Debunking myths about plastics
7 years ago

Debunking myths about plastics

The Hindu  

Following the State government’s decision to ban plastics, Mumbai University’s Institute of Chemical Technology in Matunga organised a knowledge sharing session on Wednesday to debunk myths about the use of plastics and discuss environment-friendly solutions to the problem. Vijay Habbu, adjunct professor at the institute, said, “The kind of intuitive knowledge about plastics has not sunk into people’s minds. Hence, there are a lot of myths revolving around their usage, which is why we need to educate people about it.” Mr. Habbu said, “Plastic in itself is not what is causing harm. It is citizens like us who are irresponsible and do not recycle it properly.” He said the plastic processing sector in India manufactures 30,000 units every year and provides employment to 11 lakh people. This leads to pollution.” Mr. Jagtap said, “The city generates 7,000 tonnes of waste, but there are only two composters.

Plastic Habbu  metals  polyethylene  water  myths  polymer  plastic  habbu  professor  debunking  plastics  technology

History of this topic

Ordering Food Online? Packing Hot Food In Plastic Containers Can Increase Heart Disease Risk, Says Study
1 month, 1 week ago

Ordering Food Online? Packing Hot Food In Plastic Containers Can Increase Heart Disease Risk, Says Study

ABP News  

Are you guilty of the plastic addiction sin? The study says that disposable plastic containers could be leaching dangerous chemicals into your takeaway food, potentially increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers thus conducted a two-part investigation — surveying over 3,000 people in China and performing experiments on rats to understand the connection between plastic food containers and heart …

World-leading scientist explains alarming reason you should 'never, ever' eat food that's been microwaved in plastic containers
3 months ago

World-leading scientist explains alarming reason you should 'never, ever' eat food that's been microwaved in plastic containers

Daily Mail  

A world-leading fertility scientist has advised people 'never' to microwave food in plastic containers due to its potential impact on fertility. Speaking on a popular health podcast, the epidemiologist recently urged people against microwaving food in plastic containers due to the risk of these chemicals leaching into food. A world-leading scientist studying the impact of environmental toxins on human reproduction …

Can the World Unite to End the Plastic Pollution Crisis?
4 months ago

Can the World Unite to End the Plastic Pollution Crisis?

Live Mint  

-- The final round of United Nations-brokered talks aimed at tackling plastic pollution are opening in South Korea with deep divisions over the need to stem the rising flood of the material, a rift that threatens to scupper a two-year long quest for a deal. A coalition of nearly 70 nations, including Rwanda, Norway and the UK, is pushing for …

Hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals are found in food packaging, new study shows
6 months ago

Hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals are found in food packaging, new study shows

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Researchers have …

How we became 'Plastic People': Startling new documentary tracks global spread of toxic microplastics from the bottom of oceans to inside the human brain - and how it all started with the 1950s throwa
11 months, 1 week ago

How we became 'Plastic People': Startling new documentary tracks global spread of toxic microplastics from the bottom of oceans to inside the human brain - and how it all started with the 1950s throwa

Daily Mail  

From the summit of Mount Everest to the deep depths of the Mariana Trench, and even our brains, microplastics — tiny substances linked to cancer, infertility and a host of other health issues — are found everywhere. Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu at Cukurova University in Turkey, whose work studying fisheries led him to the microplastics crisis, showed the filmmakers some of …

Chemicals in plastics far more numerous than previous estimates, report says
1 year ago

Chemicals in plastics far more numerous than previous estimates, report says

The Hindu  

At least 3,000 more chemicals are in plastics — from food packaging to toys to medical devices — than previously estimated by environmental agencies, a report published on Thursday found, raising questions over pollution and consumer safety. While the United Nations Environment Programme had previously identified around 13,000 plastic chemicals, the report by a team of European scientists found more …

Products from recycled plastic in India not safe, says new study
1 year ago

Products from recycled plastic in India not safe, says new study

Hindustan Times  

Products made from recycled plastic may not be as safe as one may think, according to a new study that has found a cocktail of toxic chemicals in recycled products in Delhi. The study by environmental NGO Toxics Link, titled “Is Plastic Recycling Safe?” that was released on Tuesday, revealed that of the tested products, 86% of toys and 67% …

How to reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, tinned food and even paper receipts
1 year, 3 months ago

How to reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, tinned food and even paper receipts

ABC  

In short: Research shows endocrine disrupting chemicals are present in 95 per cent of people tested. Associate Professor Green said more than 800 chemicals were known or suspected EDCs that may mimic, block or interfere with the body's hormones. "It's the squeezy plastic water bottle we've got here, made from things like bisphenol A, or BPA, which is the most …

Fighting plastic menace
1 year, 5 months ago

Fighting plastic menace

The Hindu  

Plastic waste is affecting not just the biodiversity, ecosystem and natural resources but also the health of humans and other animals due to ingestion of micro plastics. A recent release of the UN Environment Program stated that every day, equivalent to 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastics are dumped into the oceans, rivers, lakes and other natural water reservoirs — …

Do single-use plastic bans work?
2 years, 8 months ago

Do single-use plastic bans work?

