Latest news with #UNEnvironmentProgramme
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning about storing eggs or milk in one place in fridge due to risk
Food storage experts have shared the most common food safety mistakes Brits make that can pose health risks - including storing eggs in the fridge door With a shocking 1.05 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally each year, according to the UN Environment Programme's Food Waste Index Report 2024 and their latest data from 2022. Storage tips can help Brits in extending the shelf life of their favourite foods and reducing bacterial growth, contamination, and food waste. The research reveals that there's widespread confusion about the correct storage for everyday items. Thankfully, Wren Kitchens has consulted with food hygiene specialists at Electronic Temperature Instruments (ETI) and Navitas Safety to provide clarity and promote safe storage practices. Jason Webb, managing director of ETI, highlighted a common mistake with egg storage in fridge doors that could lead to health hazards and unnecessary wastage. Jason explained: "Eggs are recommended to be stored within fridges at around four degrees Celsius to remain fresh and safe to consume", reports the Express. He warned against the temperature variations caused by storing eggs in the fridge door: "However, storing eggs within frequently opened and closed fridge door storage trays, can lead to a fluctuation and rise in temperature, accelerating egg spoilage." Jason cautioned about the dangers of inconsistent temperatures: "With this constant temperature disruption, eggs will rise in temperature away from the optimum four degrees Celsius, and if continuous, it can pose the risk of bacteria such as salmonella," and noted that milk is subject to the same risks. Darren Watts from Wren Kitchens also offered advice on effective storage methods to prevent cross-contamination and maintain orderly kitchen spaces. Darren recommended: "Categorise your produce and place into separate boxes to ensure no cross contamination and easy access. "This is a great storage solution for those with busy family or work lives, who want an efficient food storage solution. "Another tip is to always label and replace your food. When leading a busy life, it is easy to forget when items were bought, and which may be past their sell-by date. "Labelling foods will ensure a clean and bacteria-free zone. "It's also recommended to have both a pantry and a larder for different foods. This doesn't need to be complex or expensive, but simply dedicating certain storage areas for specific foods will help to keep food fresh for longer."
The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
Eamon Ryan lands new role as the EU's housing tsar
FORMER GREEN PARTY leader Eamon Ryan has been selected to chair an EU housing advisory board. The so-called EU housing tsar will chair an expert panel tasked with providing independent policy recommendations on housing. Europe is seeking to reduce the cost of building, buying and renting homes in EU member states, through loosening public expenditure rules and exploring methods for member state collaboration. Over 200 people applied to the board, which typically comes with an expenses rate for travel and other costs, as well as reimbursement fees. Ryan is joined by 15 other people from different backgrounds, and expertise on housing policy, on the panel. Advertisement He confirmed the news and explained his new role in a post to social media this morning. The Journal reported last week that the EU is considering placing restrictions on short-term lets in order to free up housing supply for those living in large cities . While the EU cannot set housing targets, it can reduce barriers to the market. It comes after he was appointed as a high advocate for Ireland on a coalition between governments and green NGOs as part of the UN Environment Programme. The ex-Minister for Transport and Climate, Communications and the Environment stepped down from this party leadership role in June 2024 after over 13 years in the role. He served as one of three coalition leaders during the last government. Ryan announced at the time of his leadership resignation that he would not be contesting the 2024 general election and stepping away from politics. He was among a number of senior politicians to do so in the last term. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and ex Tánaiste Simon Coveney also landed new roles since leaving public office, in an advisory role at the PR company Penta Group and a consultant role to EY Ireland , respectively. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chicalim p'yat to reassess homes to revise tax rate
Vasco: The gram sabha of the Chicalim panchayat on Sunday resolved to reassess houses within its jurisdiction. Chicalim sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav said that the move would help generate revenue. 'The panchayat imposed the house tax 25-30 years ago and was collecting it as stipulated by the old rates,' Yadav said. 'A majority of the houses in our jurisdiction have expanded their premises but have been paying taxes as governed by the old rates.' Yadav said, 'The reassessment would help us generate additional revenue, making the financial position of the panchayat stronger.' In yet another resolution, gram sabha decided to remove all the handcarts and gaddas operating illegally in the vicinity of the Vishal Mega Mart complex at Dabolim. The gram sabha has also resolved to set up an old age home at Chicalim. Chicalim panchayat has bagged the first place in the Best Environmental Practices Competition for local bodies under the UN Environment Programme's theme of 'Ending Plastic Pollution Globally'. This was noted in the panchayat's congratulatory motion.
