mullet fish. If you toss the fish directly into the pant. This toxic plastic waste will end up on your plate. In the southern Chinese territory. At least 170 marine species, including mussels, lobsters and silver herring have been found with microplastic inside them. Researchers at the University of Georgia say China and Indonesia alone are responsible for around five million tonnes of plastic waste ending up at sea each year. That's one-third of total plastic debris in global waters. The Philippines and Vietnam are next on the list. Thailand and Malaysia too figure in the list of the top ten ocean polluters. Hardly surprising — As east and south-east Asia together generate 60 per cent of the global plastic waste and then there's Bangladesh Cheap labour has turned these countries into global manufacturing hubs especially -- packaging and textiles. These industries generate the most amount of plastic waste in the world. Improper waste management methods in these middle and lower-income coastal countries mean plastic waste inevitably finds its way into the oceans. More advanced countries are guilty too, the 23 EU coastal countries release as much plastic debris as the united states. Plastic waste is a serious challenge for the natural world. And despite that Plastic production is only going to increase. More than 40 per cent by 2030, now — environmentalists are posing another big question. Plastic pollution in oceans will get worse after the Covid-19 pandemic. Much of the personal protective equipment -- like gloves, face masks and gowns -- are only used once. Surgical masks have already begun to wash up on our beaches. Each day -- China alone is making over 200,000 masks.

Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic

As we mark World Environment Day, there are some harsh facts that tell us that our environment is at unimaginable risk. So let's try to understand these five facts on June 5, the day dedicated to environmental awareness and protection. &nbsp;

In pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-environment-day-from-amazon-to-india-nature-has-suffered-enough-in-one-year-303554">World Environment Day: From Amazon to India, nature has suffered enough in one year</a>

Climate Change

The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s.&nbsp;

Pollution

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report.&nbsp;

Plastic pollution

If we look at pollution, a major worry is pollution generated from plastic. Half of all the plastics ever manufactured are produced in the last 15 years. Every year, nearly eight million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the oceans.&nbsp;

Extinction

All of the human beings and other species are victims of pollution and climate change. As many as 100,000 species are getting extinct each year. Experts say the rapid loss of species is 1000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate.&nbsp;

Disasters

Disasters are one of the biggest signs that suggest that not all is well with the environment. In the last 30 years, the number of climate-related disasters has tripled. Over 20 million people are forced to leave their homes each year because of disasters.&nbsp;

The economic cost of climate change and natural disasters is also very high. According to estimates, by 2030, developing countries would have to shell 140 to 300 billion dollars every year.&nbsp;

Also, events from the first five months of this year substantiate the point that the risk to our environment is real.&nbsp;

We welcomed 2020 with an ongoing unfortunate event, Australian bushfires, one of the most devastating of all time. About 25.5 million hectares of land were gutted by the fires. The area is about the size of South Korea and 33 people have lost their lives in these fires.&nbsp;

In April this year, the United States witnessed its second-highest tornado count ever, with as many as 351 tornadoes in that particular month. As many as 40 people died in these tornadoes.&nbsp;

Now, we are struggling with locust attacks that have targetted 25 countries this year. Millions of hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Africa and Asia. It is likely that we have to face locust attacks every year. These swarms symbolise climate change.&nbsp;

Recently, parts of India and Bangladesh also witnessed massive destruction caused by super cyclone Amphan. It was the first super cyclone formed in the Bay of Bengal since 1999. At least 100 people have died in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal alone. The strong winds made Bengal look like a war zone.&nbsp;

And just over 24 hours ago, a powerful landslide swept several buildings into the sea in northern Norway.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As we mark World Environment Day, there are some harsh facts that tell us that our environment is at unimaginable risk. So let's try to understand these five facts on June 5, the day dedicated to environmental awareness and protection.

