With tech innovation, time to move from waste crisis to cleaner future
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The world is facing a serious plastic pollution crisis. Discovered in 1907, plastic quickly became a part of our daily lives. Today, the world produces around 53 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.
A large portion of this waste ends up in oceans and landfills, where it harms wildlife and damages ecosystems. Since 1950, humans have produced over 8 billion tonnes of plastic. Nearly half of this has gone straight to landfills, and only about 9% has been recycled.
Plastic pollution causes long-term environmental damage. It leaches toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater, pollutes rivers, and often chokes or poisons animals that unknowingly ingest it.
In 2019, a young Cuvier's beaked whale washed ashore in the Philippines. A necropsy revealed more than 40 kg of plastic inside its stomach. A similar tragedy occurred in Greece in 2021.
Wealthier and developed nations produce more plastic waste per person. In the United States, per capita plastic consumption is about 109 kg, while in India it is less than 11 kg. China uses five times more plastic than India.
However, mismanaged plastic waste — that is, plastic not properly collected, recycled, or disposed of — is more likely to reach oceans.
An estimated 5-13 million metric tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year.
About 80% of this comes from just five Asian countries: China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Many developed countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, export their plastic waste to Asian countries. There, it is supposed to be recycled or disposed of, but often this is done poorly. This practice can distort the true picture of how much plastic waste is being generated by both exporting and importing countries.
To assess how well countries manage their plastic waste, experts use the Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI). The United States, although a top generator of plastic waste, has a low MWI, meaning it effectively segregates and recycles waste. In contrast, India has one of the lowest per capita plastic waste levels, but a high MWI, showing that its waste management system needs improvement.
India has taken steps to address the issue.
In 2016, it banned the production of plastic bags thinner than 50 microns. This threshold was raised to 75 microns in 2021, and then to 120 microns in 2022, to reduce single-use plastics and encourage reuse.
The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021) banned the manufacture, import, storage, and sale of certain single-use plastic items. The Single Use Plastic (Regulation) Bill, 2022 focuses on recycling, reuse, and other forms of plastic waste recovery.
India's commitment to sustainable development depends on reducing plastic pollution. Our municipalities should strengthen waste collection and segregation systems. Door-to-door collection of segregated waste must be strictly enforced with source segregation (dry, wet, hazardous, and plastic).
Decentralized collection centres can reduce pressure on landfills and improve recycling rates. We can also promote waste-to-resource startups that create value from used plastic. With technological innovation, India can transform its plastic waste problem into an opportunity for sustainable growth and green employment. There is significant potential for investment in a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, and kept in use for as long as possible.
(Writer is professor and head of the department of environmental science at BBAU, Lucknow)
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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Why Madhya Pradesh CM's wish to count snakes and rear king cobras is unfeasible
A king cobra brought to Bhopal's Van Vihar zoo from Karnataka's Mangalore zoo in exchange for a tiger died in its enclosure on June 18. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is keen on 'reintroducing' king cobras in Madhya Pradesh as an antidote to spiralling snakebite deaths. He also wants snakes in the state counted in order to assess numbers of the venomous ones. There are two problems with the CM's plans. One, there is no protocol for counting snakes in the wild because nobody ever considered it feasible or necessary. Two, irrespective of the merits of the claim that king cobras once inhabited the hot, dry forests of Madhya Pradesh, the selection of source — Karnataka — did not take into account new research that shows all king cobras are not the same. The king cobra, the world's longest venomous snake, can grow to 15 feet in length. It prefers humid, dark forests with thick undergrowth, cool swamps, and bamboo patches across diverse habitats — from highland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests to estuarine mangroves with high rainfall. In India, the king cobra's range includes the Western Ghats, the North Indian terai belt, Northeast India, the mangrove coastlines of West Bengal and Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, and parts of the Eastern Ghats. Since 2014, king cobras have been reported in Korba, eastern Chhattisgarh — hundreds of kilometres from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh or Berhampur in Orissa, the established range of the species. This has raised hopes of finding king cobras in the adjoining forests of Satpura and Sanjay Dubri tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. That said, there is no reliable historical record of the presence of the king cobra in the dry deciduous forests of central India. 