A study conducted by researchers at Sweden's University revealed a distressing result about the usage of paper cups and containers it also turns out that replacing single-use plastic cups with paper ones is problematic as well. Watch to know how.

Study reveals that paper cups are as toxic as plastic ones

Researchers have discovered a method for converting used plastic by transforming it into soap.

Some 200 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced in the world annually, yet a staggering 80 per cent of this waste finds its way to landfills, with a little fraction – less than 10 per cent – recycled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-at-lhcs-rival-believe-there-is-an-unknown-force-in-nature-624450">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists at LHC's rival believe there is an unknown force in nature</a>

Plastics are chemically similar to fatty acids, a key component in soap production. Nevertheless, the size was a problem molecularly, as the plastics are very large about 3,000 atoms long, whereas fatty acids are much smaller.&nbsp;

'The Christmas Magic'

The solution was found by Guoliang Liu, an assistant professor of chemistry at Virginia Tech.&nbsp;The concept, published in the journal Science, revolves around the conversion of polyethene into fatty acids and, subsequently, into soap. He said that the solution came unusually.

"It was Christmas. I was watching the fireplace."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-booby-traps-among-reasons-why-archaeologists-are-scared-to-open-tomb-of-chinese-emperor-624368">Also read |&nbsp;Deadly 'booby traps' among reasons why archaeologists are scared to open tomb of Chinese emperor</a>

Liu elaborated on this, explaining that&nbsp;burning plastic would work the same way.

"Firewood is mostly made of polymers such as cellulose. The combustion of firewood breaks these polymers into short chains, and then into small gaseous molecules before full oxidation to carbon dioxide. If we similarly break down the synthetic polyethylene molecules but stop the process before they break all the way down to small gaseous molecules, then we should obtain short-chain, polyethylene-like molecules."

The research team built an oven-like reactor to be used to burn plastic.

The temperature at the bottom was kept hot to break up the polymer chains, while the top was cool enough to stop them from breaking down too far.

They then collected the residue and found that the product they had created is a type of wax, a short-chain polyethene, and then converted the wax into soap.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Researchers have discovered a method for converting used plastic by transforming it into soap. Some 200 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced in the world annually, yet a staggering 80 per cent of this waste finds its way to landfills, with a little fraction – less than 10 per cent – recycled.

Researchers have discovered a method for converting used plastic by transforming it into soap. Some 200 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced in the world annually, yet a staggering 80 per cent of this waste finds its way to landfills, with a little fraction – less than 10 per cent – recycled. Also read | Scientists at LHC's rival believe there is an unknown force in nature Plastics are chemically similar to fatty acids, a key component in soap production. Nevertheless, the size was a problem molecularly, as the plastics are very large about 3,000 atoms long, whereas fatty acids are much smaller. 'The Christmas Magic' The solution was found by Guoliang Liu, an assistant professor of chemistry at Virginia Tech. The concept, published in the journal Science, revolves around the conversion of polyethene into fatty acids and, subsequently, into soap. He said that the solution came unusually. "It was Christmas. I was watching the fireplace." Also read | Deadly 'booby traps' among reasons why archaeologists are scared to open tomb of Chinese emperor Liu elaborated on this, explaining that burning plastic would work the same way. "Firewood is mostly made of polymers such as cellulose. The combustion of firewood breaks these polymers into short chains, and then into small gaseous molecules before full oxidation to carbon dioxide. If we similarly break down the synthetic polyethylene molecules but stop the process before they break all the way down to small gaseous molecules, then we should obtain short-chain, polyethylene-like molecules." The research team built an oven-like reactor to be used to burn plastic. The temperature at the bottom was kept hot to break up the polymer chains, while the top was cool enough to stop them from breaking down too far. They then collected the residue and found that the product they had created is a type of wax, a short-chain polyethene, and then converted the wax into soap. (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 way to convert plastic into soap; here's how

New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics.

<h2>New Zealand and plastic ban</h2>

In 2019, the nation put in place its initial ban on take-home plastic bags. Since then, most shoppers in New Zealand have already adapted to bringing their own bags when visiting stores.&nbsp;

Rachel Brooking the Associate Environment Minister said that: "New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-orkney-islands-want-to-join-norway-over-financial-neglect-611446">UK's Orkney Islands want to join Norway over financial neglect</a>

She further revealed that the ban on thicker bags introduced in 2019 has already saved over one billion plastic bags from circulation.

This cultural shift, as per the BBC, has contributed to the remarkable progress the country has made in reducing plastic waste. The expansion of the ban is projected to prevent the use of approximately 150 million plastic bags per year.&nbsp;

<h2>Expert concerns</h2>

Some critics have expressed concerns that consumers might resort to disposable paper bags, which are still available in supermarkets.&nbsp;

However, acknowledging these concerns, Minister Brooking emphasised the overarching goal of reducing single-use packaging of any kind.&nbsp;

"It's still worth doing this, but we really want to reduce single-use anything packaging."

"So we want people to be bringing their own bags, and supermarkets are selling reusable produce bags," she added.