As we mark World Environment Day, there are some harsh facts that tell us that our environment is at unimaginable risk. So let's try to understand these five facts on June 5, the day dedicated to environmental awareness and protection. In pics | World Environment Day: From Amazon to India, nature has suffered enough in one year Climate Change The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s. Pollution One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report. Plastic pollution If we look at pollution, a major worry is pollution generated from plastic. Half of all the plastics ever manufactured are produced in the last 15 years. Every year, nearly eight million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the oceans. Extinction All of the human beings and other species are victims of pollution and climate change. As many as 100,000 species are getting extinct each year. Experts say the rapid loss of species is 1000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Disasters Disasters are one of the biggest signs that suggest that not all is well with the environment. In the last 30 years, the number of climate-related disasters has tripled. Over 20 million people are forced to leave their homes each year because of disasters. The economic cost of climate change and natural disasters is also very high. According to estimates, by 2030, developing countries would have to shell 140 to 300 billion dollars every year. Also, events from the first five months of this year substantiate the point that the risk to our environment is real. We welcomed 2020 with an ongoing unfortunate event, Australian bushfires, one of the most devastating of all time. About 25.5 million hectares of land were gutted by the fires. The area is about the size of South Korea and 33 people have lost their lives in these fires. In April this year, the United States witnessed its second-highest tornado count ever, with as many as 351 tornadoes in that particular month. As many as 40 people died in these tornadoes. Now, we are struggling with locust attacks that have targetted 25 countries this year. Millions of hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Africa and Asia. It is likely that we have to face locust attacks every year. These swarms symbolise climate change. Recently, parts of India and Bangladesh also witnessed massive destruction caused by super cyclone Amphan. It was the first super cyclone formed in the Bay of Bengal since 1999. At least 100 people have died in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal alone. The strong winds made Bengal look like a war zone. And just over 24 hours ago, a powerful landslide swept several buildings into the sea in northern Norway.

Harsh facts on World Environment Day: Climate change, pollution and disasters

Ambrose D’Mello is 52-year-old and has been on a silent protest since 2005. He is protesting against the sale of packaged drinking water. He carries a slate with him to communicate by writing on it using a small piece of a damp cloth. Watch this video to know more about D’Mello's fight.

This 52-year-old man is on a 'Silent Protest' to make 'Big Noise'

Nina Krinitsina has been creating her mosaic masterpieces, some including over 1,000 caps, decorating her house in the village of Makarye around 850 kilometres east of Moscow.

Russian granny turns tonnes of plastic bottle caps into art

The abbot of the Wat Chak Daeng Buddhist temple, south of Bangkok, is spearheading a project to recycle plastic bottles into fabric for saffron-coloured robes for monks.

Bottles for blessings: Thai Buddhist temple recycles plastics into robes

Thailand began the year on Wednesday (January 1) with a ban on single-use plastic bags at major stores, continuing a campaign launched by the government and retailers towards a complete ban in 2021 to reduce waste and debris in the sea.

Thai supermarkets join effort to reduce plastic waste

Tens of thousands of pieces of plastic littering the planet come from just a handful of multinational corporations, an environmental pressure group said Wednesday.

Coca Cola, Nestle and PepsiCo were named by Break Free from Plastics, a global coalition of individuals and environmental organisations, who warned the companies largely avoid cleanup responsibility.

The coalition's volunteers collected nearly half a million pieces of plastic waste during a coordinated "World Clean Up Day" in 51 countries a month ago, of which 43 per cent were marked with a clear consumer brand.

For the second year in a row, it said Coca-Cola came out on top, with 11,732 pieces of plastic collected from 37 countries across four continents this year, more than the next three top global polluters combined.

"Many of them have made commitments that they claim will make their products more sustainable, but largely protect the outdated throwaway business model that got us into this mess in the first place," said the report, released in Manila.

China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka dump the most plastic into the oceans, but "the real drivers of much of this plastic pollution in Asia are actually multinational corporations headquartered in Europe and the United States", it said.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle, responsible for the most pieces of plastic collected,&nbsp;did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

Others in the top ten polluters include Mondelez International, Unilever, Mars, P&amp;G, Colgate-Palmolive, Philip Morris, and Perfetti Van Mille, the report added.

