France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change. This was one of the key outcomes of the meet between visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Delhi, in the presence of an Indian minister, the French Foreign minister said, "France and India could also work together to fight single-use plastics. Our countries have taken very strong decisions on this issue...We should invite other countries to join this momentum and why not work on a moratorium on single-use plastics."&nbsp;

India will be phasing out single-use plastics by 2022, and France, for its part, has started to ban a series of single-use plastic products. In the past, India and France have taken the joint initiative, most notable being the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, which aims to harness the energy of the sun as part of the use of clean energy.&nbsp;

Other than the initiative on 'Single Use Plastic', both sides decided to work on Green Hydrogen or Hydrogen used via 'clean process'. France will also be sending an 'expert' for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or CDRI.&nbsp;

French FM lauding CRDI said, "France and India are also cooperating together under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019."&nbsp;

Adding, "From our point of view, this coalition has a very important role to play in the Indo-Pacific region to adapt infrastructures to the consequences of climate change. Here, too, France will make a concrete contribution by seconding an expert to this organisation in Delhi."&nbsp;

CRDI aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. 22 countries and 7 organisations have joined the group, as of March 2021.&nbsp;

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change.

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change. This was one of the key outcomes of the meet between visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. Speaking at an event in Delhi, in the presence of an Indian minister, the French Foreign minister said, "France and India could also work together to fight single-use plastics. Our countries have taken very strong decisions on this issue...We should invite other countries to join this momentum and why not work on a moratorium on single-use plastics." India will be phasing out single-use plastics by 2022, and France, for its part, has started to ban a series of single-use plastic products. In the past, India and France have taken the joint initiative, most notable being the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, which aims to harness the energy of the sun as part of the use of clean energy. Other than the initiative on 'Single Use Plastic', both sides decided to work on Green Hydrogen or Hydrogen used via 'clean process'. France will also be sending an 'expert' for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or CDRI. French FM lauding CRDI said, "France and India are also cooperating together under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019." Adding, "From our point of view, this coalition has a very important role to play in the Indo-Pacific region to adapt infrastructures to the consequences of climate change. Here, too, France will make a concrete contribution by seconding an expert to this organisation in Delhi." CRDI aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. 22 countries and 7 organisations have joined the group, as of March 2021.

India, France to work jointly on phasing out single-use plastics 

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

Plastic has reached the mother's womb. At least a dozen microplastic particles were found in the placenta of 4 mothers. Experts say plastic may have entered the bodies of the babies too. Palki Sharma Upadhyay asks- is this world safe for our children?

Gravitas: Plastic found in human foetus

Srilankan government is making trenches around waste landfills to keep out hungry elephants and also to reduce conflicts between animals and villagers.

Sri Lanka Elephant Crisis: Trenches being made to deter elephants

We all love to get our coffee or tea as takeaways and have it while travelling or working, and the 'to-go' paper cups with plastic lids have made our lives easier. However, these cups may be the doom of our health, some scientists have discovered.

According to a recently conducted study, when we pour hot tea or coffee in a paper or a plastic cup, the&nbsp;tiny plastic particles on the inside surface of the cup get dissolved with the drink, making it highly contaminated and harmful for one's health.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chemicals-found-in-daily-use-products-could-decrease-covid-19-vaccines-effectiveness-reports-343850" hreflang="en">Chemicals found in daily-use products could decrease COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness: Reports</a>

The takeaway cups come with an inner lining that helps the cup stay waterproof. this lining also makes it difficult to recycle these cups.

To conduct this research, scientists poured hot water into 100ml paper cups and left it&nbsp;for 15 minutes, as this is the usual time that people take to consume their hot drink completely. The researchers, then, checked the poured&nbsp;hot water under a powerful microscope and found&nbsp;an average of 25,000 microplastics per cup. They also found metals such as zinc, lead and&nbsp;chromium in the water, which may have also come from the inner lining of the cup.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/confused-about-masks-heres-what-scientists-know-344077" hreflang="en">Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know</a>

"An average person drinking three regular cups of tea or coffee daily, in a paper cup, would end up ingesting 75,000 tiny microplastic particles which are invisible to the naked eye,"&nbsp;said Dr Sudha Goel, lead author of the study from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, a city in West Bengal.

The microplastics that were found in the hot water were nearly the size of a micron, whose width is nearly 25 times the size of human hair.

"Microplastics act as carriers for contaminants like ions, toxic heavy metals such as palladium, chromium and cadmium," Dr. Goel said. "When ingested regularly over time, the health implications could be serious."

Dr. Goel's study has been published in&nbsp;Journal of Hazardous Materials.

We all love to get our coffee or tea as takeaways and have it while travelling or working, and the 'to-go' paper cups with plastic lids have made our lives easier.

We all love to get our coffee or tea as takeaways and have it while travelling or working, and the 'to-go' paper cups with plastic lids have made our lives easier. However, these cups may be the doom of our health, some scientists have discovered. According to a recently conducted study, when we pour hot tea or coffee in a paper or a plastic cup, the tiny plastic particles on the inside surface of the cup get dissolved with the drink, making it highly contaminated and harmful for one's health. Also read| Chemicals found in daily-use products could decrease COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness: Reports The takeaway cups come with an inner lining that helps the cup stay waterproof. this lining also makes it difficult to recycle these cups. To conduct this research, scientists poured hot water into 100ml paper cups and left it for 15 minutes, as this is the usual time that people take to consume their hot drink completely. The researchers, then, checked the poured hot water under a powerful microscope and found an average of 25,000 microplastics per cup. They also found metals such as zinc, lead and chromium in the water, which may have also come from the inner lining of the cup. Also read| Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know "An average person drinking three regular cups of tea or coffee daily, in a paper cup, would end up ingesting 75,000 tiny microplastic particles which are invisible to the naked eye," said Dr Sudha Goel, lead author of the study from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, a city in West Bengal. The microplastics that were found in the hot water were nearly the size of a micron, whose width is nearly 25 times the size of human hair. "Microplastics act as carriers for contaminants like ions, toxic heavy metals such as palladium, chromium and cadmium," Dr. Goel said. "When ingested regularly over time, the health implications could be serious." Dr. Goel's study has been published in Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Drinking tea, coffee from paper cups can increase chances of cancer: Indian research

Dutch students build a bright yellow, sporty, 2 seater electric car from recycled material including plastic & household garbage. They have named it Luca, WION brings you a report.

