March 25, 2020

The problem of plastic pollution is widespread

That equates to an estimated 15."We found that the chance of disease increased from four percent to 89 percent when corals are in contact with plastic," said lead author Joleah Lamb, from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University in Australia. "For example, plastic items such as those commonly made of polypropylene, like bottle caps and toothbrushes, have been shown to become heavily inhabited by bacteria that are associated with a globally devastating group of coral diseases known as white syndromes. (Photo: Pexels) MIAMI: When coral reefs come in contact with plastic trash in the ocean, their risk of becoming diseased skyrockets, said an international study out Thursday.2 percent of the ocean floor -- China plastic pet sheets factory but provide crucial habitat for nearly a million species of young fish."Coral reefs are already under stress due to global warming, which boosts diseases and can cause coral to bleach and die. Representational Image."


The problem of plastic pollution is widespread in the world's oceans, and is rapidly getting worse.Lamb said scientists are still trying to figure out why plastics are so dangerous for coral, which are living organisms that cover about 0.Coral reefs are already under stress due to global warming. Researchers examined more than 120,000 corals on 159 reefs -- some polluted with plastic, others not -- from Indonesia, Australia, Myanmar and Thailand for the study in the journal Science.7 billion plastic items on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific by 2025."We estimate there are 11.1 billion plastic items on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific and forecast this to increase by 40 percent within seven years," Lamb said.It could be that "plastics make ideal vessels for colonizing microscopic organisms that could trigger disease if they come into contact with corals," she said

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March 09, 2020

Mr Kadam clarified that no strict action would be against small traders initially

However, environmentalists feel that once the government makes one exception, there will be similar dem-ands for other festivals and the purpose of the plastic ban, which will be implemented from Saturday, will be defeated. With nylon and paper bags firmly in place, a shop in Fort is prepared for the ban.Environment activists have strongly opposed the relaxation on use of thermocol during Ganesh-otsav.A delegation of Ganesh mandal workers met Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray on Friday. As of now there are talks that there would be a relaxation on use of thermocol during the Ganesh festival.The minister also said that there would be no China PVC sheets factory extension or exemption for any plastic item as part of the ban.He asked them to counsel the workers over usage of plastic and thermocol. "Our main focus is on the manufacturers of plastic.. Girish Raut, environment activist, opposed the idea. If we allow relaxations in one instance there will be more demands. I have already instructed our officers to start registering FIRs against such manufacturers. They requested him to rethink on his decision to ban thermocol as decoration during Ganeshotsav. We will discuss the demand in a high power committee,” said Mr Kadam.


Meanwhile, Mr Kadam clarified that no strict action would be against small traders initially and that the focus will mainly be on plastic production units at this stage. Mumbai: The state government is mulling allowing thermocol decorations during Ganeshotsav. We all know that it is used for decorations duringthe Ganesh festival. So, the government must make people aware of the damage caused instead of imposing relaxations,” said Mr Raut.Interestingly, Mr Thackeray is himself batting for a complete ban.Govt is mulling move even as ban is to come into force, environmentalists oppose idea.

There is just a technical difference between thermocol and plastic. During a meeting with environment minister Ramdas Kadam, Mr Thackeray suggested a discussion of officers of the environment department with mandal workers. The plastic ban will have no real impact. If need be, they will raid certain plastic manufacturing units,” he added. Thermocol is used to decorate mandals.Mr Kadam said the decision rests with a high power committee. "It is true that there are concerns about these Ganesh mandal workers regarding thermocol

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February 28, 2020

Plastic milk pouches would have to be above 50 microns and it should be recyclable

The purchase of such bottles for the purpose of recycling should not cost more than one rupee.He said they would have to set up bottle recycling and collection centres within three months of the rules and regulations being published..He said that manufacturers, sellers and distributors should consider it their responsbility to prepare a mechanism to recycle PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.The ban would cover the production, use, storage, sale, distribution, import and transportation of plastic, the minister informed the House.He said that instead of completely prohibiting industries?manufacturing PET bottles, the GST directorate would levy reuse and recycle charges and local bodies would collect revenue generated from it.He said that those violating the ban would be fined Rs 25,000 and could also face a three-year jail term.Similarly, plastic covers and wrappers used for manufactured and processed products would also be exempt, China PS sheets manufacturers he said. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has decided to ban the use of plastic from "Gudi Padva", the Maharashtrian New Year which falls on March 18, Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam today said in the state Assembly.Ban would cover the production, use, storage, sale, distribution, import and transportation of plastic, the minister informed the House.He told the House that plastic bags, thermocol, disposable cups and plates, cutlery, non-woven polypropylene bags, plastic pouches and packaging would be banned.However, plastic used to cover medicines, forest and horticulture products, solid waste, tree saplings and the use of plastic in special economic zones for export purposes would be exempt from the ban.