While global consumer brands now acknowledge their role in perpetuating the crisis, the report said they "have been equally aggressive in promoting false solutions to address the problem".

Promoting recycling is their way of shifting the responsibility to consumers, it said.

Just nine per cent of all plastic produced since the 1950s has actually been recycled, the report said.

The report deems single-serve multilayered sachets, common in Southeast Asia and aimed at low-income families that cannot afford bigger volumes of consumer products, as "the most damaging type of plastic packaging".

Coca-Cola's promotion of a single-use plastic bottle using plastic collected from the oceans, as well as PepsiCo's efforts to promote recycling, "do not get to the heart of the problem and all but guarantee the plastic pollution crisis will grow worse".

Nestle sells over a billion products a day in single-use packaging "but has no clear plans for reducing the total amount" it puts into the world", the report alleged.

"As companies continue to profit by pumping out excessive single-use plastic, communities all over the world are being forced to shoulder the burden," it said, calling the situation "unacceptable".

The report said companies should veer away from promoting "false solutions", such as recycling and 'bioplastic', and instead transition from a throwaway economy.

All the companies named have made public commitments to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling.

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have pledged to make their packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. The beverage giants have also pulled out of a US lobbying organisation that represents the plastics industry.

Similarly, Nestle says it wants to make 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 and to increase the proportion of recycled material in its plastic bottles to a third.

Break Free from Plastics counts 6,118 individuals and 1,475 organisations around the world as its members, including Greenpeace.

Tens of thousands of pieces of plastic littering the planet come from just a handful of multinational corporations, an environmental pressure group said Wednesday.

Tens of thousands of pieces of plastic littering the planet come from just a handful of multinational corporations, an environmental pressure group said Wednesday. Coca Cola, Nestle and PepsiCo were named by Break Free from Plastics, a global coalition of individuals and environmental organisations, who warned the companies largely avoid cleanup responsibility. The coalition's volunteers collected nearly half a million pieces of plastic waste during a coordinated "World Clean Up Day" in 51 countries a month ago, of which 43 per cent were marked with a clear consumer brand. For the second year in a row, it said Coca-Cola came out on top, with 11,732 pieces of plastic collected from 37 countries across four continents this year, more than the next three top global polluters combined. "Many of them have made commitments that they claim will make their products more sustainable, but largely protect the outdated throwaway business model that got us into this mess in the first place," said the report, released in Manila. China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka dump the most plastic into the oceans, but "the real drivers of much of this plastic pollution in Asia are actually multinational corporations headquartered in Europe and the United States", it said. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle, responsible for the most pieces of plastic collected, did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment. Others in the top ten polluters include Mondelez International, Unilever, Mars, P&G, Colgate-Palmolive, Philip Morris, and Perfetti Van Mille, the report added. While global consumer brands now acknowledge their role in perpetuating the crisis, the report said they "have been equally aggressive in promoting false solutions to address the problem". Promoting recycling is their way of shifting the responsibility to consumers, it said. Just nine per cent of all plastic produced since the 1950s has actually been recycled, the report said. The report deems single-serve multilayered sachets, common in Southeast Asia and aimed at low-income families that cannot afford bigger volumes of consumer products, as "the most damaging type of plastic packaging". Coca-Cola's promotion of a single-use plastic bottle using plastic collected from the oceans, as well as PepsiCo's efforts to promote recycling, "do not get to the heart of the problem and all but guarantee the plastic pollution crisis will grow worse". Nestle sells over a billion products a day in single-use packaging "but has no clear plans for reducing the total amount" it puts into the world", the report alleged. "As companies continue to profit by pumping out excessive single-use plastic, communities all over the world are being forced to shoulder the burden," it said, calling the situation "unacceptable". The report said companies should veer away from promoting "false solutions", such as recycling and 'bioplastic', and instead transition from a throwaway economy. All the companies named have made public commitments to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have pledged to make their packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. The beverage giants have also pulled out of a US lobbying organisation that represents the plastics industry. Similarly, Nestle says it wants to make 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 and to increase the proportion of recycled material in its plastic bottles to a third. Break Free from Plastics counts 6,118 individuals and 1,475 organisations around the world as its members, including Greenpeace.

