Latest news with #Earthday.org
Observer
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Earth Day 2025 seeks clean electricity
On Earth Day this year, the theme is; Our Power, Our Planet,' focusing on the world's transition to renewable energy quickly in order to have clean energy by 2030. The responsibility falls on people, the government, and organizations. According to the aim is to triple clean electricity by the year 2030 and to unite everyone to achieve the cause. According to the organizers, Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging everyone to come together and take action for a healthier planet. Last year, Earth Day's focus was on Planet Vs. plastic that urged everyone to commit to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60 percent reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. The change that is to be achieved is 'to rapidly phase out all single-use plastics.' Fast fashion is another aspect that is being highlighted. According to Earth Day, the fashion industry, particularly the fast fashion sector, has operated with minimal oversight for decades, resulting in a host of environmental damages, ranging from water and air pollution to deforestation, oceanic microplastic contamination, and biodiversity loss. 'Human rights abuses are rampant across the industry's supply chains, with labor exploitation and unsafe working conditions. The consequences of these practices extend beyond local communities, with profound implications for climate change and global sustainability,' stated Earth The Earth Day poster was designed by renowned artist Alexis Rockman to mark Earth Day's 55th anniversary. Rockman's artwork captures Earth Day's 2025 theme, Our Power, Our Planet, with a solar panel rising above a celebratory crowd of people. 'The imagery is designed to invoke hope, combining the beauty of nature with the promise of a cleaner, greener future for all,' stated Earth
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
World Earth Day 2025 theme: Focus on clean energy, global participation
Every year on April 22, people across the world unite to mark Earth Day, organising events and raising awareness of environmental threats. Earth Day is celebrated with a mission of broadening, educating and activating the environmental movements worldwide. This year, Earth Day is being celebrated under the theme of 'Our Power, Our Planet', calling everyone to unite for renewable energy and make an effort to triple the clean energy by 2030. Earth Day is an opportunity for people to contribute towards the alarming crisis faced by Earth and also to celebrate the green initiatives taken around the world. The crisis discussed ranges from increased plastic pollution and depletion of resources. According to the theme of World Earth Day 2025 is 'Our Power, Our Planet' with a focus on renewable energy. The website also features a global event map where anyone can register and participate in the events near them. The origins of the Earth Day movement trace back to the US in 1970. It was co-organised by Denis Hayes, a student activist at the time and founder of EDO, according to Hayes was recruited by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson to organise campus teach-ins focused on environmental awareness. However, the challenge quickly became how to expand the initiative beyond college campuses to engage the wider public. Their first major decision was choosing a date. They settled on April 22 — a Wednesday that year — strategically placed between Spring Break and final exams to maximise student participation. They also gave the event a name: Earth Day. Antonique Smith, a Grammy-nominated singer, actress, and long-time climate activist, has been named the official Earth Day ambassador for Earth Day 2025. Known for her powerful roles as Faith Evans in Notorious and Mimi Marquez in Rent on Broadway, she has both star power and a deep commitment to environmental justice. She is also the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit Climate Revival, focusing on communities of faith and people of colour to confront climate change. On Earth Day, Antonique will contribute through a live performance of 'Love Song to the Earth' in Times Square, New York City, in collaboration with OMMM, and Good News Planet.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thrift store shopping and reselling continues to trend upwards
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — In recent years, thrifting has become a global trend, and it only continues to grow. It's a way to save money and it's sustainable because it keeps clothes in use. Most thrift stores have clothes, shoes, furniture, silverware, and jewelry, at a discounted price. From 2021 to 2023, the value of the global secondhand apparel market rose from $138 to $211 billion and is expected to reach $351 billion by 2027, according to Wayne Calhoun shops at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store in Altoona. He collects just about any and everything that grabs his attention in a thrift store, specifically things from World War II. 'It's just something I've done probably all my life. I enjoy collecting things, and you can always find something different in the thrift stores. My father was a World War II combat veteran. I collect patches and trench hearts,' Calhoun said. He's not the only one. Tammy and Thomas Hicks were also shopping at the Altoona thrift store. They've been to auctions and yard sales for years. Tammy bought a blue colored vase and received a 30% discount as a senior. She said at another retailer, it would've cost more. 