Plastic milk pouches would have to be above 50 microns and it should be recyclable, he said, adding that these used pouches should be bought back for recycling at a cost not less than 50 paise. He said that those violating the ban would be fined Rs 25,000 and could also face a three-year jail term.Kadam said that the dairy industry must have a mechanism for the collection of used milk pouches and it would be mandatory for them to buy it back

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February 24, 2020

If you are planning to keep exotic animals as pets

Please keep this in mind when choosing a pet for your household. Rani’s pet farm, which she inherited from her father, is home of a number of exotic animals and birds. "When considering an exotic animal as a pet, please do your homework. So you need to keep a triad between the animal, the owner and the veterinarian, so that they can help you diagnose the problem,” she suggests. 


The veterinarian who specialised in birds says that she has a wide variety of exotic birds at their home – such as macaws, grey parrots, amazons, cockatoos, conures, lorikeets, pionus, rosellas, lovebirds and more. "So make sure you are capable of looking after the pet first,” she concludes. This is just one case. Just because you have money to buy an exotic animal, that does not make you eligible to look after it. Besides, there are do’s and don’ts that one must follow, says veterinarian and China PVC sheets keeper of Sara’s Exotic Birds Centre, Dr Rani Maria Thomas. 

For example, some birds make loud noises. In most cases, they live for decades, so they are not a short-term commitment for responsible owners. Birds, fish, iguanas, lhasa apsos, monkeys and many more are at her home in Alappuzha, and she says it is not a mini zoo. "All our pets, whether domesticated or exotic, deserve respect and the proper care. They deserve all we can provide for them when they are in our care.There are do’s and don’ts that one must follow while keeping an exotic pet. Always keep the best interests of the animal in mind. But they require special care and attention as well. If they are injured or tired, they won’t let you understand the situation sometimes. Think whether you can provide all that the animal requires to live comfortably. 

If you are planning to keep exotic animals as pets, it is best to do your homework first.” Rani’s pet farm, which she inherited from her father, is home of a number of exotic animals and birds. It is quite a challenge, and demands a lot of time and effort to keep a ‘non-native’ friend with you. Consider the life span of the animal, its special needs and the local laws. This is one of their defensive mechanisms which help them from the predators. "These exotic animals, has a masking phenomenon that they develop in the wild. So if you have an exotic pet, that is tamed and under your custody, it might use this sometimes.When people come to buy these animals and birds, she gives them some tips forehand, which are very important to keep in mind because you are dealing with not any common pet and she doesn’t want them to make any false moves. If you can’t bear loud noise, you may not want to consider a large bird. Research what the animal needs as far as its habitat and diet are concerned. Why do people keep exotic animals and birds as their pets? For gaining some kind of personal benefit, is one of the main reasons.” She also recommends that you consult a veterinarian or an expert whenever you find something odd. "Exotic birds such as parrots, conures, macaws and cockatoos are beautiful. It is applicable to all the exotic birds and animals. And it’s important to be aware of their bevaviour in certain environments. Keeping an exotic pet has become a trend, which may result in unexpected consequences if you are not ready to welcome your new friend home,” says Rani.. All types of animals are available in pet shops nowadays, not just dogs and cats. The last thing we need for the animal is it ending up being released in the wild or living the rest of its life at a local animal shelter,” Rani says

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February 18, 2020

They could act as an alternative to a sibling and ensure that the growing

In her research, she tracked how much time kids over age three spent actively caring for their pets versus caring for or even playing with younger siblings.Considering the shrinking size of families, the world is experiencing a rise in the incidence of allergic disorders.”In our modern world, there’s little opportunity for kids to provide for other living things aside from pets. 


In many other countries, siblings look after one another, but in the US that’s not culturally acceptable,” Dr Melson says.).The "hygiene hypothesis” was first formulated in 1989 by an epidemiologist, Dr Strachan, who reported an inverse relationship between family size and development of atopic disorders, and proposed that a lower incidence of infection in early childhood, transmitted by unhygienic contact with older siblings or acquired pre-natally could be a cause for the rise in allergic diseases.

Here are some reasons to let fur fly in the house ets protectAs a behaviourist, I frequently get calls from expecting mothers who are concerned about hygiene levels of having a pet around a newborn. People need a way to practise being caregivers when they’re young. Everyone takes the dog for a walk, which increases physical activity, or takes turns in grooming and feeding him, or gets down on the floor and plays with him. If someone asks what you’ve been doing, you might respond "nothing”.