BBC  

Do single-use plastic bans work? Getty Images The problems caused by plastic waste are rapidly increasing around the globe, but it still serves a useful purpose in food packaging. In the end it often turns out to be more polluting to use cardboard wrapping than plastic, when the entire food production chain is taken into account – Romane Osadnick The …

Green Revolution 2.0: Saying No to Plastic is Fantastic, Finding Options Isn't, Say Industries Ahead of Single-Use Ban
2 years, 9 months ago

Green Revolution 2.0: Saying No to Plastic is Fantastic, Finding Options Isn't, Say Industries Ahead of Single-Use Ban

News 18  

Preparations are underway on war-footing as India readies itself for a ban on notified single-use plastic items. We have already placed the orders, but there are logistical constraints as the same supplier is providing straws to multiple players.” While most industries have already replaced some of the single-use plastic items such as cutlery and ice-cream sticks, it is the shortage …

Microplastics found in human blood for the first time. How it can affect you
3 years ago

Microplastics found in human blood for the first time. How it can affect you

Live Mint  

Tiny particles of plastics, called microplastics, were detected in human blood for the first time, according to a study by a group of scientists in the Netherlands. Published in the journal Environment International, the study found that 17 out of the 22 healthy people the researchers took samples from had quantifiable amounts of plastic particles in their blood. The results …

Scientists hope for environmental benefit from drinks bottles
3 years, 1 month ago

Scientists hope for environmental benefit from drinks bottles

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Work to increase the amount of recycled material that can be used in plastic drinks …

Plastic pollution in oceans on track to rise for decades
3 years, 1 month ago

Plastic pollution in oceans on track to rise for decades

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Plastic pollution at sea is …

There may be plastic in your meat — and there is definitely plastic in your body
3 years, 5 months ago

There may be plastic in your meat — and there is definitely plastic in your body

Salon  

Despite being a work of fiction, Upton Sinclair's 1906 novel "The Jungle" evoked a real-world complex of meat factories in which vermin ran rampant, foul odors could make you gag and workers falling into rendering tanks were ground up with other animal parts and served to unsuspecting consumers. The videos show old grocery store food, including breads and packaged food, …

Problem not with plastic: VP calls for responsible use of plastics
4 years, 3 months ago

Problem not with plastic: VP calls for responsible use of plastics

Hindustan Times  

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday asked research institutes like the CIPET to focus on the development of eco-friendly products like biodegradable plastics as durability and longevity of plastics have posed several challenges to the environment. Improper littering habits and lack of awareness on plastics waste management have resulted in many hazards,” he pointed out. Venkaiah Naidu noted that the …

Toxins in plastic blamed for health, environment hazards
4 years, 6 months ago

Toxins in plastic blamed for health, environment hazards

Al Jazeera  

Report warns exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday consumer goods could result in cancers, damage to immune system. Evidence suggests several chemical additives in plastic products and packaging are poisoning consumers, harming the environment and undermining recycling initiatives, according to a new study, which calls for the development of safer alternatives. In a report published on Wednesday, the Regional Activity …

Editorial: The plastics you don’t see might kill you
4 years, 8 months ago

Editorial: The plastics you don’t see might kill you

LA Times  

Disposable gloves and face masks — along with antiseptic wipes, disposable grocery bags, and bottles of hand sanitizer — have been crucial first lines of defense against the coronavirus. Sadly, though disposable plastic masks and gloves may be helping to save lives now, they may be endangering our future health. In June, the COVID-19 pandemic collided with another national crisis …

Jairam Ramesh opposes ban on single use plastic, says it will harm jobs
5 years, 6 months ago

Jairam Ramesh opposes ban on single use plastic, says it will harm jobs

Op India  

In one of the recent measures to stamp out single-use plastic that form a major chunk of waste accumulated in the cities and villages across India, the Modi government has decided to enforce a country-wide ban on single-use plastic and provide a boost to the environmentally-friendly substitutes in order to emancipate the country from this ecological menace. Congress leader and …

Opinion | Aaj Ki Baat September 11 episode: Let us all join the noble mission to banish single-use plastics
5 years, 6 months ago

Opinion | Aaj Ki Baat September 11 episode: Let us all join the noble mission to banish single-use plastics

India TV News  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to the nation to get rid of single-use plastics by October 2, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I fully support Prime Minister Modi's noble mission to banish single-use plastics. A UNESCO report says, at a least one lakh marine animals die every year due to plastic waste. Not only …

India to outlaw six categories of single-use plastic products on 2 October
5 years, 7 months ago

India to outlaw six categories of single-use plastic products on 2 October

Firstpost  

Penalties for violations will likely take effect after an initial 6-month period for people to adopt alternatives. India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on 2 October, 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. In an …

Use Of Plastic Bottles & Multilayered Plastic Packages (Tetra Packing): NGT Asks FSSAI To Constitute Committee For Determination Of The Subject Of Restriction [Read Order]
5 years, 9 months ago

Use Of Plastic Bottles & Multilayered Plastic Packages (Tetra Packing): NGT Asks FSSAI To Constitute Committee For Determination Of The Subject Of Restriction [Read Order]

Live Law  

To see if any further regulatory provisions are required on the subject of restrictions on the packaging by use of plastic material, after the steps already are taken, and if so to what extent, National Green Tribunal asked for examination by an Expert Committee comprising of the representatives of Food Safety Standards Authority of India, Bureau of Indian Standards,. To …

Bioplastics: the solution to India’s plastic pollution woes?
6 years, 3 months ago

Bioplastics: the solution to India’s plastic pollution woes?