The government encourages individuals to bring their own bags, while supermarkets have responded by offering reusable produce bags as an alternative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anticipation-and-dread-heres-what-we-know-about-the-final-moments-of-passengers-aboard-titan-submersible-611439">Anticipation and dread: Here's what we know about the final moments of passengers aboard Titan submersible</a>

Countdown, a prominent supermarket chain operating over 185 stores nationwide, has taken proactive steps by introducing reusable polyester mesh bags for shoppers to use specifically for fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;

The company hopes that by providing these bags, it will inspire customers to make the switch to reusable options.&nbsp;

Catherine Langabeer, the head of sustainability at Countdown, acknowledged the challenges associated with change, and said, "We know change is hard and (it) will take them a little while."&nbsp;

"We get some grumpy customers," she added.

<h2>New Zealand government's commitment to addressing climate change</h2>

The New Zealand government has shown its commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives. In October, it proposed a pioneering scheme to tax greenhouse gas emissions from farm animals such as sheep and cattle. This progressive approach aims to hold farmers accountable for their agricultural emissions in some form by 2025 — the country's farming industry is responsible for about half of its emissions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables.

New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics. New Zealand and plastic ban In 2019, the nation put in place its initial ban on take-home plastic bags. Since then, most shoppers in New Zealand have already adapted to bringing their own bags when visiting stores. Rachel Brooking the Associate Environment Minister said that: "New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste." Also read | UK's Orkney Islands want to join Norway over financial neglect She further revealed that the ban on thicker bags introduced in 2019 has already saved over one billion plastic bags from circulation. This cultural shift, as per the BBC, has contributed to the remarkable progress the country has made in reducing plastic waste. The expansion of the ban is projected to prevent the use of approximately 150 million plastic bags per year. Expert concerns Some critics have expressed concerns that consumers might resort to disposable paper bags, which are still available in supermarkets. However, acknowledging these concerns, Minister Brooking emphasised the overarching goal of reducing single-use packaging of any kind. "It's still worth doing this, but we really want to reduce single-use anything packaging." "So we want people to be bringing their own bags, and supermarkets are selling reusable produce bags," she added. The government encourages individuals to bring their own bags, while supermarkets have responded by offering reusable produce bags as an alternative. Also read | Anticipation and dread: Here's what we know about the final moments of passengers aboard Titan submersible Countdown, a prominent supermarket chain operating over 185 stores nationwide, has taken proactive steps by introducing reusable polyester mesh bags for shoppers to use specifically for fruits and vegetables. The company hopes that by providing these bags, it will inspire customers to make the switch to reusable options. Catherine Langabeer, the head of sustainability at Countdown, acknowledged the challenges associated with change, and said, "We know change is hard and (it) will take them a little while." "We get some grumpy customers," she added. New Zealand government's commitment to addressing climate change The New Zealand government has shown its commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives. In October, it proposed a pioneering scheme to tax greenhouse gas emissions from farm animals such as sheep and cattle. This progressive approach aims to hold farmers accountable for their agricultural emissions in some form by 2025 — the country's farming industry is responsible for about half of its emissions. (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.

New Zealand takes lead in plastic bag ban, expands restrictions to thin bags

Recycling has become a lifeline in Syria and in a desperate search for work and affordable items, residents turn to sifting through the garbage dumps, transforming plastic into everyday requirements. Here's our report.

Desperate Syrians turn to recycling and plastic scavenging for survival

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets.

In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP.

If there is heavy rain, then the chances of "plastic fall" is likely to increase up to tenfold, they said.

This peculiar weather phenomenon comes at a time when diplomats from over 175 countries are converging at the French capital from Monday for five-day talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

"This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," Marcus Gover, head of plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia, told AFP news agency.

<h2>WION Climate Tracker: Microplastics found in fresh Antarctica snow for first time</h2>

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"Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health."

Scientists have found that most plastic particles falling over Paris' 2,500-square-kilometer (965-square-mile) catchment area are nylon and polyester, probably from clothing.&nbsp;The other bits are from tires, which shed them especially when vehicles brake.

They have estimated that up to 10 metric tons of microplastic fibres will settle over the Paris area over an entire year.

<h2>Forecast for next week covers only larger particles</h2>

The forecast for Paris next week only covers significantly larger particles, mostly synthetic fibres at least 50 microns in length. For comparison, human hair is about 80 microns (or 80,000 nanometers) across.

The study was done by scientists from Minderoo Foundation researchers who based their research in Paris starting in 2015, collecting&nbsp;samples from multiple locations year round and sifting&nbsp;through them in the laboratory

Measurements taken by other teams have replicated these findings in half a dozen cities around the world.

Microplastics have emerged to be a major health hazard for humanity as they are now found in rainwater, the food chain, and oceans, where 15 to 51 trillion particles are estimated to drift near the surface.

In recent years, the pace at with which microplastics have entered the food chain has baffled scientists, who have presented a plethora of research documenting its omnipresence and persistence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets. In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP.