Dutch students made electric car from recycled material

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

Two teenage sisters from Bali are leading an example. They are the part of a young generation global activists calling for urgent actions to protect the planet. Watch the report to know more.

WION Fineprint: Bali's teen sisters who dream of a plastic free world

A plastic bag store stocked with original hand-sculpted items that you would find in any grocery store, all made from discarded, single-use plastics.

A plastic bag store on Times Square; Reminder of our plastic footprint

As many as 14 million tonnes of plastic pieces less than 5 mm wide are likely present at the bottom of the oceans, a new research estimated.

CSIRO, Australian government's science agency, collected and analysed cores of the ocean floor taken at six remote regions nearly 300 km off the nation's southern coast in the Great Australian Bight, reported The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-flowing-into-oceans-to-triple-by-2040-study-315624">Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study</a>

Researchers studied 51 samples and concluded that it is likely that there is 30 times as much plastic at the bottom of the seven oceans as is present at the surface. &nbsp;

They also found that each gram of ocean's sediment contained about 1.26 microplastic pieces on an average.&nbsp;

Microplastics have a diameter of 5 mm or less and are generally formed after they broke away from bigger plastic items.&nbsp;

Dr Denise Hardesty, CSIRO's principal research scientist and study's co-author said that finding these microplastics in such a remote site suggests the "ubiquity of plastics, no matter where you are in the world".

"This means it's throughout the water column. This gives us pause for thought about the world we live in and the impact of our consumer habits on what’s considered a most pristine place," Hardesty said.

"We need to make sure the big blue is not a big trash pit. This is more evidence that we need to stop this at the source." 
&nbsp;

As many as 14 million tonnes of plastic pieces less than 5 mm wide are likely present at the bottom of the oceans, a new research estimated. CSIRO, Australian government's science agency, collected and analysed cores of the ocean floor taken at six remote regions nearly 300 km off the nation's southern coast in the Great Australian Bight, reported The Guardian.

As many as 14 million tonnes of plastic pieces less than 5 mm wide are likely present at the bottom of the oceans, a new research estimated. CSIRO, Australian government's science agency, collected and analysed cores of the ocean floor taken at six remote regions nearly 300 km off the nation's southern coast in the Great Australian Bight, reported The Guardian. Also read | Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study Researchers studied 51 samples and concluded that it is likely that there is 30 times as much plastic at the bottom of the seven oceans as is present at the surface. They also found that each gram of ocean's sediment contained about 1.26 microplastic pieces on an average. Microplastics have a diameter of 5 mm or less and are generally formed after they broke away from bigger plastic items. Dr Denise Hardesty, CSIRO's principal research scientist and study's co-author said that finding these microplastics in such a remote site suggests the "ubiquity of plastics, no matter where you are in the world". "This means it's throughout the water column. This gives us pause for thought about the world we live in and the impact of our consumer habits on what’s considered a most pristine place," Hardesty said. "We need to make sure the big blue is not a big trash pit. This is more evidence that we need to stop this at the source."

Plastics weighing 14 million tonnes likely present at bottom of oceans: Study

Interpol strategic new report on global plastic waste management has found an alarming increase in illegal plastic pollution trade across the world since 2018. Interpol report exposes inefficient enforcement systems. According to the reports bulk of the illegal shipments ends up in Southeast Asia.

Interpol raises alarm over sharp rise in plastic waste crime

Sri Lanka will ban the import of most plastic products in a bid to protect wild elephants and deer that die eating the waste, the environment minister announced Friday.

Plastic in Sri Lankan landfills is a major killer of elephants, with autopsies showing kilos of it in the stomachs of animals who died after rummaging at dumps.

Environment minister Mahinda Amaraweera told parliament legislation was being drafted to stop imports of plastic goods, including polythene, that end up in landfills. Officials said it would be introduced within months.

"Plastics are doing untold damage to our wildlife -- elephants, deer and other animals," Amaraweera told AFP shortly after his announcement.

"We need to take immediate action to arrest this situation."

Sri Lanka has already banned the manufacture or import of non-biodegradable plastic used for wrapping food and shopping bags since 2017.

Endangered wild elephants are protected in Sri Lanka by law although clashes with farmers are claiming a heavy toll on both sides.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given wildlife officials two years to implement a plan to reduce human-elephant conflict that has claimed the lives of 607 elephants and 184 people since last year.

Amaraweera said the proposed import ban -- that covers mainly toys and household utensils -- will be extended to local manufacturing, but did not give a timeline.

Sri Lanka will ban the import of most plastic products in a bid to protect wild elephants and deer that die eating the waste, the environment minister announced Friday.

Sri Lanka will ban the import of most plastic products in a bid to protect wild elephants and deer that die eating the waste, the environment minister announced Friday. Plastic in Sri Lankan landfills is a major killer of elephants, with autopsies showing kilos of it in the stomachs of animals who died after rummaging at dumps. Environment minister Mahinda Amaraweera told parliament legislation was being drafted to stop imports of plastic goods, including polythene, that end up in landfills. Officials said it would be introduced within months. "Plastics are doing untold damage to our wildlife -- elephants, deer and other animals," Amaraweera told AFP shortly after his announcement. "We need to take immediate action to arrest this situation." Sri Lanka has already banned the manufacture or import of non-biodegradable plastic used for wrapping food and shopping bags since 2017. Endangered wild elephants are protected in Sri Lanka by law although clashes with farmers are claiming a heavy toll on both sides. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given wildlife officials two years to implement a plan to reduce human-elephant conflict that has claimed the lives of 607 elephants and 184 people since last year. Amaraweera said the proposed import ban -- that covers mainly toys and household utensils -- will be extended to local manufacturing, but did not give a timeline.