'Quite a bit more. We like to go to different sales, auctions, and I think because of the 30% discount, we got it at a good price. So very happy with that,' Tammy said. Centre County commissioners reallocate funding from sewer project Thrifting isn't the only market that's grown in recent years. Reselling has surged too. Apps like Poshmark have risen in popularity and helped people earn money by selling what they already own. 'I was about 15 or 16 years old just selling some old sneakers, sweaters, things from my own closet that weren't really my style anymore. Things that didn't really fit my vibe,' Kaitlin Cribbs said. Cribbs is the owner of Poshmark closet @killerklothing. She's a full-time event planner who also pursues Poshmark as a side hustle. She said it didn't take long for her reselling to become lucrative, using her closet, thrift stores, and even clothes that her family members planned on throwing out. 'I purchased my home only three months after graduating high school. It was an unbelievable feeling. I never thought I would be able to do it, but here I am today in my home, and Poshmark is still paying my mortgage. So it's pretty nice,' Cribbs said. Cribbs said anyone can try reselling. 'Even if it's just some items from your own closet that you're looking to get rid of, just give it a try. You know, when you go to a mall and you buy a sweater for $40 and you wear it for a few years, it's not really your style anymore, you might as well get half of what you paid for it. Then you can buy something that fits you and your personality more,' she said. By 2027, the value of the global secondhand apparel market is expected to reach $351 billion. It's unlikely that thrifting will become a thing of the past. However, thrift stores like the St. Vincent de Paul Society need more donations to keep up with the trend. They're also ensuring that those who rely on the donations get the clothes they need by offering voucher programs, which have special hours for participants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Worried about microplastics in tea bags? Try these safe alternatives.
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. Nothing beats unwinding with a soothing cup of tea, but the peace of mind your warm drink brings may be a little less pronounced given new research that suggests certain tea bags could be steeping millions of microplastics straight into your drink. "This study reveals that a significant number of tiny plastic particles, known as micro- and nanoplastic particles, can be released from commercially available tea bags," explains Li Li, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences. The researchers tested tea bags made from polypropylene, nylon and cellulose, discovering considerable plastic particle release across all three types of bags, with polypropylene bags shedding the most. The health implications of ingesting these particles are still under investigation. As such, Li emphasizes the importance of interpreting these findings cautiously: "The study shows that micro- and nanoplastic particles could stick to or even enter the cells that make up the lining of the human intestine, but it does not show whether these particles could pass through the intestinal lining and eventually enter the bloodstream." This suggests that while particles can interact with certain cells, further research is required to understand their impact throughout the body. Adding to this, Bryan Quoc Le, food scientist, food engineer, food industry consultant and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered, reflects on the wider implications, saying, "The findings in this study certainly are cause for concern, and they help shed light on an issue that has been discussed more over the past few years. The study shows how the issue of microplastics is not irrelevant to our daily lives and that more attention must be paid to how people are commonly exposed to them." Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at and former director of the organization's End Plastics Initiatives, agrees, adding, "Like all news and reports about plastic, it should be a concern for everyone. Especially as tea is the world's second most popular drink after water." He explains that plastic can be made from over 16,000 chemicals combined with oil, creating countless potentially harmful variations. Many of these chemicals remain unnamed or undisclosed due to trade secret protections. "Plastics have gone largely unregulated and understudied for so long that we have forgotten to ask enough questions. But now the scientific community is paying much more attention," he notes. He explains that we're consuming microplastics and the additive chemicals that leach from them through our drinks and food — adding that most of the time, the plastics come from the packaging, like single-use plastic bottles or, in this case, the tea bag itself. So, what does this mean for your daily brew? While it may be concerning — and it raises a multitude of questions about how plastics are affecting our everyday lives — the science is still new and evolving. If you're interested in reducing your exposure to microplastics in tea bags, there are all-natural and plastic-free options you can try. And as scientists continue to uncover the risks of microplastics, small changes in habits can go a long way toward reducing exposure. Li explains, "The researchers soaked 300 tea bags in hot water at about 95°C while stirring at 750 revolutions per minute. They