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets. In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP. If there is heavy rain, then the chances of "plastic fall" is likely to increase up to tenfold, they said. This peculiar weather phenomenon comes at a time when diplomats from over 175 countries are converging at the French capital from Monday for five-day talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. "This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," Marcus Gover, head of plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia, told AFP news agency. WION Climate Tracker: Microplastics found in fresh Antarctica snow for first time "Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health." Scientists have found that most plastic particles falling over Paris' 2,500-square-kilometer (965-square-mile) catchment area are nylon and polyester, probably from clothing. The other bits are from tires, which shed them especially when vehicles brake. They have estimated that up to 10 metric tons of microplastic fibres will settle over the Paris area over an entire year. Forecast for next week covers only larger particles The forecast for Paris next week only covers significantly larger particles, mostly synthetic fibres at least 50 microns in length. For comparison, human hair is about 80 microns (or 80,000 nanometers) across. The study was done by scientists from Minderoo Foundation researchers who based their research in Paris starting in 2015, collecting samples from multiple locations year round and sifting through them in the laboratory Measurements taken by other teams have replicated these findings in half a dozen cities around the world. Microplastics have emerged to be a major health hazard for humanity as they are now found in rainwater, the food chain, and oceans, where 15 to 51 trillion particles are estimated to drift near the surface. In recent years, the pace at with which microplastics have entered the food chain has baffled scientists, who have presented a plethora of research documenting its omnipresence and persistence. (With inputs from agencies)

From Monday, it will be raining plastics in Paris. Here's how

Plastic is everywhere. It has become so common that it is impacting the health of animals and humans. Ananya Dutta tells you how scientists have found a new disease in wild birds caused solely by plastic pollution.

'Plasticosis': A new disease found in seabirds

Scientists have discovered a new disease called "Plasticosis" in birds that is solely caused by the consumption of plastics. The researchers in Australia and UK found scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds that were caused by feasting on plastics.

According to the study, published in the journal of Hazardous Materials, the disease is caused by the "persistent presence of plastic in the body's digestive system" that can lead to long-term inflammation and even the formation of scar tissue.

The researchers&nbsp;found traces of plastics in 30 flesh-footed shearwater birds, including 21 fledglings between 80 and 90 days old, who had died recently. They were collected from Lord Howe Island in Australia.

Upon close observation, they found microplastic pieces in the bodies of the birds. A bird was found to have consumed 12.5 per cent of its body weight in plastic.

The study found that the more plastic a bird consumed, the more scarring it had on the tissues.

According to them, the disease can lead to the gradual breakdown of tubular glands in the proventriculus. Losing these glands can cause the birds to become more vulnerable to infection and parasites and affect their ability to digest food and absorb some vitamins.

Scientists called the fibrotic disease plasticosis to make it clear that it was caused by plastic in the environment.

“While these birds can look healthy on the outside, they’re not doing well on the inside. This study is the first time that stomach tissue has been investigated in this way and shows that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to these birds’ digestive system,” Dr Alex Bond, principal curator in charge of birds at the Natural History Museum, was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper.

They argued that all organisms are vulnerable to plastic exposure because plastic emissions are increasing and plastic pollution is becoming prevalent in all environments.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Scientists have discovered a new disease called "Plasticosis" in birds that is solely caused by the consumption of plastics. The researchers in Australia and UK found scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds that were caused by feasting on plastics.

Scientists have discovered a new disease called "Plasticosis" in birds that is solely caused by the consumption of plastics. The researchers in Australia and UK found scarred tissues in the digestive tracts of birds that were caused by feasting on plastics. According to the study, published in the journal of Hazardous Materials, the disease is caused by the "persistent presence of plastic in the body's digestive system" that can lead to long-term inflammation and even the formation of scar tissue. The researchers found traces of plastics in 30 flesh-footed shearwater birds, including 21 fledglings between 80 and 90 days old, who had died recently. They were collected from Lord Howe Island in Australia. Upon close observation, they found microplastic pieces in the bodies of the birds. A bird was found to have consumed 12.5 per cent of its body weight in plastic. The study found that the more plastic a bird consumed, the more scarring it had on the tissues. According to them, the disease can lead to the gradual breakdown of tubular glands in the proventriculus. Losing these glands can cause the birds to become more vulnerable to infection and parasites and affect their ability to digest food and absorb some vitamins. Scientists called the fibrotic disease plasticosis to make it clear that it was caused by plastic in the environment. “While these birds can look healthy on the outside, they’re not doing well on the inside. This study is the first time that stomach tissue has been investigated in this way and shows that plastic consumption can cause serious damage to these birds’ digestive system,” Dr Alex Bond, principal curator in charge of birds at the Natural History Museum, was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. They argued that all organisms are vulnerable to plastic exposure because plastic emissions are increasing and plastic pollution is becoming prevalent in all environments. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Plasticosis’: Scientists find new disease in birds caused by consumption of plastics

In a far-flung village called Sadiwara in South Kashmir's Anantnag District, the village panchayat head started a unique initiative for saving the environment. He started a campaign by the name 'Give Plastic and Take Gold' where people of the village are asked to collect plastic waste and get a gold coin from the panchayat head.&nbsp;

Farooq Ahmad Ganai, a&nbsp;lawyer by profession and sarpanch (head) of the village Sadiwara, has become an inspiration for everyone in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;In order to get a coin, a person needs to hand over 200 kg&nbsp;of plastic waste.

