Latest news with #GlobalEarthDay
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
New product packaging reduces toxic plastic waste
New product packaging reduces toxic plastic waste Emerging sustainable options to plastic packaging are made with mushrooms, seaweed, starch and wheat straw Consumer packaging dumps 19 million metric tons of plastic waste into the environment each year, according to the nonprofit advocacy group Beyond say we can do and consumers need to move 'away from plastics in packaging, towards more sustainable alternatives,' says Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day. Many businesses are heeding the call.'Some brands are looking to improve their packaging footprint because their customers are demanding it. Others are looking to meet regulations that are increasingly coming online,' says Valerie Langer, principal at Canopy, a global nonprofit that helps brands shift to next-gen ecofriendly materials. Beyond responsibly sourced paper, there are plenty of other emerging alternatives to plastic, including packaging made from mushrooms, seaweed and wheat straw. How are brands shifting their packaging strategies? To tame the scourge of plastic water bottles, Boxed Water sells hydration in (you guessed it) plant-based cartons. 'Ninety-twopercent of the carton is made up of a renewable resource' that can be regrown, says Daryn Kuipers, CEO of theMichigan-based company. Plants to the rescue 'The paper comes from certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) forests — forests that are being replenished,'Kuipers says. 'And every time someone posts a picture of our carton (on) their social media and shares it, we plant two trees. Over the lifetime of this company, we've already planted one-and-a-half million trees in our country's national forests.'And what about those 'next-gen' materials? Here, too, leading brands are making moves: BambooDell Technologies has pivoted to packaging made of bamboo, 'an extraordinary material chosen for its fast growth rate, exceptional fiber strength and durability,' says Oliver Campbell, director and distinguished engineer ofsustainability. 'This innovation allowed us to protect our technology products effectively while minimizingenvironmental impact,' he says. AluminumCleanCult puts its household cleaning products into refillable paper-based cartons and aluminum bottles. 'Aluminum is durable, infinitely recyclable, and easy for consumers to recycle correctly when the time comes,' says CEO and co-founder Ryan takes a similar approach with its coffee pods. 'Our original capsules are made using at least 80 percent recycled aluminum, and most Vertuo capsules are made using at least 85 percent recycled aluminum,'says Jessica Padula, the company's vice president of marketing and head of sustainability. Starch-based foamWild Alaskan Company uses Green Cell Foam by TemperPack, 'a starch-based foam insulating material,' says packaging manager Garrett foam 'does double duty when it comes to sustainability: It's made from a non-fossil fuel renewable resource, and it gives members an easy and responsible way to dispose of the material after it's done its job. Simply pour water directly on the Green Cell Foam and it quickly dissolves in the sink, trash or even a garden's compost bin.'Some next-gen solutions come with tradeoffs. 'Whether it's mushrooms, or an agricultural fiber like wheat strawor rice straw or pineapple leaves, you also have to look at things like what's happening to the soil, to make surethat we're not … actually replacing food lands with packaging agricultural lands,' Langer says. Use less movementShiki Wrap, for example, aims to replace tons of landfill-bound paper gift wrap with reusable fabric gift bags and wraps made from sustainable fabrics.'Most gift wrap is not recyclable but even the wrap that is recyclable requires and pollutes an enormous amount of water to produce and recycle,' says the brand's founder Meagan brand Patagonia likewise takes a less-is-more approach to packaging, says Jennifer Patrick, globalpackaging and branding bamboo and other materials hold much promise — 'there are some really innovative materials outthere,' she says. But for now, '100 percent recycled FSC paper is really the most environmentally friendly substrateavailable today that you can use.' That being the case, the company is trying to use less of it.'All of our gloves hang on a header card that has a cutout, and we have a loop inside the glove that hangs on,'she says. By redesigning the card dimensions, 'We were able to save about 30 percent of the materials we wereusing.'The company likewise pivoted away from using multiple paper tags on clothing, instead using a single tag with a QR code that people can scan for more product information.'Out of the gate, the first season, we saved over 175,000 pounds of paper from landfills,' she says.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 with Sun Bingo – here's how to get involved
SINCE 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated on 22 nd April. The aim is to raise awareness and celebrate the protection of the planet. The day seeks to tackle environmental issues, including pollution and climate change. An estimated one billion people across 192 countries celebrate Earth Day. History of Earth Day Wisconsin after he saw the disastrous environmental effects of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. The senator was so shocked that he decided to dedicate a day to the prevention of similar events in the future. The first official Earth Day saw 20 million people in America take to the streets in protest of the polluting effects of industry. That was approximately 10% of the US population at that time. Senator Nelson wanted to inject the enthusiasm of the student political voice, which was very outspoken against the Vietnam War at the time, into conservation efforts. Hence, 22 nd April was chosen as the event date because it fell between Spring Break and final exams, maximising the likelihood of student participation. 1 Earth Day 202 5 This year marks 55 years of Earth Day! Each year has a specific theme. This year, the focus is 'OUR POWER, OUR PLANET". According to the Earth Day website, the aim with this theme is to unite supporters behind renewable energy, with the goal of tripling the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. As renewable energy comes from sources that can be replenished (e.g. wind power), which do not produce greenhouse gasses, they do not contribute to climate change. The movement towards such energy sources will diminish our reliance on fossil fuels. It is reported that 49 nations already generate more than half of their electricity needs from solar, wind, water and geothermal sources. They include Switzerland, New Zealand, Norway and Canada. Meanwhile, Iceland gets 99.99% of its electricity from renewable sources. According to Aidan Charron, Associate Director of Global Earth Day: 'Switching to renewables also represents a humanitarian revolution — for the first time in human history, we have a path to provide virtually unlimited, low-cost energy for everyone". There are some big events have been organised for this year's Earth Day. New York will be hosting its annual Car-Free Earth Day on Saturday 26th April between 10am and 4pm. London has lots of events as well, including Earthfest. This is an event that aims to bring the community together for a day of music, art, food, learning and fun. Earthfest will be on Saturday 26th April between 11am and 4pm. What can you do? It can feel overwhelming trying to think of a way to make an impact on a big issue, when you're an individual. However, the concept is to encourage lots of individual efforts so that they add up to big changes. For instance, you might want to plant a tree in honour of Earth Day. That may only be one tree. However, cumulatively, Earth Day (and the Canopy Project) has inspired tens of millions of trees to be planted since 2010. *New customers only. Deposit £10 for 50 free spins on selected games (wager winnings on free spins 20x within 7 days) & spend £10 on bingo tickets for £50 bingo bonus (wager bonus 4x within 7 days). Accept bonus & free spins within 48hrs. Debit cards only. Offer ends 30.04.25. 18+. T&Cs apply. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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.
