PepsiCo hit with backlash after disturbing discovery in Himalayan mountains — here's what's happening
Scientists and environmentalists around the world continue to raise alarms about the proliferation of plastic waste. Plastic litter can be found everywhere, damaging ecosystems on land and in seas.
What's happening?
A new report suggests that for the third year in a row, PepsiCo is responsible for the vast majority of plastic waste found in the Indian Himalayas. In 2024, volunteers collected over 121,000 plastic materials in the region. Frustratingly, much of it ends up in landfills rather than being recycled.
Travelers have posted pictures of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking mountains spoiled by a buildup of plastic litter. And plastic packaging, particularly bottles, is a huge source of litter. This is a tremendous problem, as it is estimated that one plastic bottle takes 450 years to break down.
Why is plastic litter so important?
This abundance of plastic litter is concerning for several reasons. First and foremost, it can be damaging to people's health. Alarmingly, microplastics have been reported in the majority of people's bloodstreams, which could result in detrimental health effects that scientists are only beginning to understand. A recent study found that microplastics vastly affected the brains of mice that were exposed.
It also contributes to the warming climate. The creation of plastic bottles is a significant source of toxic pollution in our atmosphere.
What's being done about plastic litter?
There are many steps to take to combat these complex, concerning issues. On a personal level, individuals can work to take local action in their communities. We can all try to use less plastic when possible. And when we do use plastic, we can be sure to recycle it so it doesn't end up in landfills or even worse, in our oceans.
But PepsiCo, and companies like it, also have a massive role in correcting the problems. To its credit, PepsiCo has taken some initiatives to try to limit the amount of plastic waste caused by the company — including using 40% or more recycled content in its plastic packaging by 2035. Note that's a recent walkback from the previous goal of 50% by 2030.
The giant company has also pledged millions to sustainable agriculture initiatives. This is part of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero pollution by the year 2050.
Do you think we use too much plastic in America?
Definitely
Only some people
Not really
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 planet.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Life on the Moon? Lunar soil could help humans live on the Moon, study finds
The soil on the Moon might be able to sustain life, according to a new study. Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong developed a technology to extract water from lunar soil and used it to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and chemical fuel. The technology does this by converting light from the Sun into heat. According to the study, published in the Cell Press journal Joule, the research could 'potentially open new doors for future deep space exploration' because it could mitigate the expensive costs needed to bring essential resources such as water to the Moon. A single gallon (3.78 litres) of water costs $83,000 (€71,230) to ship up by rocket, the study continued, with one astronaut drinking roughly four gallons (15.14 litres) a day. 'We never fully imagined the 'magic' that the lunar soil possessed,' said lead researcher Lu Wang. Related US Senate greenlights billions for Moon missions despite Elon Musk's opposition However, the study notes that any strategies that are already in place to extract water from the surface of the Moon involve multiple 'energy-intensive' steps and do not break down how much CO2 is used by fuel. The Moon's extreme lunar environment will still make it challenging to harvest more oxygen and water from the land, the study continued, because there are 'drastic temperature fluctuations,' radiation and low gravity to deal with. The CO2 emitted from the breaths of the astronauts won't be enough to supply all the water, fuel and oxygen that the team of astronauts might need.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The hidden dangers of feeding wild animals
Feeding wild elephants might seem kind or exciting, but a new study warns it can lead to serious harm. Researchers at the University of California San Diego say that giving food to wild animals -- especially elephants -- can change their behavior in dangerous ways. "Many people, especially foreign tourists, think Asian elephants are tame and docile, like domestic pets," lead author Shermin de Silva, a conservation scientist and professor of biological sciences, said in a UCSD news release. "They don't realize these are formidable wild animals and try to get too close in order to take photographs or selfies, which can end badly for both parties," she added. The study, published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, looked at 18 years of data from elephant tourism areas in Sri Lanka and India. In Sri Lanka's Udawalawe National Park, researchers found that dozens of elephants had learned to "beg" for food near fences and tourist vehicles. One male elephant, nicknamed Rambo, became a