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The campaign became popular and just two weeks after its launch,&nbsp;the whole village was declared plastic-free.

"I started a slogan in my village, give polythene and get a reward. I took the initiative to clean the rivers and streams. Everyone in the village helped us to clear the sites. And finally on January 7, the deputy commissioner announced the area to be plastic-free. The gold that we are giving is from the plastic we are collecting. We will soon be a green village. I will not stop at my village but also take it to all districts of the Union Territory and later from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," said Farooq Ahmad Ganai. 
 
Ganai's initiative stands out from those started by the government.

The whole village took part in the drive and now it is the first village to be called plastic-free in the Kashmir Valley. The youth of the area have joined forces with the sarpanch in cleaning the village and setting an example for the rest of the Valley and country.&nbsp;

“The Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and launched in 2014 by PM Narendra Modi, was our starting point. The sarpanch is a brilliant leader and makes sure to take us all on board to carry forward such initiatives. We took two weeks to make our village plastic-free. We will take it forward to other districts," said Shakeel Wani, youth leader and activist.&nbsp;

The streams flowing through the village have been now cleaned and plastic that choked these streams been taken out. The water is finally crystal clear after years. Women also participated in the initiative&nbsp;and helped in cleaning the roads, streams and fields as well.&nbsp;

“We have been working with the Sarpanch for four months now, and he is hardworking. He made sure our village was clean and he did it. You can see it with your eyes. He comes from a good background but despite that you can see him cleaning the drains in the area. It’s his hard work that is making sure our village is clean. We will give plastic and get gold. It has worked wonders in the area," said Sakeena Begum, Anganwadi worker.&nbsp;

The village that had heaps of plastic thrown on the roads before is now completely clean and all the plastic that is collected is handed over to the panchayat members. This village is setting an example for other villages and the government is also trying to replicate the same idea in every village of the Union Territory.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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In a far-flung village called Sadiwara in South Kashmir's Anantnag District, the village panchayat head started a unique initiative for saving the environment. He started a campaign by the name 'Give Plastic and Take Gold' where people of the village are asked to collect plastic waste and get a gold coin from the panchayat head.

In a far-flung village called Sadiwara in South Kashmir's Anantnag District, the village panchayat head started a unique initiative for saving the environment. He started a campaign by the name 'Give Plastic and Take Gold' where people of the village are asked to collect plastic waste and get a gold coin from the panchayat head. Farooq Ahmad Ganai, a lawyer by profession and sarpanch (head) of the village Sadiwara, has become an inspiration for everyone in the Kashmir Valley. In order to get a coin, a person needs to hand over 200 kg of plastic waste. The campaign became popular and just two weeks after its launch, the whole village was declared plastic-free. "I started a slogan in my village, give polythene and get a reward. I took the initiative to clean the rivers and streams. Everyone in the village helped us to clear the sites. And finally on January 7, the deputy commissioner announced the area to be plastic-free. The gold that we are giving is from the plastic we are collecting. We will soon be a green village. I will not stop at my village but also take it to all districts of the Union Territory and later from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," said Farooq Ahmad Ganai. Ganai's initiative stands out from those started by the government. The whole village took part in the drive and now it is the first village to be called plastic-free in the Kashmir Valley. The youth of the area have joined forces with the sarpanch in cleaning the village and setting an example for the rest of the Valley and country. “The Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and launched in 2014 by PM Narendra Modi, was our starting point. The sarpanch is a brilliant leader and makes sure to take us all on board to carry forward such initiatives. We took two weeks to make our village plastic-free. We will take it forward to other districts," said Shakeel Wani, youth leader and activist. The streams flowing through the village have been now cleaned and plastic that choked these streams been taken out. The water is finally crystal clear after years. Women also participated in the initiative and helped in cleaning the roads, streams and fields as well. “We have been working with the Sarpanch for four months now, and he is hardworking. He made sure our village was clean and he did it. You can see it with your eyes. He comes from a good background but despite that you can see him cleaning the drains in the area. It’s his hard work that is making sure our village is clean. We will give plastic and get gold. It has worked wonders in the area," said Sakeena Begum, Anganwadi worker. The village that had heaps of plastic thrown on the roads before is now completely clean and all the plastic that is collected is handed over to the panchayat members. This village is setting an example for other villages and the government is also trying to replicate the same idea in every village of the Union Territory. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Give plastic, take gold: A unique idea makes Jammu and Kashmir village plastic-free

A man in Uganda's capital Kampala has found a unique way to recycle plastics as he attempts to save the world’s second-largest freshwater lake from plastic pollution. Hem Soraya tells you more.

Uganda: A man finds an innovative way to recycle plastic | WION Climate Tracker

The plastic consumption of the G20 countries is increasing day by day. According to a report, if nothing is done then there plastic consumption will nearly double by 2050.

Plastic consumption on a rise

Experiments in the lab now show that species of a marine bacterium referred to as Rhodococcus Ruber break down plastic made from Polythene (PE) and are slowly consuming them. But scientists say that even if the bacteria eat at least 1% of ocean plastic, the remaining 99% has a devastating impact on wildlife. Alyson brings you the report.