found between 8.18 million and 1.2 billion nanosized plastic particles per milliliter of this hot water." He adds that this isn't the first time tea bags have been linked to releasing micro- and nanoplastic particles. Earlier studies found even more significant amounts, on the scale of billions of particles, being released from plastic tea bags into hot water. It's not just the presence of these particles that's concerning, but what happens after you consume them. The researchers in the most recent study found that these plastic particles may stick to or even enter the cells that make up the lining of the human intestine. Yet it's unknown what happens next. The study didn't find evidence of these particles crossing into the bloodstream, but this possibility requires further investigation. It's important to consider the findings of this new study in context. Li highlights that the study focused solely on counting the number of microplastic particles released into hot water. However, toxicologists often rely on additional data, such as the total weight of these particles or their size distribution, to assess the potential for harm. These metrics help determine safe exposure levels by considering how the body interacts with different sizes and concentrations of particles. Without this crucial information, it's impossible to accurately gauge whether the microplastic levels released from tea bags pose a notable health risk. Furthermore, while the study found that these tiny particles could stick to or even enter the cells lining the human intestine, it stopped short of showing whether they can pass through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream. This distinction is critical because particles that enter the bloodstream can circulate throughout the body, impacting various organs or systems. While the findings suggest an interaction with intestinal cells, their broader implications for human health remain unknown and require further investigation to understand the long-term risks. The challenge faced by consumers is that the science looking into microplastic exposure is relatively new. What we know about microplastics as a whole isn't necessarily true of specific microplastic sources — so while total exposure could be associated with various health concerns, we can't say that microplastic exposure from tea bags is a leading cause. This means that you, the consumer, needs to decide what you're personally comfortable with when it comes to interacting with plastics. That said, it's important to understand that microplastics as a whole are being linked to negative health outcomes. Le highlights that microplastics can interact with human cells, potentially altering gene expression through chemicals leached from the plastic, which can act as endocrine disruptors. "This altering of gene expression can cause a myriad of issues," he says, with possible links to cancers, digestive conditions and neurological disorders. Building on this concern, Charron emphasizes the broader health risks associated with total microplastic exposure. "We don't know what the plastics from tea drinking are doing to us right now, as this is all such new research. But we do know there is a growing list of disorders and diseases that are associated with the ingestion of other types of microplastic and their chemicals: cancers, heart attacks, strokes, neurological issues including Alzheimer's and dementia, behavioral issues, decreased fertility, increased risks of miscarriage, to name just a few." Charron points out, "Consuming less plastic should be everyone's priority, but it is not easy to avoid because it is so pervasive." If you're looking to reduce microplastic exposure and you're ready to opt for all-natural or plastic-free tea brewing options, you're in luck. There are plenty of simple swaps that can help you enjoy your favorite brew with peace of mind. Here are some of our favorites. The Harney & Sons Mug with Infuser is a thoughtfully designed, practical piece. This ceramic mug has a classic white finish and a generous 16-ounce capacity. It comes with a fine-gauge stainless steel infuser designed for optimal steeping, ensuring that even the finest tea leaves are adequately infused without escaping into the cup or your mouth! The included ceramic lid not only aids in heat retention during steeping but also serves as a convenient rest for the infuser post-brewing, minimizing mess. It's also dishwasher-safe and sturdy enough for everyday use. If you prefer to brew your tea in your favorite drinking vessel, that's no problem with the OXO tea infuser. This cute little basket could become your mug's new BFF. You can use this infuser in the mug of your choice. The spacious stainless steel basket allows tea leaves to expand fully, ensuring optimal flavor extraction. Its etched hole pattern is fine enough to contain even tiny tea particles, resulting in a clean and enjoyable cup every time. The dual-function, silicone-lined lid keeps your tea hot while brewing and doubles as a handy drip tray when finished. The basket's size is ideal for most mugs, and its sturdy construction ensures you can use it for years to come. Want to sip your favorite loose-leaf tea without the hassle of cleaning a strainer? Enter Eco-Fil disposable tea bags. Simply fill the bag with your desired tea leaves, pull the drawstring to secure it and steep it in hot water just like a regular tea bag. Once you're done, dispose of it responsibly, knowing you've made an eco-friendly, plastic-free choice. These tea filter bags are made