Coca Cola, Nestle among big firms to top worst plastic litter list: Report

Traders, shopkeepers, and others in India have started looking for an alternative to plastic amid the anticipation of a blanket ban on single-use plastic across the country.

Traders, shopkeepers look for alternative as India begins war on plastic

Germany plans to ban single-use plastic bags from next year, joining a growing movement to fight global pollution, the environment minister said Friday.

Supermarkets and other retailers will be barred from offering lightweight plastic carrier bags at their checkouts, including those now marketed as being biodegradable or being made from renewable sources instead of petroleum.

"The vast majority of Germans want this ban," said Environment Minister Svenja Schulze of the centre-left Social Democrats, introducing the initiative that she hopes to soon turn into law.

Breaches of the ban, set to take effect in the first half of next year, would threaten businesses with fines of up to 100,000 euros ($110,000), according to a report by Bild newspaper.&nbsp;

Plastic pollution, especially in waterways and oceans, is a major ecological hazard as it injures or kills marine and bird life, fouls beaches and creates giant floating garbage patches in oceans.

Scientists warn that, as plastic slowly breaks down, the micro-particles enter food chains and end up in humans, with studies showing toxic traces in the waste of people in Europe and Asia.

Germany plans to ban single-use plastic bags from next year, joining a growing movement to fight global pollution, the environment minister said Friday. Supermarkets and other retailers will be barred from offering lightweight plastic carrier bags at their checkouts, including those now marketed as being biodegradable or being made from renewable sources instead of petroleum.

Germany plans to ban single-use plastic bags from next year, joining a growing movement to fight global pollution, the environment minister said Friday. Supermarkets and other retailers will be barred from offering lightweight plastic carrier bags at their checkouts, including those now marketed as being biodegradable or being made from renewable sources instead of petroleum. "The vast majority of Germans want this ban," said Environment Minister Svenja Schulze of the centre-left Social Democrats, introducing the initiative that she hopes to soon turn into law. Breaches of the ban, set to take effect in the first half of next year, would threaten businesses with fines of up to 100,000 euros ($110,000), according to a report by Bild newspaper. Plastic pollution, especially in waterways and oceans, is a major ecological hazard as it injures or kills marine and bird life, fouls beaches and creates giant floating garbage patches in oceans. Scientists warn that, as plastic slowly breaks down, the micro-particles enter food chains and end up in humans, with studies showing toxic traces in the waste of people in Europe and Asia.

Germany plans to ban single-use plastic shopping bags next year

Watch to know how Ecuador is tackling plastic pollution, waste.

WION Dispatch: Recycle plastic bottles, earn money

Deadly microplastic pollutes world's oceans, Arctic too breached

Global soft drink-making giants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coca-cola-hbc-targets-up-to-6-annual-revenue-growth-for-next-six-years-223940">Coca Cola</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reckitt-picks-pepsico-executive-as-ceo-going-outside-for-first-time-226588">Pepsi</a> have decided to abandon the plastic lobby and are reportedly trying to increase the volume of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of their packaging.&nbsp;

According to American media reports, the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable - a move to ensure stepping away from single-use plastic.&nbsp;

Pepsi and Coca Cola are among the newest beverage-making giants to have hopped onto the bandwagon of companies that have severed ties with Plastics Industry Association - a trade association that represents the plastics industry.

Clorox, Becton Dickinson and Ecolab were among the companies that had ended their association with the PIA last year.&nbsp;

In a statement issued last week, Coca Cola said that the company's commitments and goals are not consistent with PIA's position.