Bacteria use plastic waste as a food source | WION Climate Tracker |

The world is facing a plastic pollution crisis, it is literally everywhere. Plastic menace is not something which is just restricted to land, a huge chunk of plastic is also discarded into the oceans, ultimately threatening the marine life.

WION Climate Tracker: Plastic pollution threatens marine life; Sperm Whale washes ashore in Hawaii

The French government has pledged legal action after a spill of tiny white plastic pellets washed up on its beaches. Watch this report to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: France to initiate legal action against offenders of plastic pellet spell

Taiwan's hospitality sector is all set to take a step further into sustainability and climate protection as it aims to ban all plastic disposables provided as part of hotel bookings.

Guests to carry their own toiletries as Taiwan's hospitality sector is all set to ban disposables

The UK is set to ban all single-use plastic in a bid to reduce the pollution being spread by these cutlery items. Watch this video to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: UK government eyes ban on single-use plastic permanently soon

A new research has shown that compostable bags generate twice as much global warming impact to plastic and paper and is around 2.5 times worse than traditional virgin plastic for carbon emissions. Watch this to know more.

Compostable bags generate more global warming to plastic and paper

The European Commission wants to ban single-use packaging regularly distributed in hotels and restaurants, such as mini-soap bottles and packaging for condiments, as part of its sweeping legal proposals to reduce waste.

WION Climate Tracker: EU sets out plan to cut back packaging waste

As we know that plastic pollution is a threat to human health and the environment. The first round of negotiations on a global treaty to end plastic pollution have commenced. Watch this report.

WION Climate Tracker | Plastic pollution treaty: Nations negotiate details on 'landmark deal'

WION Climate Tracker: Global talks commence to end plastic pollution

IN PICS | Senegal's 'Plastic Man' hopes to raise awareness against plastic pollution

A new study has claimed that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste on earth right now as they end up consuming millions of such particles in a single day. The study included blue, fin and humpback whales and took into account the different natural habitats spread across the world.&nbsp;

According to the study, blue whales end up consuming over 10 million plastic pieces in a day which means that during the feeding season, they can end up consuming over 230 kg of plastic. Depending on how polluted the surrounding is, the report claimed that the total consumption can cross 500 kg.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-uk-government-working-on-war-gamed-emergency-plans-to-cope-with-energy-blackouts-530599" hreflang="en">Is UK government working on 'war gamed' emergency plans to tackle energy blackouts?</a>

“What we found was surprising – really high numbers of daily plastic ingestion,” Dr Shirel Kahane-Rapport, at California State University, Fullerton, who led the study said. &nbsp;

“We imagine that it will have some sort of impact but we don’t know the exact health effects. This is the first step to figuring that out,” she added while explaining the findings in the report.&nbsp;

The main objective of the study is to understand the current situation where whales are directly getting impacted by pollution. According to the researchers involved in the study, the data will play a crucial role in understanding and developing the future plan to make the habitat better for the whales. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-live-updates-kremlin-confirms-resumption-of-grain-deal-530532" hreflang="en">Ukraine war LIVE | Putin warns Ukraine against 'violating' the grain deal</a>

“Whales feeding in those areas certainly might be at greater risk than off the coast here in the western US,” said Dr Matthew Savoca, at Stanford University, told The Guardian.&nbsp;

“It’s a sad story about whales, but also it’s a story about us. Whether it’s cod or salmon or other fish, they are eating those same fish that the humpback whales are eating,” he added.&nbsp;

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A new study has claimed that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste on earth right now as they end up consuming millions of such particles in a single day.

A new study has claimed that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste on earth right now as they end up consuming millions of such particles in a single day. The study included blue, fin and humpback whales and took into account the different natural habitats spread across the world. According to the study, blue whales end up consuming over 10 million plastic pieces in a day which means that during the feeding season, they can end up consuming over 230 kg of plastic. Depending on how polluted the surrounding is, the report claimed that the total consumption can cross 500 kg. Also read | Is UK government working on 'war gamed' emergency plans to tackle energy blackouts? “What we found was surprising – really high numbers of daily plastic ingestion,” Dr Shirel Kahane-Rapport, at California State University, Fullerton, who led the study said. “We imagine that it will have some sort of impact but we don’t know the exact health effects. This is the first step to figuring that out,” she added while explaining the findings in the report. The main objective of the study is to understand the current situation where whales are directly getting impacted by pollution. According to the researchers involved in the study, the data will play a crucial role in understanding and developing the future plan to make the habitat better for the whales. Also read | Ukraine war LIVE | Putin warns Ukraine against 'violating' the grain deal “Whales feeding in those areas certainly might be at greater risk than off the coast here in the western US,” said Dr Matthew Savoca, at Stanford University, told The Guardian. “It’s a sad story about whales, but also it’s a story about us. Whether it’s cod or salmon or other fish, they are eating those same fish that the humpback whales are eating,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Whales consume millions of plastic particles in a day, new study claims

Are disposable vapes bad for the environment? Vapes contain lithium, copper and plastic. Now UK organisations push to make vape recycling more accessible.

