Latest news with #DROP
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Not just a DROP, Munambam fishers lead drive against ocean plastic pollution
Kochi: A small initiative to introduce the concept of reducing and recycling plastics among the fishing community at Munambam harbour three years ago has now become one of the finest examples of a community-driven movement to reduce oceanic plastic pollution. From initially bringing back all the plastics they carried on board during multi-day trawling, now more than 600 fishing boats are returning with all the plastics that get caught in their nets. Fishermen even use the nets to hang and drain out much of the seawater from the plastic waste by the time they reach the harbour. The project, called Drive to Recover Ocean Plastic (DROP), jointly executed by the Munambam Harbour Management Society, fishermen's associations and NGO Plan@Earth, ensured the recovery of 22,000kg of plastic waste by fishing boats in 2024–25. "When the initiative began, there was a lot of reluctance to bring back even the plastic packaging, such as milk covers, water bottles, food packets and snack wrappers, they carried during multi-day fishing trips. Their hesitation was mainly about carrying back the waste as it occupied space they preferred to reserve for storing their catch. But even then, they were starting to experience the menace of plastic, entangling in their nets, damaging them as well as taking away the fish space," said Sooraj Abraham, founding member, Plan@Earth. Over 400 large fishing boats operate from the main harbour at Munambam, while most smaller boats sail from the adjoining mini harbour. "Almost 80% of the boats from both harbours are now bringing back plastic waste. Initially, we used to supply bags to the boats to bring back the waste, but now Plan@Earth provides them and collects the filled bags upon landing. The fishermen try to drain or dry out the water from the waste during the return journey. The collected bags are stored in a facility at the harbour before being transported by the NGO to its godown for recycling and processing," said Rajesh K B, a member of the harbour management society. Sooraj said they gave awards to fishing boats that bring in the most plastic. "Recently, a single boat fished out over 28kg of plastic discards from the ocean. Since the boats return at irregular hours, we have stationed staff around the clock to ensure that we don't miss any boat," he said. The recovered waste is a mixed bunch of PET bottles, food packaging, slippers and plastic sandals, cans, containers and a lot of abandoned fishing gear, especially ropes and nets that turn into ghost nets, entangling marine life and obstructing fishing operations. " We don't just recycle the waste; we also hold art exhibitions in different cities featuring installations made from these materials," Sooraj said. The DROP project has won several accolades from govt and other agencies. Interest in replicating the initiative has grown, with enquiries coming in from other harbours. The impact has extended beyond the boats. Fishermen are now ensuring that their coastal panchayats also minimise plastic disposal at sea. In the past year alone, 2.6 lakh kg of plastic waste was recovered and processed from these panchayats and nearby inland water bodies. Additionally, 30 Chinese fishing nets registered under the DROP project contributed to the recovery of 1,115 kg of plastic waste.
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
The Hemp Doctor Launches DROP – Fast Acting THC & THCP Mixer
MOORESVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, May 20, 2025 / / -- The Hemp Doctor introduces DROP – Fast Acting Mixer, a new innovative line of nano-emulsified hemp-derived liquids available in two formats: THC (Delta 9) and THCP. DROP is designed for rapid onset, precise dosing, and easy integration into any routine, with each variant offering a unique set of effects. 1. DROP | Delta 9 (15mg per 5ml vial) – Delivers a balanced, uplifting high ideal for relaxation, socializing, or everyday stress relief. 2. DROP | THCP (2.5mg per 5ml vial) – A concentrated option for experienced users, offering deeper, longer-lasting effects in a smaller dose. DROP comes in a compact, travel-ready vial, making it easy to take your THC or THCP liquid mixer anywhere. Each 5ml dose is completely flavorless, so it won't alter the taste of any drink or food. The way it was designed, DROP will blend seamlessly into 'practically anything,' from water-based beverages, soft food like yogurt, salads, brownies, and more. And unlike traditional cannabinoid oils, it doesn't separate or leave a residue. Formulated with cutting-edge nano-emulsion technology, DROP is absorbed faster and more efficiently than traditional edibles because the nano-sized cannabinoids bypass the liver's processing. This allows users to feel the effects within minutes rather than waiting hours for results. All DROP vials are 0-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan. All batches are made with US-grown Farm Bill-compliant organic hemp and tested by third-party labs to ensure purity and potency. Why DROP is a Game Changer: Fast-acting nano-emulsion – Onset in minutes Flavorless and discreet – No smell, no taste Pocket-sized and portable – Use anywhere Precisely measured doses – Complete control over every drop Hemp-derived & compliant – Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill DROP—Fast Acting Mixer is available at and The Hemp Doctor's main retail store offers single vials and 10-count multipacks, while 50-count value multipacks are available at The Hemp Doctor Wholesale. Note: Not for use by persons under 21 years old. Do not mix with alcohol. About The Hemp Doctor The Hemp Doctor has been providing quality hemp-derived products since 2018. The North Carolina-based company is known for offering cannabinoid products ranging from THCA flower to pre-rolls, concentrates, gummies, and more. The company stands out for its dedication to producing quality products at par with customer satisfaction. With over 100,000 satisfied returning customers, thousands of subscribers, 5,000+ Yotpo comments, and a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 3,730 genuine reviews, The Hemp Doctor has positioned itself as a leader in the industry. As a company strictly adhering to lawful and safe human consumption, The Hemp Doctor's array of products undergoes third-party DEA-certified lab testing. Tara Phoenix The Hemp Doctor +1 917-797-8347 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Drop serves killer looks
DROP, the American thriller directed by Christopher Landon, arrives with an irresistible premise: a first date that spirals into a nightmare of anonymous threats, escalating dangers and rising suspicion. Add in the backing of genre powerhouses Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes and expectations naturally soar. But while Drop delivers gorgeously polished visuals and performances, its narrative leans heavily on familiar tricks, asking viewers to stay patient as it unfurls its tangled threads. There is no denying that Drop is a feast for the eyes. Cinematographer (who deserves applause here) bathes the upscale restaurant setting in moody lighting, gleaming surfaces and just the right touches of noirish shadow. Every glass of wine, flicker of candlelight and nervous glance is captured with surgical precision. This is a film where even a cell phone notification looks cinematic. But as sharp as the visuals are, the plot sometimes struggles to keep pace. Familiar recipe (but still tasty enough) Let us be clear: Drop does not reinvent the thriller wheel. The core premise: a protagonist trapped in a confined, elegant space while an unseen tormentor pulls the strings, echoes everything from Phone Booth to Panic Room. Add in a widowed protagonist with a tragic backstory, a too-charming date and a parade of suspicious side characters and the setup feels more comfort-food familiar than groundbreaking. Yet despite the sense of déjà vu, Drop remains a solid watch. This is thanks largely to Meghann Fahy's magnetic presence as Violet, the frazzled yet determined single mom trying to navigate both dating jitters and escalating danger. Fahy brings an emotional vulnerability that grounds the more outlandish moments, making the audience root for her even when the plot feels like it is jogging in place. Brandon Sklenar's Henry, meanwhile, plays the charming date with just the right amount of 'Is he or isn't he?' ambiguity. The supporting cast, including Violett Beane as Violet's sister and Gabrielle Ryan as the sharp-eyed bartender, fill out the ensemble with texture, even if many of them serve more as set dressing for Violet's rising paranoia. Let tension build Here is the key to enjoying Drop: approach it knowing that it is not a nonstop thrill ride. This is not one of those breathless, edge-of-your-seat thrillers where the plot fires off twists every ten minutes. Instead, Landon crafts a deliberately slow burn, teasing out the tension piece by piece. For some, this will be a treat, a rare thriller that luxuriates in mood, atmosphere and simmering dread. For others, it might test their patience. There are stretches where the movie seems to coast on its vibes rather than push the story forward and the central mystery occasionally feels padded out to stretch the runtime. But for viewers willing to sink into the slow-building unease, Drop offers a satisfying payoff. Visual that outshines its plot It bears repeating: the real star of Drop is its visual design. The film's upscale restaurant setting is a living, breathing character, full of reflective surfaces, shadowy corners and a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Director Landon, known for stylish genre hits like Happy Death Day and Freaky, brings his playful touch here, making even the most mundane objects: a phone, a cocktail glass, a note scribbled on a napkin, pop with cinematic flair. The visuals are so compelling that they often distract from the more predictable beats of the story. There is a sense that Landon and his team know they are working with a somewhat familiar script, so they lean hard into the atmosphere, ensuring the film at least looks fresher than it reads. For thriller fans who value aesthetics and mood, this attention to detail makes Drop worth the ticket price alone. Worth a watch, with right expectations Drop is not the most original thriller to hit screens this year, but it does not need to be. It knows what it is doing, delivering a tense, visually stunning cat-and-mouse game wrapped in a glossy package and it does it well enough to satisfy. Sure, the plot relies on familiar tropes and the pacing demands a patient viewer, but the overall experience is polished, suspenseful and anchored by strong lead performances. Audiences looking for groundbreaking twists or adrenaline-pumping action might walk away wishing for more. But for those content to settle in for a stylish, slow-burning thriller with a killer aesthetic, Drop delivers just enough thrills to keep them watching and admiring how good it all looks along the way. DIRECTOR: Christopher Landon CAST: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Violett Beane E-VALUE: 7/10 PLOT: 7/10 ACTING: 8/10