There seems to be an increase in mounting pressure on companies across the globe to limit the use of plastic - or initiate using more recycled plastic - in the wake of escalating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/company-fined-254000-for-shipping-plastic-waste-to-cambodia-239515">plastic pollution</a>.&nbsp;

According to UN Environment, single-use or disposable plastic has "severe environmental consequences".

"Around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once — and then thrown away," the UN body says on its website, adding that today around 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is being produced annually which equals to the total weight of the entire human population on the planet.&nbsp;

Global soft drink-making giants Coca Cola and Pepsi have decided to abandon the plastic lobby and are reportedly trying to increase the volume of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of their packaging.

Global soft drink-making giants Coca Cola and Pepsi have decided to abandon the plastic lobby and are reportedly trying to increase the volume of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of their packaging. According to American media reports, the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable - a move to ensure stepping away from single-use plastic. Pepsi and Coca Cola are among the newest beverage-making giants to have hopped onto the bandwagon of companies that have severed ties with Plastics Industry Association - a trade association that represents the plastics industry. Clorox, Becton Dickinson and Ecolab were among the companies that had ended their association with the PIA last year. In a statement issued last week, Coca Cola said that the company's commitments and goals are not consistent with PIA's position. There seems to be an increase in mounting pressure on companies across the globe to limit the use of plastic - or initiate using more recycled plastic - in the wake of escalating plastic pollution. According to UN Environment, single-use or disposable plastic has "severe environmental consequences". "Around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once — and then thrown away," the UN body says on its website, adding that today around 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is being produced annually which equals to the total weight of the entire human population on the planet.

In a bid to curb plastic pollution, Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association 

Padma Shri awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik added another feather in his cap by bagging the award of People's choice prize in Boston. Pattnaik, the sole performer who represented India and Asia in the championship, in an interview to WION said, that the audience did not vote for him but voted against the ongoing effects of environmental deterioration and dangerous plastic pollution.&nbsp;

In his sculpture themed, 'Stop Plastic Pollution, Save Our Ocean’, Pattnaik emphasized on the importance of saving our climate and planet from Pollution and plastic.

The festival was started from July 26 and ended on July 28 2019. Including India, there were fifteen sculptors participated from around the World in this festival. Apart from Sudarsan, Belgium got sculptor's choice and Canada got the jury's choice Prize.

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I have won the People's Choice Prize at USA for My SandArt on Plastic Pollution with message, "Save our Ocean " in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boston?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Boston</a> International SandArt Championship/ Festival 2019. <a href="https://t.co/JfF7kqXcxE">pic.twitter.com/JfF7kqXcxE</a>
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) <a href="https://twitter.com/sudarsansand/status/1155316846423412736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Describing his sculpture ,Pattnaik said it took him two and a half days to sculpt a turtle caught in a plastic bag and a fish with plastic trash such as slippers, bottles and glass inside its body, showing how plastic is so dangerous for ocean and aquatic animals and how humans are also getting impacted by polluted waterways as they consume food from the sea and rivers.

<img alt="Sudarsan Pattnaik" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10be2d41-5d04-4263-b5ae-2e52fe83ac53" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_27.jpg" />

Receiving a huge positive response from all around the world through his sand art, he said that 'I was mesmerized by the response that I got from the people there who came to see my sand art from such distances, and so his award is for all the people who voted me in a foreign country".

When asked about why he chose environment theme on the competition, Pattnaik said, " I have been trying making my sculpture on environment theme because I want people to understand that we all should start thinking about our environment from a very young age, as my sand art would go one day but the message would remain eternal."

Hosted by non-profit organisation Revere Beach Partnership, the festival, now in its 16th year, ran from July 26-28 and was attended by close to a million people. On receiving congratulatory messages from around the world, Pattnaik also a Guinness Book of World record holder said that "At the end, I was very happy in holding the award with my Indian flag ".

Padma Shri awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik added another feather in his cap by bagging the award of People's choice prize in Boston. Pattnaik, the sole performer who represented India and Asia in the championship, in an interview to WION said, that the audience did not vote for him but voted against the ongoing effects of environmental deterioration and dangerous plastic pollution.