WION Climate Tracker: UK organisations push to make vape recycling more accessible

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

A local Egyptian environmental group built a huge pyramid with pressed plastic bottles, on the banks of the Nile river. VeryNile is an environmental initiative to clean the Nile river.

Plastic collected from the Nile river makes a 'pyramid' in Cairo

Venezuelan mural artist has made innovative use of recycled plastic. The eco mural designed by the artist saw contribution from even children and older residents.

Venezuelan mural artist uses recycled plastic creatively

An internet initiative named Birds and Debris received photos from contributors from all over the world.

According to the project's experts, they frequently observe birds caught in various objects, such as rope, fishing line, balloon ribbon, and flip-flops, where they are either nesting or entangled.

<img alt="This photograph of a duck with a mask around its neck was taken by Mary Caporal Prior in the United States" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf1b6f89-ab0a-4133-8533-c402e41b4057" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188153_mediaitem126188152.jpg" />

This photograph of a duck with a mask around its neck in the US. Clicked by: MARY CAPORAL&nbsp;

Birds are depicted nesting or tangling in disposable face masks in about a quarter of the photos.

The project's main objective is to document how garbage, especially plastic pollution, affects the avian community.

According to Dr. Alex Bond, a researcher with the Natural History Museum in London and one of the study's authors, "basically, if a bird constructs a nest utilising long fibrous materials—like seaweed, branches, or reeds—the odds are it will have human garbage in its nest someplace."

He and his colleagues have been working on this initiative for four years in an effort to raise awareness of the pervasive issue of plastic garbage in the environment.
<img alt="Plastic fibres and other trash are gathered by birds and added to their nests. clicked by: NINA O'HANLON" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b48c5a58-cb44-4cb8-8d16-a4aceecdc064" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188155_mediaitem126188154.jpg" />
Plastic fibres and other trash are gathered by birds and added to their nests. clicked by: NINA O'HANLON

You'll find this stuff everywhere once you start looking for it, he continued. We received reports from Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and North America, demonstrating the issue's really worldwide scale.

The team recently conducted research to determine how many photographs submitted contain personal protective equipment connected to the epidemic (PPE). They discovered that it was present in approximately a quarter of the pictures.

"Almost everything is a mask," Dr. Bond stated. "And if you consider the various components that go into making a surgical mask, you might consider the elastic that gets twisted around the legs of birds or the hard piece of plastic that holds it over your nose that may cause injury to birds trying to consume it.
<img alt="Many birds, like this American robin found in April 2020, are seen tangled in the elastic straps of masks: Clicked by: JAKE KENNY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff04cc8e-4c75-4d80-9e1d-513b1a48135f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126195330_mediaitem126195329.jpg" />
Many birds, like this American robin found in April 2020, are seen tangled in the elastic straps of masks: Clicked by: JAKE KENNY

So, even though we refer to a variety of different polymers collectively as "plastic," masks are a fantastic example of that.

According to the researchers, they want to draw attention to the "systemic problem" that causes such a large amount of waste to enter the ecosystem.

Justine Ammendolia, the lead researcher from Dalhousie University in Canada, told BBC News that it was "devastating" to witness the scope of the impact on species worldwide.
<img alt="Puffin with face mask: Clicked by: ROB HUGHES" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82e145d0-e9ff-47bb-9e09-f7aa4eea7b91" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188157_mediaitem126188156.jpg" />
Puffin with face mask: Clicked by: ROB HUGHES

"In April of 2020, the first sighting of a bird hanging from a facemask in a tree was recorded from Canada and the sightings just internationally cascaded afterwards, " she said. "It really just demonstrates the harm that humans are capable of imposing on the environment in a very short window of time across the world."

"Changing to a bamboo toothbrush or a canvas shopping bag is not going to save the world, [because] most large-scale plastic production today is commercial and industrial," said Dr Bond.
<img alt="Mistaking plastic for food. Clicked by: ROB HUGHES" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="360a55d7-53ca-457b-aefa-47ef81ec099e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126188321_mediaitem126188320.jpg" />
Mistaking plastic for food. Clicked by: ROB HUGHES

He compared the international action necessary to address plastic pollution to the Montreal Protocol, which outlawed ozone-depleting chemicals and is widely regarded as one of the most effective international treaties ever negotiated.

(With inputs from the BBC)

An internet initiative named Birds and Debris received photos from contributors from all over the world. According to the project's experts, they frequently observe birds caught in various objects, such as rope, fishing line, balloon ribbon, and flip-flops, where they are either nesting or entangled.

