Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) saw a marginal improvement on Monday, moving from ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’. However, it remains the most polluted city in India, with surrounding areas like Gurgaon and Ghaziabad also experiencing high pollution levels due to factors including stubble burning and vehicular emissions. The article details the current AQI for several Indian cities.
A massive accumulation of 30,000 metric tons of garbage at the Wagle Estate garbage transfer station in Thane has created an unbearable stench and raised concerns about health hazards for residents. The situation arose due to a snag at the Daighar waste disposal unit and the saturation of existing dumping grounds, leaving the corporation with nowhere to dispose of the waste. Local residents are demanding immediate action to clear the garbage and ensure clean air.
Austria, Finland, France, and the Netherlands have called on the EU to implement levies on clothing companies that promote ‘fast fashion’ consumption. The countries argue that the unsustainable practice of producing and discarding cheap, disposable garments is contributing to resource depletion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. They propose amending the Waste Framework Directive to hold producers responsible for the environmental impact of their products and encourage the adoption of more sustainable marketing strategies.
A fruit packing company in the Central Okanagan has been fined €78,368 for illegally discharging effluent into a ditch. The fine, issued by the Ministry of Environment, has been deemed insufficient by local resident Alexandra Wright, who believes it to be a “slap on the wrist.” This is not the first time Sandher Fruit Packers has faced penalties for wastewater discharge violations, having been fined €32,000 in 2022. Wright, along with other residents, is concerned about the environmental impact of the discharge, which flows into Mill Creek and Simpsons Pond before reaching Okanagan Lake. A petition against the company’s application for an effluent discharge permit has gathered over 1,600 signatures.
Global plastic production has doubled over the last two decades, and is projected to increase significantly in the future. This surge in production is a major contributor to plastic pollution, as most plastic ends up as waste. A new study has found that a 1% increase in plastic production leads to a 1% increase in plastic pollution. The study also found that just 56 companies are responsible for over half of branded plastic pollution worldwide. The top polluter is The Coca-Cola Company, which accounts for 11% of branded waste. If these companies were to introduce effective plastic reduction plans, it could lead to a significant decrease in plastic pollution. However, many companies are missing their voluntary targets for reducing plastic, suggesting that these measures are ineffective. Producer responsibility schemes could help to shift the costs and responsibility for plastic pollution away from consumers and back to the producers. These schemes require companies to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products, which can incentivize them to reduce plastic use and develop more sustainable packaging. Capping plastic production could also be an effective way to reduce pollution, but would require countries to set measurable targets to phase out non-essential, hazardous, and unsustainable single-use plastic products.
Art enthusiasts gathered at an art gallery in Aliganj for the solo exhibition ‘Aqua’ by Abhilasha Singh, showcasing a series of artworks that address the pressing issue of environmental pollution and its impact on wildlife. Singh’s thought-provoking pieces aim to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect our planet and its inhabitants.
Eczema, a chronic skin disease affecting 1 in 5 children in industrialized nations, has seen a sharp increase in rates since 1970. Researchers have identified two chemical classes, diisocyanates and xylene, which increased in production around the same time as the eczema spike. These chemicals are found in various products, including spandex, paint, and automobile exhaust, and have been linked to eczema in mice. Exposure to these chemicals may lead to a disruption in the skin microbiome, reducing the production of ceramides, which protect the skin from infection. To mitigate the risk of eczema, it’s recommended to avoid products containing isocyanates or xylene, particularly for children under 4. Using EPA resources to track local pollutants and improving microbial balance through probiotics and skin care practices can also be beneficial.
