Latest news with #plasticban
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers discover surprising side effect of ban on plastic grocery bags: 'We can judge it very well'
Researchers discover surprising side effect of ban on plastic grocery bags: 'We can judge it very well' The United Arab Emirates' ban on single-use plastic bags took effect in 2024, and the results are already proving that it has been incredibly effective. According to The National, the ban has not only helped limit litter and other negative environmental issues associated with single-use plastics, but it has also contributed to a slower decline in camel populations due to reduced plastic consumption. The National spoke to Dr. Ulrich Wernery, who co-authored a 2021 study on camel deaths correlated with large plastic materials in their stomachs. "There's a very good reduction in plastic bags in the UAE and we can judge it very well," Dr. Wernery said. "We do not find a lot of camel cases with plastic [bags] in their stomach. [In] the last year we've seen a tremendous, very good reduction by 60 to 80%." Around the world, single-use product bans, particularly plastic bags, are gaining popularity. In Punjab, plastic bags below a certain thickness have been banned as of 2025. Meanwhile, in the U.S., states like California have a ban on all plastic bags and encourage reusable shopping bags. Plastic consumption by wildlife is a significant concern, as exemplified by the widespread opposition to plastic straws due to their impact on marine life, including sea turtles. While the decrease in plastic-related camel deaths is a sign the UAE is moving in the right direction, other plastic items still pose a threat to these and other animals. "Dr. Wernery said that camels eating the plastic ropes used to hold their hay bales remains 'a severe problem,'" The National wrote. The hope is that broader plastic bans will be implemented, not just in the UAE, but everywhere, and plastic-related animal injuries and plastic pollution can be further mitigated. To do your part, consider switching to plastic-free alternatives for everyday items. This could include ditching single-use water bottles and investing in something reusable or bringing your own to-go containers to restaurants. Every step counts in making a change to reduce plastic in our environment. Should plastic grocery bags be banned nationwide? Absolutely No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Officials discuss challenges of plastic bag ban with manufacturers in Dhofar
Salalah – The Department of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion in Dhofar Governorate, in cooperation with the Environment Authority (EA) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) – Dhofar branch, held a joint meeting with owners of plastic manufacturing factories to address challenges surrounding the national ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. The meeting aimed to open direct dialogue with industry stakeholders, assess the current impact of the ban, and explore sustainable alternatives that align with Oman's environmental goals while supporting the continuity and adaptability of the local industrial sector. EA had announced the implementation of the third phase of a national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags from July 1, 2025. The latest stage broadens the scope of the ban to include additional segments of the retail and food sectors. Shops selling fruits and vegetables, packaging units, grocery stores, sweet shops, candy factories, bakeries, gift shops and outlets selling bread, pastries and confectionery will be required to stop providing single-use plastic bags and switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027. The phased rollout is designed to help businesses and consumers adapt gradually, EA stated. The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024, targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The second phase, effective from January 1, 2025, covered textiles and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile pho-ne vendors and repair services, watch shops, furniture retailers and household goods suppliers. Businesses found violating the ban face fines between RO50 and RO1,000. Repeat offences within a month will result in doubled penalties. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Seal campaigners welcome voluntary flying ring ban in Cornwall
Wildlife campaigners have welcomed a voluntary ban by Cornwall Council on plastic flying rings to protect the county's member Rosie Moore proposed the voluntary ban on the sale, purchase and use of such rings, which was passed unanimously by the council on ban follows similar moves by other councils across England and Wales, as well as retailers such as Tesco and Sainsbury's volunteering to stop selling the toys, which can cause fatal injuries to said she was "absolutely delighted" with the decision, which would protect marine wildlife from "horrendous" injuries. As the ban is voluntary, shopkeepers and beachgoers will not face fines or other penalties for breaking Moore said areas such as Swansea that had implemented similar voluntary bans had seen a "really positive uptake".She said people were "really horrified" when they found out about the dangers of flying rings to animals if they got caught in them. She said: "No-one really wants to see animal in pain or hurt of suffering." Moore said seals often became trapped in the toy rings, sometimes around their necks, which cut into their skin and could cause fatal said seals, as well as dolphins, manatees and other marine animals, saw rings as toys, but "once it's down their neck, it's like a deadly trap".She said seals elongated their necks to feed, so, when they retracted their necks back, the pressure of the water forced the ring "solid on seal's neck".The injuries were fatal for most seals, she said, but even when they could be saved rehabilitating them could cost up to £15,000 each. Moore said the next steps after the vote would include contacting local businesses to ask them to discontinue offering the products, as well as putting posters on beaches to educate said she hoped the Cornish ban would put pressure on the government to introduce nationwide online petition to ban the rings, launched in May, has gathered more than 42,000 Sayer MBE, Seal Research Trust founder, said Cornwall Council had "always been pioneers for the environment because our seascapes are Cornwall's greatest asset".She said safer alternatives, such as wildlife-safe solid disc toys, were available, adding: "We are not spoiling people's fun or taking away trade from retailers, quite the opposite."A spokesperson from the Cornish Seal Sanctuary said it "strongly supported" the voluntary said: "Over the years, our animal care team has witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences these toys can have on seals."Despite our efforts to treat and rehabilitate injured seals, prevention is always better than cure."