'There is no record of a confirmed sighting of a king cobra in the forests of MP,' a former senior state forest official said. 'We don't have enough perennial sources of water or even extended tracts of dense vegetation to provide cool niches in the summer. There could be occasional edge populations but that does not put MP in the king cobra's range,' the former forest official said. Until recently, king cobras were considered one species, Ophiophagus hannah. However, in 2021, a study led by wildlife biologist Gowri Shankar used genetic and morphometric (shape and size) data for 'a species delimitation analysis', which identified four geographically separate lineages. These are, from west to east, an endemic Western Ghats lineage; a widespread Asian mainland lineage distributed from northern and eastern India to China and Thailand; and two other lineages distributed in the Malay Peninsula, the Greater Sunda Islands, and the Philippines. Subsequently, the small endemic population of king cobras in the hills of Western Ghats — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, and adjacent areas of Maharashtra — was distinguished as a separate species (Ophiophagus kaalinga), different from the king cobras found in the rest of India, including the Korba population closest to MP. On the one hand, therefore, a king cobra brought from Karnataka to MP would be of a hill-dwelling species unused to central India's dry, bare, and hot forests. On the other hand, any plan to source king cobras endemic to the Western Ghats to raise a wild population in central India is a recipe for eventual hybridisation — something that experts have warned against. A study by an international team of researchers published in the European Journal of Taxonomy last year underlined that the king cobra species endemic to the Western Ghats is 'restricted to relatively small areas and highly threatened habitats', and 'understanding the systematics of the genus' is important for identifying captive stocks for conservation. 'Any captive breeding and reintroduction efforts must ensure that species are not allowed to hybridise, and that only the appropriate local species is released in any reintroduction programme,' the study said. This is worrisome because the collective population of king cobras, viewed as one species until recently, evoked a false sense of security and was placed under the 'vulnerable' category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global authority on the status of species. But as a separate species endemic to the Western Ghats, the Ophiophagus kaalinga is likely to be highly endangered. 'If at all MP had to source king cobras, they could have adhered to the taxonomic updates and made attempts to bring snakes from the Northeast. Anyway, no state has surplus king cobras to support this ecologically unsound experiment,' Vivek Sharma, a Jabalpur-based herpetologist and founder of the Snakehub app, said. 'When a king cobra slithers on the ground, other snakes flee from their holes, and the king cobra hunts them… Since the king cobra has vanished, districts like Dindori, where I was minister-in-charge, have seen up to 200 snakebite deaths annually,' Chief Minister Yadav told foresters earlier this year. The CM wants to assess the populations of venomous snakes before unleashing king cobras on them. However, king cobras, the only snake species that builds nests for its eggs, do not breed well in captivity. In the best case scenario, 'it may take decades to reasonably populate' a sizable part of MP, a senior scientist at the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) said. 'King cobras tend to stay away from human habitations. So their impact on reducing venomous snakes in human-dominated areas can be felt only when king cobra populations reach a certain level,' the WII scientist said. Experts are also perplexed about the call for a snake census. 'It is not possible to count snakes with any degree of accuracy in the wild. There is no protocol for a snake census anywhere in the world because nobody ever considered it feasible or even necessary from a conservation standpoint,' Jose Louies, CEO, Wildlife Trust of India, and founder, said. Jay Mazoomdaar is an investigative reporter focused on offshore finance, equitable growth, natural resources management and biodiversity conservation. 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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
What happens to your body when you add seed oils to your regular diet?