from unbleached wood pulp paper, making them biodegradable and compostable. The heat-sealing method used for the bags eliminates the need for glue, which can otherwise be a source of microplastics, notes Charron. Oh, and as a bonus, you could also use them for coffee, herbs or spice bags for cooking. If you favor the convenience of "just brew and go" tea bags, you'll be glad to know several brands now offer plastic-free options. These eco-friendly tea bags are typically made from biodegradable materials like plant-based fibers, cornstarch or unbleached paper — and they skip the polypropylene seal found in traditional bags. Here are some leading options. Pukka offers a huge range of certified organic teas presented in pretty bags made from a blend of banana fiber, wood pulp and plant cellulose fibers. They're also stitched with 100% organic, non-GMO cotton. With Earl Grey, English Breakfast and a wide range of herbal, fruity options, Clipper has something for every palate. Their tea bags are unbleached, plastic-free and made from plant-based materials. Clipper also ensures that its teas are organic and Fairtrade certified, meaning it supports ethical farming practices and fair wages for workers. One of the most popular tea brands in the UK, PG Tips now uses a fully biodegradable range of tea bags made from plant-based materials like cornstarch. The brand is also Rainforest Alliance certified and uses 100% renewable energy. Known for their whole-leaf teas and bold flavors, Teapigs uses biodegradable "tea temples" made from corn-based PLA mesh and compostable or recyclable packaging. English Tea Shop features organic, Fairtrade-certified teas that use plastic-free tea bags made from unbleached paper. Plus, the materials are sustainably sourced to protect wildlife, plants and ecosystems. Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at Li Li, PhD, associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist, food engineer, food industry consultant and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Concerned about microplastics in your tea? Trade in plastic-containing tea bags for nontoxic tea infusers
Nothing beats unwinding with a soothing cup of tea, but the peace of mind your warm drink brings may be a little less pronounced given new research that suggests certain tea bags could be steeping millions (or even billions) of microplastics straight into your drink. "This study reveals that a significant number of tiny plastic particles, known as micro- and nanoplastic particles, can be released from commercially available tea bags," explains Li Li, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences. The researchers tested tea bags made from polypropylene, nylon and cellulose, discovering considerable plastic particle release across all three types of bags, with polypropylene bags shedding the most. The health implications of ingesting these particles are still under investigation. As such, Li emphasizes the importance of interpreting these findings cautiously: "The study shows that micro- and nanoplastic particles could stick to or even enter the cells that make up the lining of the human intestine, but it does not show whether these particles could pass through the intestinal lining and eventually enter the bloodstream." This suggests that while particles can interact with certain cells, further research is required to understand their impact throughout the body. Adding to this, Bryan Quoc Le, food scientist, food engineer, food industry consultant and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered, reflects on the wider implications, saying, "The findings in this study certainly are cause for concern, and they help shed light on an issue that has been discussed more over the past few years. The study shows how the issue of microplastics is not irrelevant to our daily lives and that more attention must be paid to how people are commonly exposed to them." Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at and former director of the organization's End Plastics Initiatives, agrees, adding, "Like all news and reports about plastic, it should be a concern for everyone. Especially as tea is the world's second most popular drink after water." He explains that plastic can be made from over 16,000 chemicals combined with oil, creating countless potentially harmful variations. Many of these chemicals remain unnamed or undisclosed due to trade secret protections. "Plastics have gone largely unregulated and understudied for so long that we have forgotten to ask enough questions. But now the scientific community is paying much more attention," he notes. He explains that we're consuming microplastics and the additive chemicals that leach from them through our drinks and food — adding that most of the time, the plastics come from the packaging, like single-use plastic bottles or, in this case, the tea bag itself. So, what does this mean for your daily brew? For tea enthusiasts, the thought of microplastics swirling in a seemingly innocent cup of tea is obviously concerning — and it raises a multitude of questions about how plastics are infiltrating our everyday lives. But don't ditch your favorite tea just yet. You can enjoy a cuppa with peace of mind by opting for loose-leaf tea or tea bags made from natural, biodegradable materials. As scientists continue to uncover the risks of microplastics, small changes in habits can go a long way toward reducing exposure. So, how can you make your next cup of tea safer? Keep reading to find out. The new research has drawn attention