Sri Lanka to ban imports of plastic goods to protect elephants

Microplastics are a global concern, with new reports emerging everyday of how such small particles are killing aquatic life, and also threatening ecosystems around the globe.

The world pretty much runs on plastic, and now microplastics and nanoplastics can be found in the human body as well.

We have been consuming plastic

It has been long known that people consume such minuscule particles through food, water, and even breathing. But no health impact on the human race has been ascertained yet. A 2018 study found that microplastics have passed through the human gut.

At least 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year, as per data from “Plastic Oceans”. Plastic then breaks into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are smaller than 0.2 inches, and nanonplastics, smaller than 0.001 mm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/ocean-bed-now-has-more-microplastics-than-ever-before-296144" hreflang="en">Ocean bed now has more microplastics than ever before</a>

The new study, undertaken by graduate students at Arizona State University claims that minuscule particles of plastic exist in human tissues.

To reach this conclusion, they used 47 human tissue samples from various human body parts like lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.

Microplastics were discovered all 47 samples of tissue in question by researchers Charles Rolsky and Varun Kelkar.

Bisphenol A

The common ingredient in all samples was “Bisphenol A”, which is used in food manufacturing, even though it has been linked to health concerns, including cardiovascular issues. The US Environmental Protection Agency had referred to BPA as a “reproductive, developmental, and systemic toxicant in animal studies”.

Considered the first study of its kind, it looked at samples from people who have had significant exposure to plastic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/study-finds-microplastics-in-all-sea-turtle-species-181574" hreflang="en">Study finds microplastics in all sea turtle species</a>

The scientists displayed their results at the American Chemical Society on Monday, with Rolf Halden of the Arizona State University saying it would be “naive” to believe plastic exists everywhere besides our own bodies.

The goal of the study is to understand the health effects of plastics in our bodies.

Rolsky announced how humans had gone from perceiving plastic “as a wonderful benefit to considering it a threat”.

Such small particles of plastic could cause infertility, inflammation, and even cancer among animals.

Microplastics are a global concern, with new reports emerging everyday of how such small particles are killing aquatic life, and also threatening ecosystems around the globe.

Microplastics are a global concern, with new reports emerging everyday of how such small particles are killing aquatic life, and also threatening ecosystems around the globe. The world pretty much runs on plastic, and now microplastics and nanoplastics can be found in the human body as well. We have been consuming plastic It has been long known that people consume such minuscule particles through food, water, and even breathing. But no health impact on the human race has been ascertained yet. A 2018 study found that microplastics have passed through the human gut. At least 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year, as per data from “Plastic Oceans”. Plastic then breaks into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are smaller than 0.2 inches, and nanonplastics, smaller than 0.001 mm. Also read: Ocean bed now has more microplastics than ever before The new study, undertaken by graduate students at Arizona State University claims that minuscule particles of plastic exist in human tissues. To reach this conclusion, they used 47 human tissue samples from various human body parts like lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Microplastics were discovered all 47 samples of tissue in question by researchers Charles Rolsky and Varun Kelkar. Bisphenol A The common ingredient in all samples was “Bisphenol A”, which is used in food manufacturing, even though it has been linked to health concerns, including cardiovascular issues. The US Environmental Protection Agency had referred to BPA as a “reproductive, developmental, and systemic toxicant in animal studies”. Considered the first study of its kind, it looked at samples from people who have had significant exposure to plastic. Also read: Study finds microplastics in all sea turtle species The scientists displayed their results at the American Chemical Society on Monday, with Rolf Halden of the Arizona State University saying it would be “naive” to believe plastic exists everywhere besides our own bodies. The goal of the study is to understand the health effects of plastics in our bodies. Rolsky announced how humans had gone from perceiving plastic “as a wonderful benefit to considering it a threat”. Such small particles of plastic could cause infertility, inflammation, and even cancer among animals.

Researchers recently found microplastics in every human tissue they studied

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 (Jul 23) said.

Study: Plastic waste in oceans to triple by 2040

Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times.

The team at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has also filed a patent for the waste plastic bottles derived filter membrane technology based on electrospinning.

The researchers shredded waste plastic bottles and dissolved the pieces using a combination of solvents and extruded nanofibres from the solution.

According to Sumit Sinha Ray, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi, the team used waste plastic bottles to develop a single thin layer of nano-nonwoven membrane that provides desirable particle filtration efficiency, at par with N95 respirator and a medical mask.

"The first concern that comes to mind when we hear that something is made of plastic is whether it is safe to use. These nanofibres meet the safety requirements of the user by excluding the bacteria and infectious components. The breathability in the developed masks is better than the commercially available masks.

"At the laboratory scale, the material cost for the mask was around Rs 25 per piece. However, during the commercial manufacturing stage, its cost will be nearly halved. The mask can be washed and reused up to 30 times," Ray told PTI.

"Nanofibres can do wonders for masks. Air-borne particulate and pollutant removal efficiency and breathability are the two main criteria for efficient masks. Commercially available melt blown fabric-based masks can be efficient at a cost of high breathing resistance, whereas generic three-ply surgical masks are breathable but have meagre efficiency. Nanofibres based masks can filter out small particles effectively despite being comfortably breathable," he explained.

The team claimed that the masks will not require any separate protocol to be followed for their disposal than the standard hygiene measures.

Ashish Kakoria, a research scholar at the institute and one of the team members, said, "These ultrafine fibres allow less resistance in airflow due to a unique phenomenon called 'slip flow' which improves breathability. Moreover, the thrown away PET bottles can be put to good use using this technique."

The coronavirus pandemic has mandated the use of masks by people to avoid contracting the infection.

India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with 9,971 new infections taking the country's tally to 2,46,628, while the death toll rose to 6,929, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The country registered 287 deaths in the last 24 hours since Saturday morning.

India had raced past Spain on Saturday to become the fifth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, only the US, Brazil, Russia and the UK are ahead of it.

Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times.

Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times. The team at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has also filed a patent for the waste plastic bottles derived filter membrane technology based on electrospinning. The researchers shredded waste plastic bottles and dissolved the pieces using a combination of solvents and extruded nanofibres from the solution. According to Sumit Sinha Ray, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi, the team used waste plastic bottles to develop a single thin layer of nano-nonwoven membrane that provides desirable particle filtration efficiency, at par with N95 respirator and a medical mask. "The first concern that comes to mind when we hear that something is made of plastic is whether it is safe to use. These nanofibres meet the safety requirements of the user by excluding the bacteria and infectious components. The breathability in the developed masks is better than the commercially available masks. "At the laboratory scale, the material cost for the mask was around Rs 25 per piece. However, during the commercial manufacturing stage, its cost will be nearly halved. The mask can be washed and reused up to 30 times," Ray told PTI. "Nanofibres can do wonders for masks. Air-borne particulate and pollutant removal efficiency and breathability are the two main criteria for efficient masks. Commercially available melt blown fabric-based masks can be efficient at a cost of high breathing resistance, whereas generic three-ply surgical masks are breathable but have meagre efficiency. Nanofibres based masks can filter out small particles effectively despite being comfortably breathable," he explained. The team claimed that the masks will not require any separate protocol to be followed for their disposal than the standard hygiene measures. Ashish Kakoria, a research scholar at the institute and one of the team members, said, "These ultrafine fibres allow less resistance in airflow due to a unique phenomenon called 'slip flow' which improves breathability. Moreover, the thrown away PET bottles can be put to good use using this technique." The coronavirus pandemic has mandated the use of masks by people to avoid contracting the infection. India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with 9,971 new infections taking the country's tally to 2,46,628, while the death toll rose to 6,929, according to the Union Health Ministry. The country registered 287 deaths in the last 24 hours since Saturday morning. India had raced past Spain on Saturday to become the fifth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, only the US, Brazil, Russia and the UK are ahead of it.

IIT researchers develop technology for making high efficiency masks from waste plastic bottles

Spain on Tuesday proposed a legislation to deal with the plastic problem. Once in action, it will require the country to extensively cut down on single-use plastic packaging.&nbsp;The idea is to tax single-use plastic heavily so that people eventually stop using it.

"If we add up all the waste generated in a year in Spain... it would be enough to fill up the Santiago Bernabeu stadium 2,900 times," said Spain’s Environment Minister Teresa Ribera.

As per the proposed idea, the focus will be on plastic cups and bottles, that are used extensively across the food sector, mostly in take-away restaurants, which have now become the new norm owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"And just the plastic packaging from our homes alone would fill up 45 such stadiums," she added.

To improve compliance with European Union directives, Spanish ministers approved a draft law on waste and contaminants.&nbsp;Starting summer of 2021, Spain will begin banning single-use plastic products like cotton buds, straws, and plastic cutlery.

Moving on, by January 2023, the country will enforce a tax on plastic packaging. However, this implies that consumers will be forced to pay more if any single-use plastic items are used, be it in terms of food delivery or elsewhere.

"The special tax on single-use plastic containers will be indirect and will impact the manufacture, import or acquisition within the European Union of non-reusable plastic containers for use within the Spanish market," a ministry statement said, and AFP reported.

"This is a similar tax to that being implemented in other neighbouring countries such as the United Kingdom or Italy”, it further read.

Spain on Tuesday proposed a legislation to deal with the plastic problem. Once in action, it will require the country to extensively cut down on single-use plastic packaging.

Spain on Tuesday proposed a legislation to deal with the plastic problem. Once in action, it will require the country to extensively cut down on single-use plastic packaging. The idea is to tax single-use plastic heavily so that people eventually stop using it. "If we add up all the waste generated in a year in Spain... it would be enough to fill up the Santiago Bernabeu stadium 2,900 times," said Spain’s Environment Minister Teresa Ribera. As per the proposed idea, the focus will be on plastic cups and bottles, that are used extensively across the food sector, mostly in take-away restaurants, which have now become the new norm owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. "And just the plastic packaging from our homes alone would fill up 45 such stadiums," she added. To improve compliance with European Union directives, Spanish ministers approved a draft law on waste and contaminants. Starting summer of 2021, Spain will begin banning single-use plastic products like cotton buds, straws, and plastic cutlery. Moving on, by January 2023, the country will enforce a tax on plastic packaging. However, this implies that consumers will be forced to pay more if any single-use plastic items are used, be it in terms of food delivery or elsewhere. "The special tax on single-use plastic containers will be indirect and will impact the manufacture, import or acquisition within the European Union of non-reusable plastic containers for use within the Spanish market," a ministry statement said, and AFP reported. "This is a similar tax to that being implemented in other neighbouring countries such as the United Kingdom or Italy”, it further read.

Spain to enforce tax on plastic packaging to curb pollution

The ocean now has the highest level of microplastics ever recorded on the seabed.

A group of scientists, part of the analysis by the University of Manchester recently discovered up to 1.9 million plastic pieces per square metre in the ocean.

The sediments were pulled out from the bottom of the Mediterranean near Italy.

According to BBC, these items include clothing fibres, synthetic textiles, and fragments from bigger objects.

Microplastics are objects smaller than 1 mm. These have become concentrated in the ocean bed owing to currents down under.

At least four to 12 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the oceans every year through rivers, a study had earlier claimed.

However, we can only account for just 1 per cent of the total plastic waste. The rest 99 per cent still remains untraceable.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e9dd330-6632-4a5b-9f6a-f53037aa0adf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_4.jpg" /> 
A canoeist delivers plastic waste and other items collected by scuba divers from a bay during a 'clean-up day' campaign of the ocean off the coast of the capital Dakar on September 15, 2019 | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

Some of this waste has been consumed by marine life, as evident in postpartum reports of animals that are flushed out of the ocean.

A large amount of this plastic waste has probably fragmented and has sunk to the bottom of the ocean.

The research also displayed how deep-sea trenches and ocean canyons can house microplastics.