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 10 July
Photo: Photo Illustration / Nik Dirga Cook Islands has banned plastic shopping bags, with retailers facing a fine of up to NZ$20,000 for supplying them. This provision, alongside others, was passed in Parliament last week as part of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Act. The Act also includes substances that generate "unnecessary waste or waste that is difficult to dispose of in the Cook Islands". This includes plastic straws and cocktail stirrers, plastic plates and plastic and polystyrene cups, including plastic-lined coffee cups. The Cook Islands News reported that stores have welcomed the prohibition on plastic shopping bags and are committed to abiding by the new Act. Save the Children Fiji CEO Shairana Ali says she will not accept the ongoing abuse of children. Ali has condemned what she calls a "horrific" increase in incest cases in Fiji based on data released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Fiji Times reported an increase in recorded incest cases in June, with 30 counts of sexual offences filed in the High Courts in the month . Thirteen out of 14 victims were children under the age of 18. Ali said this is not just a statistic but children who are being brutalized, violated, and failed by the very people who should protect them. If you are in Fiji you can contact the Fiji National Domestic Violence Helpline on 1560 for 24/7, free and confidential support. A Solomon Islands MP who dealt with large Vietnamese businesses behind the Prime Minister's back will remain in Cabinet. Jaimie Vokia faced a two-week disciplinary process and has been moved to the Housing Ministry. In June, the Prime Minister's chief of staff allegedly "coerced" Minister Jamie Vokia into traveling to Vietnam to meet with multinational consulting firm SI Group, with which he has a connection. There, they signed an agreement to establish a Special Economic Zone, which would give SI Group and their clients tax exemptions and other special privileges. Shortly after, Prime Minister Manele announced he had zero knowledge of the deal, sacked his chief of staff, and put Minister Vokia under a disciplinary process. Manele said his decision to keep Vokia in Cabinet reflects a commitment to stability. Vokia is the sole member of Parliament for the Kadere Party, part of a coalition government with a 28-seat majority in a 50-seat Parliament. Atiu, a Pa Enua (outer island), is ramping up efforts to control invasive species. African tulip trees, rats, feral cats and wild pigs have been found to be major threats to the island's ecosystems - damaging forests, affecting water sources and placing additional stress on local communities already vulnerable to climate change. National Environment Service officer, Enua Wichman, told Cook Islands News wild pigs alone, through rooting, wallowing, and defecation, are causing erosion and water turbidity. The animals are also impacting taro plantations - a key staple and cultural crop - leading to lower yields and income loss for families. To support local efforts, SPREP has provided tools and equipment including rat traps, cage traps, herbicides and safety gear.
Zawya
03-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Oman: Shoppers buy ‘green' bags as third phase of plastic ban rolls out
MUSCAT: Shoppers in Muscat were taken aback when they discovered on Wednesday that some supermarkets had stopped giving plastic bags with the items they had purchased. 'When I paid for the products, I had to purchase a green bag for 125 baisas at a supermarket in Ruwi as I was left with no other choice than to carry the products to my car without the bag,' said Sujata, an Indian expat living in Rex Road. This comes after Oman rolled out the third phase of its plastic bag ban on Tuesday, July 1, in accordance with the approved timeline in Decision No. (8/2024). Officials said if the regulations are violated, they can be fined ranging from OMR50 to OMR1,000. The Environment Authority (EA) said that the activities in this phase included sale of vegetables, fruits, grocery, foodstuffs, sweets, gifts and bakery stores. Regarding the alternatives, the Environment Authority suggested use of fabric bags and paper bags. The EA issued a statement, highlighting the long-term dangers of single-use plastic bags on marine life and the broader environment. 'A single plastic bag may seem harmless, but it leaves a profound impact on marine life and our environment for decades! Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a big difference,' it stated. The EA detailed the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. 'Fish, turtles, and whales may mistake plastic bags for food and swallow them, leading to suffocation or blockages in their digestive systems, which can result in death. Then the marine creatures like turtles or birds may get entangled in plastic bags, causing them to suffocate or suffer serious injuries,' it said. Sujit Kumar went to the supermarket to get essentials as he was expecting some guests at his home for lunch on Wednesday. 'I went to the supermarket to buy some juices and food packets but the person at the billing counter reminded me of the plastic bags directive from July 1.' Similarly, Sohail, a Pakistani expat, had been to a nearby supermarket in Qurum to shop for his daily essentials. Without knowledge of the ban, he purchased his monthly groceries, but he did not have any bags to carry the items. Therefore, he had to purchase a reusable bag. 'From now on, I will be keeping these bags in my car and whenever I go shopping, I will use them,' added Sohail. Phase one of the plastic ban was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting single-use plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometres. The second phase began on January 1, 2025, and it included textile shops, tailoring shops, mobile shops, watch shops, retailers, etc. The third phase was introduced from July 1, 2025.