to the unsettling presence of microplastics in tea bags, raising concerns about health risks. Li explains, "The researchers soaked 300 tea bags in hot water at about 95°C while stirring at 750 revolutions per minute. They found between 8.18 million and 1.2 billion nanosized plastic particles per milliliter of this hot water." He adds that this isn't the first time tea bags have been linked to releasing micro- and nanoplastic particles. Earlier studies found even more significant amounts, on the scale of billions of particles, being released from plastic tea bags into hot water. It's not just the presence of these particles that's concerning, but what happens after you consume them. The researchers in the most recent study found that these plastic particles may stick to or even enter the cells that make up the lining of the human intestine. Yet it's unknown what happens next. The study didn't find evidence of these particles crossing into the bloodstream, but this possibility requires further investigation. The health effects of these particles remain uncertain. Le highlights that microplastics as a whole can interact with human cells, potentially altering gene expression through chemicals leached from the plastic, which can act as endocrine disruptors. "This altering of gene expression can cause a myriad of issues," he says, with possible links to cancers, digestive conditions and neurological disorders. Building on this concern, Charron emphasizes the broader health risks associated with total microplastic exposure (not just from a single source, like tea bags, but from all areas of life). "We don't know what the plastics from tea drinking are doing to us right now, as this is all such new research. But we do know there is a growing list of disorders and diseases that are associated with the ingestion of other types of microplastic and their chemicals: cancers, heart attacks, strokes, neurological issues including Alzheimer's and dementia, behavioral issues, decreased fertility, increased risks of miscarriage, to name just a few." Their combined insights emphasize the need for further research into the impact of microplastics on health, a challenge compounded by their widespread presence. Charron points out, "Consuming less plastic should be everyone's priority, but it is not easy to avoid because it is so pervasive." While the presence of microplastics in tea bags might initially seem alarming, it's crucial to put the findings into context. Li highlights that the study focused solely on counting the number of microplastic particles released into hot water. However, toxicologists often rely on additional data, such as the total weight of these particles or their size distribution, to assess the potential for harm. These metrics help determine safe exposure levels by considering how the body interacts with different sizes and concentrations of particles. Without this crucial information, it's impossible to accurately gauge whether the microplastic levels released from tea bags pose a notable health risk. Furthermore, while the study found that these tiny particles could stick to or even enter the cells lining the human intestine, it stopped short of showing whether they can pass through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream. This distinction is critical because particles that enter the bloodstream can circulate throughout the body, impacting various organs or systems. While the findings suggest an interaction with intestinal cells, their broader implications for human health remain unknown and require further investigation to understand the long-term risks. Still, it's understandable to feel concerned, especially when considering vulnerable groups. Le points out that children, pregnant individuals and those with chronic illnesses or a history of cancer may be more vulnerable to the potential risks associated with microplastics. These populations may face higher risks due to their increased sensitivity to environmental exposures, making it especially important to minimize exposure where possible. Charron highlights that children, in particular, are uniquely at risk — not just because of their developing bodies but also because of behaviors that increase exposure. For example, when crawling on the ground, they inhale household dust, which often contains microplastics. Additionally, children frequently chew on plastic teethers, bottles and other objects, further increasing their intake of plastic particles and harmful chemicals. While the science continues to evolve, taking small, practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure is a precaution worth considering. Switching to loose-leaf tea or biodegradable tea bags is a practical and precautionary measure for concerned consumers. If the idea of sipping on microplastics has you rethinking your tea habits, don't worry — plenty of simple swaps can help you enjoy your favorite brew with peace of mind. Here are some of our favorites. If you favor the convenience of "just brew and go" tea bags, you'll be glad to know several brands now offer plastic-free options. These eco-friendly tea bags are typically made from biodegradable materials like plant-based fibers, cornstarch or unbleached paper — and they skip the polypropylene seal found in traditional bags. Here are some leading options. Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at Li Li, PhD, associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist, food engineer, food industry consultant and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