local celebrity for this behavior. The impact? Tragic. Several people were killed or injured in elephant encounters, the news release said. At least three elephants were killed, and some animals ate plastic bags or other waste while trying to get food. In India's Sigur region, researchers tracked 11 male elephants who were fed by people. Four of animals later died, likely because of humans. "Food-conditioned animals can become dangerous, resulting in the injury and death of wildlife, people or both," the researchers wrote. "These negative impacts counteract potential benefits," they added. Feeding wild elephants may cause them to lose their natural foraging skills, especially if they start relying on sugary snacks or processed food, researchers said. It may also raise the risk of disease spreading between people and animals. While most tourists mean well, experts say the best thing to do is never feed wild animals, no matter how safe it seems. Feeding animals might feel like helping a friend, the researchers explained. "But this encourages wild animals to seek food from people, attracting them to areas that can put themselves or people at risk," de Silva said. "It can be a conduit for disease transfer between species," she said. "Such feeding can also cause animals to lose their ability to forage for themselves if the behavior becomes prevalent, especially with young animals." More information The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has more on the potential harm in feeding wildlife. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Scientists make surprising discovery that could impact future of Florida Everglades: 'Predictions look very different'
Scientists make surprising discovery that could impact future of Florida Everglades: 'Predictions look very different' Ecosystems have been discovered to exhibit a range of unique responses to rising sea levels. What's happening? A study conducted by Yale School of Environment scientists examined the impact of rising sea levels on various ecosystems. The research, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, broke down the surprising ways that more submerged and saline soils can influence our planet's processes. Although some crops thrive in saltwater-infused land, many ecosystems cannot survive without freshwater. Working alongside the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program, the researchers studied three ecosystems: a mixed zone of freshwater and saltwater called an ecotone, a grassy area known as a marl prairie, and an area of wetland filled with scrub mangroves, which are trees that can exist in salt-laden environments. All three ecosystems are vital in the Everglades for removing carbon dioxide from the environment and storing it in the soil, a process known as carbon sequestration. Although the scrub mangroves sequestered the same amount of carbon dioxide, the other two ecosystems showed a decrease in efficiency. However, the predictions that rising sea levels could damage the Everglades beyond repair may not be 100% accurate if conservationists work to adapt to the changing environment. Sparkle Malone, co-author of the study, said, "When we examine how these ecosystems are responding to the changing conditions, then predictions look very different." Why is carbon sequestration so important? Natural carbon sequestration by crops, grassland, soil, and oceans has a profound, positive impact on the planet. If rising sea levels reduce the efficacy of carbon sinks such as the Everglades, harmful carbon dioxide levels will only become more of an issue. The Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research Center found that "about 25 percent of our carbon emissions have historically been captured by Earth's forests, farms and grasslands." Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Everglades have been under environmental threat due to carbon pollution, but the area can provide an immense way to fight rising carbon dioxide levels. Per Florida Atlantic University, Everglades mangrove trees are estimated to "hold enough carbon to heat more than 19 million homes, while the water conservation areas in the central Everglades store the equivalent carbon emitted by 131.5 million passenger vehicles over an entire year." What's being done about carbon sequestration? With rising sea levels making ecosystems more marshy and saturated with saltwater, Everglades conservationists must alter the way they view carbon sequestration. Although the Yale School of Environment study highlights the importance of restoring freshwater, there is a recognition that this ecosystem must be supported to adapt to the changing climate. Malone described it as a "significant change in mindset." This could look like expanding coastal ecosystems and planting more mangroves so that the Everglades remain an effective source of removing carbon from the atmosphere. Another broader solution is to protect the planet against rising sea levels. Burning dirty energy sources such as coal and gas creates the planet-overheating pollution that warms the Earth and causes sea levels to rise. A transition to cleaner energy could help slow the heating of the planet, which would in turn reduce the impact of rising sea levels on carbon sinks such as the Everglades. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