However, these microplastics are moved further to greater depths by flows of mud, sometimes by 100 of kilometres in one go.

Such deep-water currents provide oxygen and nutrients of deep-sea creatures. If microplastics travel to such depths, they could lodge into biodiversity hotspots, and could be ingested by creatures.

The ocean now has the highest level of microplastics ever recorded on the seabed. A group of scientists, part of the analysis by the University of Manchester recently discovered up to 1.

The ocean now has the highest level of microplastics ever recorded on the seabed. A group of scientists, part of the analysis by the University of Manchester recently discovered up to 1.9 million plastic pieces per square metre in the ocean. The sediments were pulled out from the bottom of the Mediterranean near Italy. According to BBC, these items include clothing fibres, synthetic textiles, and fragments from bigger objects. Microplastics are objects smaller than 1 mm. These have become concentrated in the ocean bed owing to currents down under. At least four to 12 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the oceans every year through rivers, a study had earlier claimed. However, we can only account for just 1 per cent of the total plastic waste. The rest 99 per cent still remains untraceable. A canoeist delivers plastic waste and other items collected by scuba divers from a bay during a 'clean-up day' campaign of the ocean off the coast of the capital Dakar on September 15, 2019 | AFP Some of this waste has been consumed by marine life, as evident in postpartum reports of animals that are flushed out of the ocean. A large amount of this plastic waste has probably fragmented and has sunk to the bottom of the ocean. The research also displayed how deep-sea trenches and ocean canyons can house microplastics. However, these microplastics are moved further to greater depths by flows of mud, sometimes by 100 of kilometres in one go. Such deep-water currents provide oxygen and nutrients of deep-sea creatures. If microplastics travel to such depths, they could lodge into biodiversity hotspots, and could be ingested by creatures.

Ocean bed now has more microplastics than ever before

Each year around 12 million tons of plastic waste is dumped into the world's oceans, polluting the water, killing wildlife and creating microplastics that enter the food chain.

The Battle Against Ocean Plastic

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'

"With great power comes great responsibility": a proverb popularised by the fictional superhero character Peter Parker who doubles as Spider-Man, takes on a twist in Indonesia by a 36-year-old citizen who is harnessing its "power" to encourage his countrymen to take responsibility for his city's problem with waste.

With great power comes great responsibility: Indonesian 'Spiderman' clears rubbish

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. A report by Jefferies Financial Group Inc recently shed light on the ghastly reality of plastic recycling.

With climate activism and environment protection becoming the key discourses of mainstream politics over the last few years, clubbed with ever-accelerating global warming, combating the menace of plastic could prove to be tougher than it seems.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-ushers-2020-with-ban-on-plastic-bags-271459">Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags</a>

According to the report, “given the very low rates of recycling we see today, we believe that even with much tighter regulation, it’s unlikely that global recycling rates could reach 50% by 2030”.&nbsp;

With more pressure on governments and leaders than ever before, they will be forced to toughen the regulatory rules. Companies with a market valuation of $3.5 trillion or more are expected to be hit by bans and taxes to fight plastic pollution.

<h6><img alt="plastic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="949d0cf9-6286-4788-a50e-5244f30bcd2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_77.jpg" /> 
Plastic waste is seen floating on a sewage canal in Port-au-Prince, on January 30, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Plastic pollution continues to plague the global environment. Almost all of the eight billion tonnes of plastic that was ever produced still continues to exist, in some form in the environment. According to Jefferies, most of this ends up in landfills.

Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to degradation, which makes it impossible to break down completely. This ensures that the material lasts for centuries.

BloombergNEF reported that the world is increasing regulations on single-use plastics.

China, which accounts for a major chunk of plastic use, recently announced that it would ban single-use plastics in public places like shopping malls and in food delivery services.

Singapore recycled four per cent of its plastic waste in 2018, and then passed a law this week to enforce stricter rules on certain categories of plastic waste across its borders, as reported by the Straits Times.

Recently, multiple countries in the African region limited the manufacturing of plastic and tried to contain the consumption of the material by levying taxes.

<h6><img alt="yyy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1958c7f2-699b-4529-9ed9-3ca00fa63a09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_57.jpg" /> 
Compacted plastic bags are stored in a yard in Berlin on February 5, 2020, before being recycled | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Additionally, starting January 1, France banned plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds with the goal of eradicating all single-use plastic items by 2040.

Other countries like Thailand and New Zealand have enforced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Indonesia is also expected to enforce the ban starting in June 2020.

However, the United States recycles barely 10 per cent of the plastic, with Europe following suit at 30 per cent on average.

Asian-Pacific countries, with the largest market in packaging, may be blamed for the plastic waste in oceans, the report said.

According to the report, more plastic is burnt than recycled. More effort is needed on behalf of governments to curb plastic.

“The impact of plastics leaking into the environment, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain could potentially be almost as big a concern for civil society as climate change”, the report added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-in-oceans-to-outweigh-fish-china-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-and-straws-275644">Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws</a>

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time.