The Hindu  

Mohammed Ashfaq, managing director of the Bengaluru-based Plastobag Industries, recalls the incident that spurred him to make biodegradable plastics. “You can’t divert food crops towards bioplastics, because that may lead to a food crisis,” said P.S.G. If food crops are already a costly way to make plastics, throw in the fact that almost all raw material for bioplastics, like PLA …

Plastic-eating bacteria discovered by student could help solve global pollution crisis
6 years, 8 months ago

Plastic-eating bacteria discovered by student could help solve global pollution crisis

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A student may have found a solution to one of the world’s most urgent environmental …

Scientists hope new enzyme will ‘eat’ plastic pollution
6 years, 11 months ago

Scientists hope new enzyme will ‘eat’ plastic pollution

CNN  

CNN — Scientists have accidentally developed a plastic-eating enzyme that may be used to combat one of the world’s worst pollution problems. They say the enzyme, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, is able to “eat” polyethylene terephthalate, PET, which was patented as a plastic in the 1940s and is used in millions of tons of plastic bottles. Video Ad Feedback World's first …

Is a local study needed in Maharashtra to understand how plastic devastates the environment?
6 years, 11 months ago

Is a local study needed in Maharashtra to understand how plastic devastates the environment?

Hindustan Times  

Two weeks ago, Maharashtra issued a notification banning the manufacture and use of plastic bags, single use disposable items made of plastic and polystyrene foam – popularly called thermocol – cutlery, non-woven polypropylene bags, pouches, packaging and certain kinds of bottles. Plastic manufacturers, who have moved the Bombay high court against the ban, have demanded an environment impact assessment study …

Plastic pollution in sea set to treble in a decade, warn government scientists
7 years ago

Plastic pollution in sea set to treble in a decade, warn government scientists

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The amount of plastic in the world’s oceans is set to treble in a decade …

Plastic pollution: Turtles are dying after becoming tangled in fishing gear and household rubbish, new study finds
7 years, 3 months ago

Plastic pollution: Turtles are dying after becoming tangled in fishing gear and household rubbish, new study finds

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Discarded fishing gear was the main culprit, but turtles were also found trapped in "six pack" beer can holders, …

Opinion: Plastic pollution doesn’t just make for an ugly beach day. It’s contaminating our food chain
7 years, 10 months ago

Opinion: Plastic pollution doesn’t just make for an ugly beach day. It’s contaminating our food chain

LA Times  

Divers discover waves of plastic pollution in the middle of the Indian Ocean, in a scene from the film “A Plastic Ocean.” There’s a big lie about plastic — that you can throw it away. But that’s not true; there is no “away.” Plastic bottles, plastic bags, snack wrappers, foam takeout containers, foam coffee cups, packing materials: these common, everyday …

Plastic should be considered toxic once it gets into the environment, MPs told
8 years, 10 months ago

Plastic should be considered toxic once it gets into the environment, MPs told

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Plastic should be considered “toxic” if it gets into the natural environment because of its …

PET is safe for use, says health ministry report
9 years ago

PET is safe for use, says health ministry report

Live Mint  

A high-level committee set up by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the National Green Tribunal on Monday that polyethylene terephthalate bottles are safe for pharmaceutical packaging. In its report submitted to the NGT, the committee said, “there is no conclusive, reproducible evidence to suggest that use of PET or additive used with it such as antimony, for …

Toxic Soup: Plastics Could Be Leaching Chemicals Into Ocean
15 years, 7 months ago

Toxic Soup: Plastics Could Be Leaching Chemicals Into Ocean

Wired  

Although plastic has long been considered indestructible, some scientists say toxic chemicals from decomposing plastics may be leaching into the sea and harming marine ecosystems. Contrary to the commonly held belief that plastic takes 500 to 1,000 years to decompose, researchers now report that some types of plastic begin to break down in the ocean within one year, releasing potentially …

Are plastics safe?
17 years, 6 months ago

Are plastics safe?

LA Times  

Special to The Times THIRTEEN-MONTH-OLD Solange Dorsainvil plays with toys made from wood and cloth, drinks from a Swiss-made aluminum sippy cup and teethes on kale stems and celery. “Unfortunately,” said Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and chairman of the department of community and preventive medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, “we’re in the terrible …

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