An internet initiative named Birds and Debris received photos from contributors from all over the world. According to the project's experts, they frequently observe birds caught in various objects, such as rope, fishing line, balloon ribbon, and flip-flops, where they are either nesting or entangled. This photograph of a duck with a mask around its neck in the US. Clicked by: MARY CAPORAL Birds are depicted nesting or tangling in disposable face masks in about a quarter of the photos. The project's main objective is to document how garbage, especially plastic pollution, affects the avian community. According to Dr. Alex Bond, a researcher with the Natural History Museum in London and one of the study's authors, "basically, if a bird constructs a nest utilising long fibrous materials—like seaweed, branches, or reeds—the odds are it will have human garbage in its nest someplace." He and his colleagues have been working on this initiative for four years in an effort to raise awareness of the pervasive issue of plastic garbage in the environment. Plastic fibres and other trash are gathered by birds and added to their nests. clicked by: NINA O'HANLON You'll find this stuff everywhere once you start looking for it, he continued. We received reports from Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and North America, demonstrating the issue's really worldwide scale. The team recently conducted research to determine how many photographs submitted contain personal protective equipment connected to the epidemic (PPE). They discovered that it was present in approximately a quarter of the pictures. "Almost everything is a mask," Dr. Bond stated. "And if you consider the various components that go into making a surgical mask, you might consider the elastic that gets twisted around the legs of birds or the hard piece of plastic that holds it over your nose that may cause injury to birds trying to consume it. Many birds, like this American robin found in April 2020, are seen tangled in the elastic straps of masks: Clicked by: JAKE KENNY So, even though we refer to a variety of different polymers collectively as "plastic," masks are a fantastic example of that. According to the researchers, they want to draw attention to the "systemic problem" that causes such a large amount of waste to enter the ecosystem. Justine Ammendolia, the lead researcher from Dalhousie University in Canada, told BBC News that it was "devastating" to witness the scope of the impact on species worldwide. Puffin with face mask: Clicked by: ROB HUGHES "In April of 2020, the first sighting of a bird hanging from a facemask in a tree was recorded from Canada and the sightings just internationally cascaded afterwards, " she said. "It really just demonstrates the harm that humans are capable of imposing on the environment in a very short window of time across the world." "Changing to a bamboo toothbrush or a canvas shopping bag is not going to save the world, [because] most large-scale plastic production today is commercial and industrial," said Dr Bond. Mistaking plastic for food. Clicked by: ROB HUGHES He compared the international action necessary to address plastic pollution to the Montreal Protocol, which outlawed ozone-depleting chemicals and is widely regarded as one of the most effective international treaties ever negotiated. (With inputs from the BBC)

In Pictures: Birds enmeshed in our trash

According to Taronga zoo's animal hospital, a newborn green sea turtle that was rescued from a Sydney beach had consumed so much plastic that it took six days for the contents to be expelled. The 127-gram hatchling was discovered in a rockpool not far from Tamarama Beach in Sydney. It had a hole in its shell, a chip in one of its flippers, and one of its four flippers was gone. Apart from these wounds, caregivers reported that the turtle appeared to be in good physical health and could swim without difficulty.

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This tiny turtle arrived at Taronga Wildlife Hospital recently with a stomach full of plastic. We hope the NSW Plastic Action Plan will reduce the number of turtles admitted to us in the future. To support the vital work of our hospitals, please visit <a href="https://t.co/QCMerPsjYb">https://t.co/QCMerPsjYb</a> <a href="https://t.co/lJ92Ceu2jr">pic.twitter.com/lJ92Ceu2jr</a>
— Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/tarongazoo/status/1552549525096628225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The turtle is described as a "bagel with flippers," and it has recovered its health and weight to over 400g. Although there has been development, it might still be a full year before he is returned to the wild and coastal seas. According to the hospital, little hatchlings are particularly vulnerable to predators because of their size, and they want to give the animal the best chance of survival. Warmer waters are better for turtles, thus size and ocean temperature are both important considerations.

While some states have enacted stricter single-use plastic prohibitions, such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, the scope of the issue can occasionally be daunting. Every year, more than 8 million tonnes are dumped into the oceans. The bulk is deposited along coastlines, carried out to sea by rivers, or left behind by fishing boats.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-wickedest-city-on-earth-was-submerged-by-natures-wrath-502021">How ‘wickedest city on earth’ was submerged by nature's wrath</a>

Nearly 38 million pieces of plastic were discovered scattered across a beach on Henderson Island, one of the most remote places on earth, according to research. The amount of plastic pollution on Australia's shore has, on average, decreased by up to 30% as a result of the local government's efforts to reduce litter, according to a June analysis by CSIRO researchers.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

According to Taronga zoo's animal hospital, a newborn green sea turtle that was rescued from a Sydney beach had consumed so much plastic that it took six days for the contents to be expelled.

According to Taronga zoo's animal hospital, a newborn green sea turtle that was rescued from a Sydney beach had consumed so much plastic that it took six days for the contents to be expelled. The 127-gram hatchling was discovered in a rockpool not far from Tamarama Beach in Sydney. It had a hole in its shell, a chip in one of its flippers, and one of its four flippers was gone. Apart from these wounds, caregivers reported that the turtle appeared to be in good physical health and could swim without difficulty. This tiny turtle arrived at Taronga Wildlife Hospital recently with a stomach full of plastic. We hope the NSW Plastic Action Plan will reduce the number of turtles admitted to us in the future. To support the vital work of our hospitals, please visit https://t.co/QCMerPsjYb pic.twitter.com/lJ92Ceu2jr — Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) July 28, 2022 × The turtle is described as a "bagel with flippers," and it has recovered its health and weight to over 400g. Although there has been development, it might still be a full year before he is returned to the wild and coastal seas. According to the hospital, little hatchlings are particularly vulnerable to predators because of their size, and they want to give the animal the best chance of survival. Warmer waters are better for turtles, thus size and ocean temperature are both important considerations. While some states have enacted stricter single-use plastic prohibitions, such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, the scope of the issue can occasionally be daunting. Every year, more than 8 million tonnes are dumped into the oceans. The bulk is deposited along coastlines, carried out to sea by rivers, or left behind by fishing boats. Also Read: How ‘wickedest city on earth’ was submerged by nature's wrath Nearly 38 million pieces of plastic were discovered scattered across a beach on Henderson Island, one of the most remote places on earth, according to research. The amount of plastic pollution on Australia's shore has, on average, decreased by up to 30% as a result of the local government's efforts to reduce litter, according to a June analysis by CSIRO researchers. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch | Tiny turtle rescued from Sydney beach pooped 'pure plastic' for six days