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. A report by Jefferies Financial Group Inc recently shed light on the ghastly reality of plastic recycling. With climate activism and environment protection becoming the key discourses of mainstream politics over the last few years, clubbed with ever-accelerating global warming, combating the menace of plastic could prove to be tougher than it seems. Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags According to the report, “given the very low rates of recycling we see today, we believe that even with much tighter regulation, it’s unlikely that global recycling rates could reach 50% by 2030”. With more pressure on governments and leaders than ever before, they will be forced to toughen the regulatory rules. Companies with a market valuation of $3.5 trillion or more are expected to be hit by bans and taxes to fight plastic pollution. Plastic waste is seen floating on a sewage canal in Port-au-Prince, on January 30, 2020 | AFP Plastic pollution continues to plague the global environment. Almost all of the eight billion tonnes of plastic that was ever produced still continues to exist, in some form in the environment. According to Jefferies, most of this ends up in landfills. Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to degradation, which makes it impossible to break down completely. This ensures that the material lasts for centuries. BloombergNEF reported that the world is increasing regulations on single-use plastics. China, which accounts for a major chunk of plastic use, recently announced that it would ban single-use plastics in public places like shopping malls and in food delivery services. Singapore recycled four per cent of its plastic waste in 2018, and then passed a law this week to enforce stricter rules on certain categories of plastic waste across its borders, as reported by the Straits Times. Recently, multiple countries in the African region limited the manufacturing of plastic and tried to contain the consumption of the material by levying taxes. Compacted plastic bags are stored in a yard in Berlin on February 5, 2020, before being recycled | AFP Additionally, starting January 1, France banned plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds with the goal of eradicating all single-use plastic items by 2040. Other countries like Thailand and New Zealand have enforced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Indonesia is also expected to enforce the ban starting in June 2020. However, the United States recycles barely 10 per cent of the plastic, with Europe following suit at 30 per cent on average. Asian-Pacific countries, with the largest market in packaging, may be blamed for the plastic waste in oceans, the report said. According to the report, more plastic is burnt than recycled. More effort is needed on behalf of governments to curb plastic. “The impact of plastics leaking into the environment, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain could potentially be almost as big a concern for civil society as climate change”, the report added. Also read: Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws

All plastic ever produced still exists in the environment: Report

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-protests-erupt-in-dhaka-after-polls-date-clashes-with-saraswati-puja-274447">ahead of elections</a> in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms.

These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil. "If they are burnt, they will pollute the air," he adds.

The city's air quality has been ranked as one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangladesh-on-monday-ordered-operators-to-shut-down-mobile-phone-services-to-almost-one-million-rohingya-refugees-living-in-camps-in-the-countrys-southeast-an-official-said-247315">worst in the world</a>.

"The posters will take 400 years to decompose," says Jamil, who is general secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Movement, a campaign group.

Each contains about two grammes of polypropylene plastic, according to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO).

Spokesman Hossain Shahriar stated the plastics were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable.

"We will be choking under these plastics since we don't have proper recycling mechanisms in the city," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-factories-ordered-shut-to-save-key-river-275835">In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down</a>

Bangladesh's High Court last week ordered a halt to the production, display and disposal of plastic-laminated posters for the mayoral and council elections, which take place on Saturday.

But to no avail. Black-and-white posters continue to festoon the streets and parks of the congested, cacophonous metropolis of 18 million people.

Manjur Hossain, head of Dhaka City Corporation's waste management department, said they would deal with the waste after the polls.

"We will separately manage it," he added. 
&nbsp;

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters ahead of elections in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms. These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil.

Dhaka is awash with millions of plastic-laminated campaign posters ahead of elections in the Bangladeshi capital, and environmentalists are up in arms. These posters - of which there are an estimated 304 million - will likely end up in sewers, rivers and canals, says activist Sharif Jamil. "If they are burnt, they will pollute the air," he adds. The city's air quality has been ranked as one of the worst in the world. "The posters will take 400 years to decompose," says Jamil, who is general secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Movement, a campaign group. Each contains about two grammes of polypropylene plastic, according to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO). Spokesman Hossain Shahriar stated the plastics were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. "We will be choking under these plastics since we don't have proper recycling mechanisms in the city," he said. Also Read: In bid to save key river from pollution, Bangladesh High Court orders 231 factories to shut down Bangladesh's High Court last week ordered a halt to the production, display and disposal of plastic-laminated posters for the mayoral and council elections, which take place on Saturday. But to no avail. Black-and-white posters continue to festoon the streets and parks of the congested, cacophonous metropolis of 18 million people. Manjur Hossain, head of Dhaka City Corporation's waste management department, said they would deal with the waste after the polls. "We will separately manage it," he added.

Bangladesh capital awash with plastic-coated posters

In a bid to cut down plastic pollution in the country, China, one of the world's biggest producers of plastic waste is going to ban all non-degradable plastic bags and straws in the major cities in its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-court-orders-government-to-ban-single-use-plastics-272617">Also read: Bangladesh court orders government to ban single-use plastics</a> 
 
In 2017, China produced 215 million tons of plastics waste, according to World Bank figures, which warns that by 2030 could soar to 500 million tons annually.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-ushers-2020-with-ban-on-plastic-bags-271459">Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags</a>

Plastic is everywhere, all of us benefit from it and it touches just about every aspect of our lives.&nbsp;Three hundred million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2015.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jason-momoa-apologises-to-chris-pratt-after-criticising-his-use-of-plastic-water-bottles-266555">Also read: Jason Momoa apologises to Chris Pratt after criticising his use of plastic water bottles</a> 
 
Much of the plastic we produce is single-use plastic - used just once before being chucked away.In 2015 it accounted for nearly half of plastic waste generated globally.

And then there’s plastic cutlery, plates straws and bottles. Plastic cotton bud sticks, plastic fast food containers. Not forgetting the plastic in trillions of cigarette filters discarded around the world each year. The list goes on.

The UN says If we carry on consuming at today’s rhythm and current waste management practices stay the same, by 2050 there will be about 12 billion tonnes of plastic litter in landfills and the environment. 
And scientists have said that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans.&nbsp;

More than 60 countries and organisations do have various action plan to rein in single-use plastic.&nbsp;

Despite this, it is estimated that between one and five trillion plastic bags are still consumed worldwide each year that’s almost 600 million per hour. If they are tied together, that’s the equivalent of seven times around the Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to cut down plastic pollution in the country, China, one of the world's biggest producers of plastic waste is going to ban all non-degradable plastic bags and straws in the major cities in its territory.