Seed oils—think sunflower, canola, soybean, and safflower—have been the culinary heroes of kitchens worldwide. They are a type of vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of plants, rather than other parts like the fruit. They are commonly used in cooking and food processing. Examples include canola, corn, sunflower, soybean, and grapeseed oils. These oils are rich in polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, and are often utilized in frying, baking, and salad dressings. The common types of seed oils in the kitchen: Canola oil (Rapeseed oil): Derived from the seeds of the canola plant, this oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it versatile for various cooking methods. It's also a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower oil: Extracted from sunflower seeds, this oil is commonly used in frying and baking due to its high smoke point and light taste. It's available in different varieties, including high-oleic versions, which have higher monounsaturated fat content. Soybean oil: A staple in many kitchens, soybean oil is used for frying, baking, and as an ingredient in processed foods. It's rich in polyunsaturated fats and is often found in margarine and salad dressings. Rice bran oil: Extracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and sautéing. It's also rich in antioxidants. Peanut oil: Known for its high smoke point and mild flavor, peanut oil is ideal for deep frying and stir-frying. It imparts a subtle nutty taste to dishes and is popular in Asian cuisine. Among these, the most popular ones in kitchens worldwide include canola oil (due to its versatility and neutral flavor, it's widely used in baking, frying, and sautéing), sunflower oil (its high smoke point and light taste make it a favorite for deep frying and general cooking), soybean oil (used in processed foods and for frying), and peanut oil (preferred for its high smoke point and mild flavor, especially in Asian cooking). Although they are known to be culinary superheroes of health, do they only offer health benefits? Or do they come with a hidden agenda? Let's embark on a flavorful journey to uncover what happens when you invite these oils to your plate. The good part: Good news first, so let's walk through the good part. Heart health gets a boost: According to a 2020 study published in Nutrients, incorporating polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) like linoleic acid found in seed oils can significantly improve your heart health! By replacing saturated fats with these healthier options, you can lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. This change may help reduce your overall risk factors for heart disease, including total cholesterol and triglycerides, making your heart feel happier and healthier. Brain function gets a boost: Your brain loves fatty acids! They play a crucial role in cognitive function. Some seed oils contain a small amount of omega-3s, which are beneficial for brain health. Additionally, as per a 2021 study, arachidonic acid from omega-6 fatty acids supports brain development and cognitive function, helping keep your mind sharp and alert. Inflammation decreases: Did you know that the mono- and polyunsaturated fats in seed oils can be your allies in the battle against inflammation? A 2020 research and meta-analysis indicates that dietary omega-6 linoleic acid might not contribute to increased inflammation, and could even help reduce it. This means that enjoying seed oils could lead to a more comfortable and less inflamed you! Weight management may improve: Struggling with weight management? Look no further! A 2023 study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help regulate fat storage and boost your metabolism, while omega-6 fatty acids assist in breaking down fat. Oils like canola and sesame have even been linked to weight loss. Just remember, while the evidence is promising, more research is needed to solidify these findings. Blood sugar may be regulated: Polyphenols in seed oils have a wonderful job of improving sugar metabolism and increasing insulin sensitivity. Research has shown flaxseed oil, in particular, may help reduce inflammation and support diabetes management, while sesame oil has shown promise in lowering A1c levels and fasting blood sugar. These oils can be a sweet addition to a balanced diet! Antioxidant levels improve: Seed oils are a treasure trove of tocopherols (which are like vitamin E) that provide fantastic antioxidant benefits. These compounds, as per a 2023 study , can help reduce oxidative stress in your body. Plus, the polyphenols and phytosterols in seed oils work hard to combat free radicals and protect your cells from damage, giving your body a robust defense system! Better skin health: Want glowing skin? Studies show, seed oils might be the secret ingredient you need! When applied topically, the unique combination of polyphenols and fatty acids in these oils can work wonders for your skin health. They not only help moisturize but also reduce cell damage, giving you that fresh and radiant look you desire. Immune function gets support: Seed oils can also play a role in enhancing your immune function. Omega-6 fatty acids are known for their influence on the immune response and can strengthen immune cell membranes. Plus, compounds like phytosterols found in seed oils give your immune system an extra boost, helping your body fend off illness more effectively. Incorporating seed oils into your diet can have numerous benefits for your overall health. So go ahead, explore their rich flavors and health properties, and enjoy the positive changes they can bring to your life! The bad part: The good news section is done. Now, on to the grim part. While seed oils are not inherently bad for you unless you are allergic to them, moderation is crucial. Overconsumption can lead to an imbalance in the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, potentially promoting inflammation. It's essential to balance seed oil intake with sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, to maintain optimal health. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Many popular seed oils, like those derived from corn, canola, and soy, originate from GMO crops. It's worth noting that these oils are FDA-approved and can sometimes help in reducing the amount of pesticides used in farming. However, there are valid concerns surrounding GMOs, including the potential for biodiversity loss and the possibility of gene transfer to other plants. Additionally, relying heavily on herbicides in GMO crop production can pose its own challenges. Being aware of these points can help you make more informed choices about the oils you use. Harmful compounds from reuse: One of the appealing aspects of seed oils is their high smoke point, which makes them great for frying. However, if you're reusing these oils multiple times, as per a 2022 study , there's a risk that harmful compounds may develop. While it can be tempting to keep using oil to avoid waste, it's a good practice to limit reuse and opt for fresh oil when frying to ensure you're maintaining a healthier cooking environment. The Omega-6 debate: Seed oils typically contain a significant amount of omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. This compound can convert into arachidonic acid and various inflammatory molecules in the body. Critics of omega-6s often draw connections between high intake levels and inflammation, but research on this topic is still evolving and can be quite mixed. It's helpful to stay updated on these discussions, but remember that including a variety of fats in your diet is key. Fatty acid balance: Seed oils are a source of both mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which are generally viewed as beneficial for heart health as per research. However, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete for the same enzymes in our bodies. An imbalance—too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3—may influence inflammation levels, leading to health concerns. Again, research varies, so the best approach is to maintain a balanced intake. Focus on Omega-3 intake: Instead of exclusively cutting back on omega-6s, it's often advisable to enhance your omega-3 intake and adhere to the ideal ratio . Foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, can support a healthier balance in your diet. Aiming for about two servings of fatty fish each week can make a significant difference. The Verdict? A balanced approach Seed oils can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when used appropriately. Opt for cold-pressed or minimally processed varieties, and avoid overheating them during cooking. Incorporate a variety of fats into your diet, including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, to support overall health. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes. What happens to your body when you eat almonds? One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Trade tariffs close borders but may open doors to invasive alien species
Around 1847, in colonial Calcutta, an unexpected visitor arrived, likely hidden in plant crates or trade goods from East Africa. The giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) entered India without fanfare, admired at first for its size and shell. But what seemed ornamental soon revealed itself to be the country's most persistent invasive alien species. Thriving in the region's warm, humid climate and free from natural predators, the snail spread rapidly with human help, from Bengal's gardens to the farmlands of the Western Ghats. By the mid-20th century, crops and ornamental plants had been ravaged, native snails displaced, and soil ecosystems altered. Worse, the snail had become a carrier for parasites like the rat lungworm, threatening humans and wildlife. The giant African Snail is an example of how slow-moving, unnoticed arrivals can reshape ecosystems. Poor quarantine, a lack of rigorous monitoring, and policy failures allowed this mollusc to get far and wide. A world of rising global trade and subsequent species movement increases the risk of similar invasions. Trade and invasive alien species The surge in global trade since the 1800s has indirectly contributed to biological invasions in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The number of alien species rose 20x by the early 19th century. Bilateral trade agreements increased from 76 countries forming 5,700 trade pairs in 1948 to 186 countries forming over 34,000 pairs by the early 2000s. Now, trade tariffs mooted by the Trump administration in the U.S. are contributing to changing, reviving or initiating new trade deals between countries. Invasive alien species are introduced by increased human activity around the globe. The introduction of these exotic species can be deliberate or accidental. For example, the introduction of cane toads (Bufo marinus) in Australia, Gambusia in India and