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
WWF warns of plastic perils in Pakistan
Pakistan generates nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which 86% is improperly managed, severely harming human health and the environment, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan). In a statement issued on World Environment Day, WWF highlighted that over 1.7 million tonnes of plastic end up in landfills, open dumps, waterways, and even food systems — placing Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries globally. WWF-Pakistan noted that plastic pollution is now one of the country's most pressing environmental challenges, contributing significantly to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. Pakistan also ranks among the highest in South Asia for plastic mismanagement, further burdening urban waste systems and increasing public health risks. Globally, plastics have revolutionized industries due to their low cost and durability. However, the proliferation of single-use plastics (SUPs) — such as bottles, bags, wrappers, and cutlery — has created a growing crisis. According to the UN Environment Programme, approximately 400 million metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated worldwide each year, 36% of which consists of SUPs. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency revealed that less than 10% of the country's plastic waste is recycled. The rest contributes to landfill overflow, inefficient waste diversion, and pollution due to a lack of integrated waste management and limited investment in recycling infrastructure. Plastic packaging, which constitutes 40% of global plastic production, is especially harmful due to its non-biodegradable nature. Composed of long-lasting polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene, these materials persist in the environment for centuries, polluting land, rivers, and oceans. Studies estimate that over 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans annually. Microplastics — tiny fragments resulting from plastic breakdown — have now been found in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood.
Daily News Egypt
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, chaired the closing session marking the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention. The high-level event was held on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in the city of Nice. The session convened 11 environment ministers and 3 deputy ministers from across the Mediterranean region, alongside Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the UN Environment Programme's Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). The event featured two thematic sessions. The first showcased member state success stories in areas such as marine protected areas, pollution prevention, regional cooperation, monitoring and evaluation, and integrated coastal zone management. The second addressed strategies to combat single-use plastics, promote sustainable financing, and enhance synergies for plastic pollution control. Minister Fouad described the event as a timely opportunity to reflect on five decades of shared environmental action. 'This gathering embodies the spirit of Mediterranean solidarity and ambition. It is not just about preserving the environment, but safeguarding our culture, identity, and shared humanity,' she remarked. She commended the French Minister of Environment for an 'inspiring address' highlighting 15 years of fruitful partnership, expressing hope that this cooperation would continue to the 60th anniversary milestone. Fouad also stressed the urgency of intensifying efforts to achieve a pollution-free Mediterranean, particularly amid rising plastic pollution threats. With the next session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on a global plastics treaty set for August, the Minister underscored the importance of concluding a legally binding agreement that could 'mark the beginning of the end for plastic pollution.' In her remarks, Fouad highlighted the importance of sustainable financing and international collaboration. 'The Mediterranean region offers a valuable model of governance, with 22 countries working together on issues ranging from pandemic response to biodiversity and sea level rise,' she noted. She also praised the successful case studies shared during the session, applauding initiatives focused on biodiversity-climate linkages, coastal zone management, and community engagement in marine protection. 'These were not just presentations—they were passionate, hopeful stories that energised everyone in the room,' she added. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Fouad held a bilateral meeting with Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy. Discussions focused on ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty and aligning positions ahead of the INC 5.2 meeting. Fouad reaffirmed Egypt's support for establishing an independent financial mechanism to fund the treaty's objectives, thereby reducing pressure on the Global Environment Facility (GEF). She also referred to existing cooperation between Egypt and the EU on biodiversity finance within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. 'A new plastics treaty requires ambitious targets and a dedicated funding stream—both public and private,' she stated. 'We must ensure financial responsibilities are shared fairly and do not disproportionately burden developing countries or shift the cost unfairly onto the private sector.' The Minister further underscored the importance of technology transfer, especially for phasing out single-use plastics. 'Reducing plastic bag use hinges on access to viable alternatives—and that depends on technology. Funding must also support access to innovation,' she stressed. In closing, Fouad affirmed that financing, technology transfer, equitable access, and shared responsibility between developed and developing countries are all essential pillars for achieving a robust and effective global treaty to end plastic pollution. The post Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference appeared first on Dailynewsegypt.