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

The first vinyl records made of bioplastic will hopefully replace the need for the toxic PVC ones. A British company claims it produced the bioplastic records using materials other than oil or gas, like sugars and starches, and added that bioplastics don’t generate any toxic waste during the manufacturing process.&nbsp; 
The climate change advocacy NGO Music Declares Emergency, created in 2019 by musicians and other industry professionals, has endorsed the new bioplastic vinyl from the UK company Evolution Music. 
“If Evolution can deliver an alternative to guilt-free vinyl, it could get rid of one of the key polluting elements of the music industry completely,” the NGO’s co-founder Lewis Jamieson said. 
Toxic, chlorine-based compounds are released during the production of PVC, which Greenpeace describes as the “most environmentally destructive material” and which is currently used to make all vinyl records. These chemicals are “building up in the water, air, and food chain.” 
The recent surge in vinyl sales, which exceeded $1 billion in only the United States last year, has brought the issue to light (a first since the mid-1980s). 
Few predicted the mid-2000s vinyl rebirth, thus record labels were forced to scramble to obtain PVC, frequently depending on foreign producers with questionable safety records. 
Kyle Devine, who wrote a book on the environmental impact of the music industry, “Decomposed”, said the PVC for 90 percent of US vinyls in 2015 came from a Thai company that was “pouring pollution into the Bangkok river”. 
“PVC is an especially nasty plastic to make. It’s a difficult one to dispose of, to recycle or decompose,” he said. 
The current dominance of streaming and digital music, he continued, should not be interpreted as a solution to the climate impact of the music industry. 
“Digital data still consumes energy and takes up space. In fact, considering the scale and scope of the music industry now, it probably has a greater environmental impact than ever before,” Devine remarked. 
Through a prize draw, Evolution distributed the first 20 bioplastic records, which featured a collection of up-and-coming musicians like the electro duo Bicep and American singer Angel Olsen. 
Due to the Covid pandemic’s delays, testing has taken over five years; nonetheless, the company claims they are almost at regular records.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The first vinyl records made of bioplastic will hopefully replace the need for the toxic PVC ones. A British company claims it produced the bioplastic records using materials other than oil or gas, like sugars and starches, and added that bioplastics don’t generate any toxic waste during the manufacturing process.

The first vinyl records made of bioplastic will hopefully replace the need for the toxic PVC ones. A British company claims it produced the bioplastic records using materials other than oil or gas, like sugars and starches, and added that bioplastics don’t generate any toxic waste during the manufacturing process. The climate change advocacy NGO Music Declares Emergency, created in 2019 by musicians and other industry professionals, has endorsed the new bioplastic vinyl from the UK company Evolution Music. “If Evolution can deliver an alternative to guilt-free vinyl, it could get rid of one of the key polluting elements of the music industry completely,” the NGO’s co-founder Lewis Jamieson said. Toxic, chlorine-based compounds are released during the production of PVC, which Greenpeace describes as the “most environmentally destructive material” and which is currently used to make all vinyl records. These chemicals are “building up in the water, air, and food chain.” The recent surge in vinyl sales, which exceeded $1 billion in only the United States last year, has brought the issue to light (a first since the mid-1980s). Few predicted the mid-2000s vinyl rebirth, thus record labels were forced to scramble to obtain PVC, frequently depending on foreign producers with questionable safety records. Kyle Devine, who wrote a book on the environmental impact of the music industry, “Decomposed”, said the PVC for 90 percent of US vinyls in 2015 came from a Thai company that was “pouring pollution into the Bangkok river”. “PVC is an especially nasty plastic to make. It’s a difficult one to dispose of, to recycle or decompose,” he said. The current dominance of streaming and digital music, he continued, should not be interpreted as a solution to the climate impact of the music industry. “Digital data still consumes energy and takes up space. In fact, considering the scale and scope of the music industry now, it probably has a greater environmental impact than ever before,” Devine remarked. Through a prize draw, Evolution distributed the first 20 bioplastic records, which featured a collection of up-and-coming musicians like the electro duo Bicep and American singer Angel Olsen. Due to the Covid pandemic’s delays, testing has taken over five years; nonetheless, the company claims they are almost at regular records. (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.

World’s first bioplastic vinyl record, made from ‘sugars and starches’, launched in UK

While the world is facing extreme environmental degradation due to excess plastics being dumped, a startup is turning landfill plastic into garden furniture and fences for the greater good.

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