In a bid to cut down plastic pollution in the country, China, one of the world's biggest producers of plastic waste is going to ban all non-degradable plastic bags and straws in the major cities in its territory. Also read: Bangladesh court orders government to ban single-use plastics In 2017, China produced 215 million tons of plastics waste, according to World Bank figures, which warns that by 2030 could soar to 500 million tons annually. Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags Plastic is everywhere, all of us benefit from it and it touches just about every aspect of our lives. Three hundred million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2015. Also read: Jason Momoa apologises to Chris Pratt after criticising his use of plastic water bottles Much of the plastic we produce is single-use plastic - used just once before being chucked away.In 2015 it accounted for nearly half of plastic waste generated globally. And then there’s plastic cutlery, plates straws and bottles. Plastic cotton bud sticks, plastic fast food containers. Not forgetting the plastic in trillions of cigarette filters discarded around the world each year. The list goes on. The UN says If we carry on consuming at today’s rhythm and current waste management practices stay the same, by 2050 there will be about 12 billion tonnes of plastic litter in landfills and the environment. And scientists have said that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. More than 60 countries and organisations do have various action plan to rein in single-use plastic. Despite this, it is estimated that between one and five trillion plastic bags are still consumed worldwide each year that’s almost 600 million per hour. If they are tied together, that’s the equivalent of seven times around the Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws

Thailand began the year 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.

Public awareness of the risk to animals and the environment from such waste was raised last year in a series of incidents where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dead-deer-found-in-thailand-with-7kg-of-plastic-in-stomach-264945">animals including a deer</a> and a baby dugong were found dead with plastics in their digestive systems.

"Thailand was ranked sixth among the world's top countries that dumps waste into the sea," Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-Archa told reporters on Wednesday after handing out reusable bags to the public.

"During the past five months, we were down to 10th ... thanks to the cooperation of the Thai people."

The ministry says the country reduced the use of plastic bags by 2 billion, or about 5,765 tonnes last year, in the first phase of campaign to encourage consumers’ voluntarily refusal of plastic bags from stores.

"At first, I was not used to it (bringing shopping bags) because sometimes I just came bare hands and forgot about it. When I remember, I will carry it along," said one shopper, Supanee Burut-thong.

Varawut said the most challenging aspect would be the last 40 per cent&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-scuba-divers-for-cleaning-plastic-waste-from-deep-sea-264182">plastic bag</a> used at fresh markets and in rural areas.

"It's not going to be easy to change the way of thinking and behaviour of those people," he said.

Thailand began the year 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.

Thailand began the year 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. Public awareness of the risk to animals and the environment from such waste was raised last year in a series of incidents where animals including a deer and a baby dugong were found dead with plastics in their digestive systems. "Thailand was ranked sixth among the world's top countries that dumps waste into the sea," Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-Archa told reporters on Wednesday after handing out reusable bags to the public. "During the past five months, we were down to 10th ... thanks to the cooperation of the Thai people." The ministry says the country reduced the use of plastic bags by 2 billion, or about 5,765 tonnes last year, in the first phase of campaign to encourage consumers’ voluntarily refusal of plastic bags from stores. "At first, I was not used to it (bringing shopping bags) because sometimes I just came bare hands and forgot about it. When I remember, I will carry it along," said one shopper, Supanee Burut-thong. Varawut said the most challenging aspect would be the last 40 per cent of plastic bag used at fresh markets and in rural areas. "It's not going to be easy to change the way of thinking and behaviour of those people," he said.

Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags

Urging people to shun single-use plastic, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the plastic is hazardous for the environment across the globe and has also led to the death of many animals.

"I urge women to carry their own bags instead of plastic while going out. One bag can be used for years instead of a thin plastic bag. It takes 400 years for one thin plastic bag to decompose. It is hazardous not only for the country but for the entire Earth. Not only that, we all worship cows. But many times when a cattle die, we find that a large amount of plastic is found from its stomach. Plastic has too many negative impacts on our environment," he said while addressing Gandhi Sankalp Yatra in New Delhi.

The Home Minister also stated that it is the responsibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to create awareness about the harmful effects of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delays-plan-to-ban-single-use-plastic-in-countrywide-253183">single-use plastic </a>among the masses.

While addressing a gathering, Shah also lauded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-running-a-big-campaign-to-free-the-country-of-single-use-plastic-pm-modi-at-unga-252498">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> for talking about the importance of water conservation and claimed that scores of ponds have been filled with water because of the awareness among the general public.

"After becoming the Prime Minister for the second time, Modi Ji created the Water Power Ministry. It is Modi Ji, who took up the task of creating awareness about saving water. The result is that millions of pounds in the country are now filled with fresh water," he said.

He also announced that the BJP leaders and workers will be going to march for 150 kilometres to propagate Gandhiji's&nbsp;principles to all the people 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra'.

"BJP workers across the country will travel 150 km from today to spread Gandhiji's values to the masses. We will try to spread his message from door to door. The great man who showed the path to resolve the issues of the entire world, the man who strengthed the roots of the democracy was Mahatma Gandhi," Shah said.

BJP President Amit Shah today flagged off four-month-long nationwide Gandhi Sankalp Yatra from Shalimar Bagh in Delhi to propagate ideals of the 'Father of the Nation', including cleanliness, simplicity, use of Khadi and non-violence.

The Union Minister also walked some distance with Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and other prominent leaders of the BJP to participate in the event.

Urging people to shun single-use plastic, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the plastic is hazardous for the environment across the globe and has also led to the death of many animals.

Urging people to shun single-use plastic, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the plastic is hazardous for the environment across the globe and has also led to the death of many animals. "I urge women to carry their own bags instead of plastic while going out. One bag can be used for years instead of a thin plastic bag. It takes 400 years for one thin plastic bag to decompose. It is hazardous not only for the country but for the entire Earth. Not only that, we all worship cows. But many times when a cattle die, we find that a large amount of plastic is found from its stomach. Plastic has too many negative impacts on our environment," he said while addressing Gandhi Sankalp Yatra in New Delhi. The Home Minister also stated that it is the responsibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to create awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastic among the masses. While addressing a gathering, Shah also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talking about the importance of water conservation and claimed that scores of ponds have been filled with water because of the awareness among the general public. "After becoming the Prime Minister for the second time, Modi Ji created the Water Power Ministry. It is Modi Ji, who took up the task of creating awareness about saving water. The result is that millions of pounds in the country are now filled with fresh water," he said. He also announced that the BJP leaders and workers will be going to march for 150 kilometres to propagate Gandhiji's principles to all the people 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra'. "BJP workers across the country will travel 150 km from today to spread Gandhiji's values to the masses. We will try to spread his message from door to door. The great man who showed the path to resolve the issues of the entire world, the man who strengthed the roots of the democracy was Mahatma Gandhi," Shah said. BJP President Amit Shah today flagged off four-month-long nationwide Gandhi Sankalp Yatra from Shalimar Bagh in Delhi to propagate ideals of the 'Father of the Nation', including cleanliness, simplicity, use of Khadi and non-violence. The Union Minister also walked some distance with Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and other prominent leaders of the BJP to participate in the event.