Padma Shri awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik added another feather in his cap by bagging the award of People's choice prize in Boston. Pattnaik, the sole performer who represented India and Asia in the championship, in an interview to WION said, that the audience did not vote for him but voted against the ongoing effects of environmental deterioration and dangerous plastic pollution. In his sculpture themed, 'Stop Plastic Pollution, Save Our Ocean’, Pattnaik emphasized on the importance of saving our climate and planet from Pollution and plastic. The festival was started from July 26 and ended on July 28 2019. Including India, there were fifteen sculptors participated from around the World in this festival. Apart from Sudarsan, Belgium got sculptor's choice and Canada got the jury's choice Prize. I have won the People's Choice Prize at USA for My SandArt on Plastic Pollution with message, "Save our Ocean " in #Boston International SandArt Championship/ Festival 2019. pic.twitter.com/JfF7kqXcxE — Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) July 28, 2019 × Describing his sculpture ,Pattnaik said it took him two and a half days to sculpt a turtle caught in a plastic bag and a fish with plastic trash such as slippers, bottles and glass inside its body, showing how plastic is so dangerous for ocean and aquatic animals and how humans are also getting impacted by polluted waterways as they consume food from the sea and rivers. Receiving a huge positive response from all around the world through his sand art, he said that 'I was mesmerized by the response that I got from the people there who came to see my sand art from such distances, and so his award is for all the people who voted me in a foreign country". When asked about why he chose environment theme on the competition, Pattnaik said, " I have been trying making my sculpture on environment theme because I want people to understand that we all should start thinking about our environment from a very young age, as my sand art would go one day but the message would remain eternal." Hosted by non-profit organisation Revere Beach Partnership, the festival, now in its 16th year, ran from July 26-28 and was attended by close to a million people. On receiving congratulatory messages from around the world, Pattnaik also a Guinness Book of World record holder said that "At the end, I was very happy in holding the award with my Indian flag ".

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik wins People's choice award in US, says people voted against plastic pollution

Cambodian Ouk Vanday is on a mission to put the piles of discarded rubbish around his neighbourhood to good use. He has built a cafe using stacks of beer bottles to make up a wall, and dead leaves to spell out the coffee shop's name -- 'Rubbish Cafe'.

Inside a Cambodian cafe built out of rubbish

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 15th April, 2019

A striking installation made up of 168,000 discarded straws arranged to form surreal blue and green waves are triggering a storm against plastic waste in Vietnam, a country that dumps some eight million tons of plastic in the sea every year.

The installation to visualize the hazards of plastic waste has been created by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong to spur the consciousness of the Vietnamese.

Titled "Parting of the Plastic Sea" in reference to Biblical division of the Red Sea, the 3.3-metre straw structure is to make people aware of the environmental problems triggered by the amount of plastic residue that ends up in seas and rivers, according to Wong.

The structure is on display at a Ho Chi Minh City mall and will remain there until March 24.

Visitors get attracted to the stunning installation. They click pictures and most of them don't leave without seeing an explanatory video on the making of the creation as they walk through the passage between the waves in the sea of straw.

Wong told EFE that he wanted to create something that could not be ignored by those who see it.

He chose discarded straws and called it Strawpocalypse. Straw, because it can be easily given up and does not require any sacrifice.

The project began last May when Julia Mesner, founder of Saigon Zero Waste, contacted Wong to help generate awareness using an artwork about the problem of plastic waste in Vietnam.

Dozens of Saigon Zero Waste volunteers then collected thousands of discarded straws over two months.

Wong also teamed up with Starbucks, regularly criticized by environmentalist groups for the plastic waste it generates across the world.

Mesner said Starbucks helped in the straw collection at their branches and also helped the project financially.

She said straws at Starbucks across Vietnam were hidden and were given only when customers asked for them.

Mesner said her organization in the last year and half of its existence has convinced over 100 establishments in the city to use eco-friendly, metal or bamboo straws.