Poecilia reticulata in Japan are examples of deliberate biocontrol initiatives gone wrong. On the other hand, accidental introductions often happen via the export and import of biological goods, such as timber, plant products, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Biofouling is one such introduction scenario. When ships travel between countries without cargo, they are filled with ballast water to help the ship stay stable on the high seas. Biofouling — the undesirable accumulation of plants, animals, and algae on surfaces — sometimes occurs during the filling and flushing of ballast water, transporting exotic species from one region to another. The Asian paddle crab was introduced from the Northwest Pacific and East Asian waters to New Zealand, where it carries the white-spot syndrome virus, in this way. When trade takes a turn Shifting trade agreements and new ties between previously unlinked nations may further the spread of novel invasive alien species between continents. Countries may focus on forming relationships rather than imposing stricter sanctions on imports from new trade alliances. Some nations may not have the infrastructure to support checks on imported or exported goods given the sudden rise in new trade partners. In such scenarios, India too is at risk of letting more invasive alien species enter our borders. India has been a major exporter and importer of exotic species. Several species are in different stages of establishment and spread in the country, making it difficult to track their entry and expansion. Many are introduced in the ornamental pet trade, especially the aquarium trade, or for biocontrol purposes as in the cases of mosquitofish (Gambusia species), guppies (Poeciliareticulata), and angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). Some species are introduced through the food industry, such as Tilapia, which was brought to boost food production but instead established itself in Indian waterways, eventually outcompeting native freshwater fish species. In another example from 1955, when food was scarce in India, the government imported wheat from the U.S. under their PL 480 ('Food for Peace') programme. But the wheat was of an inferior quality and contaminated with Parthenium seeds, and first entered the Pune market. Today, Parthenium grass is widespread in India, being found even in the remote corners of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A 2022 study found that India has lost $127.3 billion (Rs 830 crore) to invasive alien species over the last 60 years, rendering the country the second-most financially affected by invasive alien species in the world, after the U.S. But this data only stems from the calculated costs of 10 invasive alien species from the 2,000+ alien species known in India. Indeed, negative economic impacts have been recorded for only about 3% of known invasive alien species in India; such data remain unavailable, underreported, or overlooked for the remainder. Semi-aquatic and aquatic invasive alien species pose a greater fiscal burden than terrestrial species because they often affect high-value sectors like public health, water infrastructure, and fisheries, where control and damage costs are significantly higher. Indeed, the highest monetary burden from semi-aquatic species is solely from the yellow fever mosquito, which is a financial liability as well as detrimental to public health. One Biosecurity To reduce the risk of importing invasive alien species, India needs to strengthen its national policy. Specifically, it means enforcing stricter biosecurity at ports and other entry points and developing real-time species-tracking and early-warning systems that can catch invasion events before they get out of control. The country also needs greater collaboration between government departments and researchers to maximise knowledge generation about potentially invasive species and their spread given various climate change scenarios and shifting trade routes. Finally, India must implement mandatory post-trade biological impact assessments, typically in quarantine facilities managed by the respective department, to ensure unwelcome guests are not here to stay. Implementing and strengthening policies to reduce the spread of invasive species is one step towards managing their consequences on the native biodiversity. In the light of the prevailing international trade agreements, the risk of these species' introduction remains high due to a lack of infrastructure, dedicated institutions, and policies focused on mitigating their spread. Freight transport between growing economies is projected to triple by 2050, especially maritime and air cargo transport, increasing invasion risk by reducing travel time and improving the survivability of alien species. Today, we're still experiencing the effects of alien species introduced several decades ago. Similarly the effects of alien species introduced in 2025 will only surface decades in future, when it may be too late to reverse the tide. Strengthening India's border biosecurity must be a top priority to avoid the worse consequences of invasion. Like One Health, a 'One Biosecurity' framework if implemented at the earliest will better our chances of managing invasive alien species. Priya Ranganathan is a doctoral student at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, studying wetland ecology and ecosystem services. Nobinraja M. is a post-doctoral fellow at ATREE working on invasive alien fishes.