Shun single-use plastic, carry own bags to market, says Amit Shah at Gandhi Sankalp Yatra

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

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-running-a-big-campaign-to-free-the-country-of-single-use-plastic-pm-modi-at-unga-252498">India set to impose a nationwide ban on several single-use plastics</a> ranging from bags, cups and straws on Wednesday, many are cheering the environment-friendly move while some, quintessentially those belonging to the plastic industry, are living in the fear of loss of employment.

In an Independence Day speech on August 15, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spooked-by-narendra-modis-plastics-ban-companies-seek-clarity-exemptions-250235">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic.

However, what is being termed as India's most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted, has left many distressed - especially the small-time plastic manufacturers and street snack sellers who say the ban would deal a death blow to their business.

"There is no work from one month. I have to pay for the school fees of my children and other expenses of my family and it is a lot of trouble for us," said Bijendra Singh, a worker employed in a disposable plastic cup making factory.

The disposable plastic cup is one of the six items proposed to be banned.

The ban is likely to be imposed on plastic bags, cups, small bottles, straws and some types of sachets.

However, environmentalists say the government should not rush to ban before lining up the alternatives. They say managing waste and finding alternatives with environmental, social, and economic feasibility should be the first step toward curbing plastic pollution.

Globally, concerns are growing about plastic pollution, with particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show.

India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities.

The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent&nbsp;to 10 per cent&nbsp;from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said.

Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said.

With India set to impose a nationwide ban on several single-use plastics ranging from bags, cups and straws on Wednesday, many are cheering the environment-friendly move while some, quintessentially those belonging to the plastic industry, are living in the fear of loss of employment.

With India set to impose a nationwide ban on several single-use plastics ranging from bags, cups and straws on Wednesday, many are cheering the environment-friendly move while some, quintessentially those belonging to the plastic industry, are living in the fear of loss of employment. In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic. However, what is being termed as India's most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted, has left many distressed - especially the small-time plastic manufacturers and street snack sellers who say the ban would deal a death blow to their business. "There is no work from one month. I have to pay for the school fees of my children and other expenses of my family and it is a lot of trouble for us," said Bijendra Singh, a worker employed in a disposable plastic cup making factory. The disposable plastic cup is one of the six items proposed to be banned. The ban is likely to be imposed on plastic bags, cups, small bottles, straws and some types of sachets. However, environmentalists say the government should not rush to ban before lining up the alternatives. They say managing waste and finding alternatives with environmental, social, and economic feasibility should be the first step toward curbing plastic pollution. Globally, concerns are growing about plastic pollution, with particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show. India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities. The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent to 10 per cent from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said. Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said.

India's upcoming plastic ban will bring cheer to many, despair to some

How single-use plastic is killing the Earth

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-curb-plastic-pollution-pepsi-and-coca-cola-sever-ties-with-plastics-industry-association-239706">plastic </a>bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-highlights-indias-efforts-for-sustainable-future-at-g-7-summit-245808">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, who is leading efforts to scrap such plastics by 2022, is set to launch the campaign with a ban on as many as six items on October 2, the birth anniversary of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, two officials said.

These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, in line with government policy.

"The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of such items," one official said.

India's environment and housing ministries, the two main ministries leading the drive, did not respond to emails from Reuters to seek comment.

In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic.

Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent&nbsp;of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show.

The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021.

China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025.

India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities.

The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent&nbsp;to 10 per cent&nbsp;from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said.

Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said.

Some Indian states have already outlawed polythene bags.

The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only, the first source said.

It will also ask e-commerce companies to cut back on plastic packaging that makes up nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of India's annual plastic consumption, officials say.

Cheap smartphones and a surge in the number of internet users have boosted orders for e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc's Flipkart, which wrap their wares - from books and medicines to cigarettes and cosmetics - in plastic, pushing up consumption.

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is leading efforts to scrap such plastics by 2022, is set to launch the campaign with a ban on as many as six items on October 2, the birth anniversary of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, two officials said. These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, in line with government policy. "The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of such items," one official said. India's environment and housing ministries, the two main ministries leading the drive, did not respond to emails from Reuters to seek comment. In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic. Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show. The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021. China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025. India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities. The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent to 10 per cent from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said. Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said. Some Indian states have already outlawed polythene bags. The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only, the first source said. It will also ask e-commerce companies to cut back on plastic packaging that makes up nearly 40 per cent of India's annual plastic consumption, officials say. Cheap smartphones and a surge in the number of internet users have boosted orders for e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc's Flipkart, which wrap their wares - from books and medicines to cigarettes and cosmetics - in plastic, pushing up consumption.

India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'.

The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-to-chair-all-party-meet-on-economically-weaker-section-quota-on-monday-233753">Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami </a>has initiated this movement in the Assembly. The government is not stringently implementing this move but in a polite manner. Government is making the efforts to save nature," Indra said.

"This movement is to protect nature. Particularly, the Greater Chennai Corporation is implementing this on the instruction of higher authorities," she added. 
&nbsp;

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'. The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park.

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'. The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park. "Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has initiated this movement in the Assembly. The government is not stringently implementing this move but in a polite manner. Government is making the efforts to save nature," Indra said. "This movement is to protect nature. Particularly, the Greater Chennai Corporation is implementing this on the instruction of higher authorities," she added.

Greater Chennai Corporation initiates environmental awareness campaign

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