Mesner and her husband Michael Burdge decided to set up Saigon Zero Waste when they were on an excursion where they saw a monkey chewing a plastic bag. They realized the magnitude of the plastic problem in the country.

According to Science magazine report in 2015, Vietnam was at the fourth place in the world among the countries that dump the largest amount of plastic in the sea with eight million tons annually.

Another study of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology in collaboration with France's research institute for development in 2018, found out that the level of microplastics in rivers and canals of the city was thousand times more than rivers in Europe.

Wong said the Vietnamese ensure that the roads in front of their homes were clean. But they would dump garbage in drains, thinking that they have solved the problem and not realizing they have actually created them.

However, Wong added, the situation is no different in the rest of Southeast Asia.

Overwhelmed by the statistics that forecast more plastic in the oceans than fish in 2050, Wong prefers to put more emphasis on small actions to create global changes and highlight a positive mentality that he has found in many young Vietnamese during the execution of his work.

Wong said it was motivating and inspiring to see new generations concerned about environmental problems and dedicating their time and effort in helping out in the project.

A striking installation made up of 168,000 discarded straws arranged to form surreal blue and green waves are triggering a storm against plastic waste in Vietnam, a country that dumps some eight million tons of plastic in the sea every year.

A striking installation made up of 168,000 discarded straws arranged to form surreal blue and green waves are triggering a storm against plastic waste in Vietnam, a country that dumps some eight million tons of plastic in the sea every year. The installation to visualize the hazards of plastic waste has been created by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong to spur the consciousness of the Vietnamese. Titled "Parting of the Plastic Sea" in reference to Biblical division of the Red Sea, the 3.3-metre straw structure is to make people aware of the environmental problems triggered by the amount of plastic residue that ends up in seas and rivers, according to Wong. The structure is on display at a Ho Chi Minh City mall and will remain there until March 24. Visitors get attracted to the stunning installation. They click pictures and most of them don't leave without seeing an explanatory video on the making of the creation as they walk through the passage between the waves in the sea of straw. Wong told EFE that he wanted to create something that could not be ignored by those who see it. He chose discarded straws and called it Strawpocalypse. Straw, because it can be easily given up and does not require any sacrifice. The project began last May when Julia Mesner, founder of Saigon Zero Waste, contacted Wong to help generate awareness using an artwork about the problem of plastic waste in Vietnam. Dozens of Saigon Zero Waste volunteers then collected thousands of discarded straws over two months. Wong also teamed up with Starbucks, regularly criticized by environmentalist groups for the plastic waste it generates across the world. Mesner said Starbucks helped in the straw collection at their branches and also helped the project financially. She said straws at Starbucks across Vietnam were hidden and were given only when customers asked for them. Mesner said her organization in the last year and half of its existence has convinced over 100 establishments in the city to use eco-friendly, metal or bamboo straws. Mesner and her husband Michael Burdge decided to set up Saigon Zero Waste when they were on an excursion where they saw a monkey chewing a plastic bag. They realized the magnitude of the plastic problem in the country. According to Science magazine report in 2015, Vietnam was at the fourth place in the world among the countries that dump the largest amount of plastic in the sea with eight million tons annually. Another study of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology in collaboration with France's research institute for development in 2018, found out that the level of microplastics in rivers and canals of the city was thousand times more than rivers in Europe. Wong said the Vietnamese ensure that the roads in front of their homes were clean. But they would dump garbage in drains, thinking that they have solved the problem and not realizing they have actually created them. However, Wong added, the situation is no different in the rest of Southeast Asia. Overwhelmed by the statistics that forecast more plastic in the oceans than fish in 2050, Wong prefers to put more emphasis on small actions to create global changes and highlight a positive mentality that he has found in many young Vietnamese during the execution of his work. Wong said it was motivating and inspiring to see new generations concerned about environmental problems and dedicating their time and effort in helping out in the project.

Fighting back plastic pollution with a sea of straws in Vietnam

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