Pets promote learningParents and relatives of young children often believe that pets are a distraction. They are so anxious about the baby that they are willing to re-home their pets.(Shruti Srinath is a doctor, a canine behaviourist and mother to a five-year-old. Positive relationships show measurably higher oxytocin with lower cortisol and alpha-amylase levels. "And you don’t learn to nurture because you were nurtured as a child. And this is where pets come in. There are even benefits from simply watching a cat China PVC sheets manufacturers chase her tail or a fish swim in his tank.Pets build family bondsA pet is often the focus of activities that families do together. Once I became a certified dog trainer and behaviourist, I realised the amazing role the pet plays in inculcating empathy, compassion and responsibility in a child. 

 After becoming a doctor, I realised the various health benefits of sharing your childhood with a pet. All the above are proven to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Research shows reduced stress levels and found that kids were most relaxed around the animal, not humans. By age eight, girls are more likely to be involved than boys in baby care both inside and outside their homes, but when it comes to pet care, both genders remain equally involved. This may come as a revelation, but it has been long known that dogs improve the immunity of those co-habiting with them (particularly children). Spending time like this offers the wonderful potential of slowing down the hectic pace of modern life. 

They could act as an alternative to a sibling and ensure that the growing child has adequate exposure to "dirt” to help develop its immune system. There is strong scientific evidence to believe that the dirt (antigens) brought by your pet into the house actually helps regulate the maturation of the child’s immune system and protects the child from developing a variety of allergic diseases. Having grown up around dogs, I’ve always considered myself lucky. "It’s actually illegal in many states to leave kids in the care of anyone who is under 16 years of age.4 minutes. A Swedish study published in the Journal of Scientific Reports revealed that dog ownership is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, among other benefits, and as a consequence dog owners live longer. Over a 24-hour period, pet-owning kids spent 10.And in this era of overscheduled children and parents who are constantly on the go, "nothing” can be an important thing to do. "Nurturing isn’t a quality that suddenly appears in adulthood when we need it,” she says.Pets also reduce depression, anxiety, and social isolation thanks to the strong relations between the owner and the pet. This seemed surprising till I read the book The World of Children and Their Companion Animals.Further, pets reduce depression, anxiety, and social isolation thanks to the strong relations between the owner and the pet.3 minutes in care-giving; those with younger siblings spent only 2.Pets encourage nurturingDr Melson began studying the impact of pets in order to learn how human beings develop the ability to care for others.”

So, how are the seeds of good parenting skills planted during childhood? Dr Melson believes one way is through pets."Nurturing animals is especially important for boys because taking care of an animal isn’t seen as a ‘girl’ thing like babysitting, playing house, or playing with dolls,” Dr Melson says.The book states that all children can benefit from the presence of a non-judgemental pal with paws. However, I find my daughter, who is usually reluctant to read, now reading aloud to our dog as she pets him, shows him pictures, and asks him questions.

Contrary to popular perception, there is strong scientific evidence to believe that the dirt (antigens) brought by your pet into the house actually helps regulate the maturation of the child’s immune system and protects the child from developing asthma and a variety of allergic diseases. Finally, as a mother of a five-year-old daughter, I cannot overstate the fact that pets are truly a child’s best friend. This has been implemented across the world by bringing therapy animals (mostly dogs) into schools to help developmentally-challenged kids learn

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January 18, 2020

But this relationship privilege comes with a handful of responsibilities

But this relationship privilege comes with a handful of responsibilities, as pets are not an accessory that can be cast aside and forgotten, but are animal companions that need care, love and affection.A responsible pet owner should invest time, energy and money into the pet’s needs — which include proper housing (in China PP sheets manufacturers case of reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects - terrarium/aquarium, heating, water and hide); health care protocols like vaccinations, parasite control, feeding (meeting the food requirements of the species), cleanliness and so on.


Exotic pets should be kept in captivity until their death or you should provide alternative arrangements for such a time, when one can no longer provide for them, as releasing them into our backyard is illegal and will create an ecological imbalance. As a responsible pet owner, one should commit to selecting a pet that is suitable for your household/home. In case of exotic pets, please keep a record on the type of food you feed, the amount of food you feed and the time at which it’s been fed.While keeping an exotic pet, one should fulfill all legalities pertaining to the species, including local ordinances, licensing, handling requirements and so on. 

One should also make sure that you are thorough and up to date on the species and its identity and are comfortable handling them, if needed. Keeping your pet happy and healthy can be a little tricky and it does require time, money and discipline. Always keep personal records for your pets including your observations.Remember, when you adopt/provide for a pet, you are committing to care for the animal for its entire life, because owning a pet is a privilege but also a big responsibility.Observation is the key to keeping any animals as pets. In case of breeding your pets, please be responsible. Do not allow your pet to be stray or feral. Observing your pet will help you understand a lot about its behaviour and potential problems it faces. Keeping your pet happy and healthy can be a little tricky and it does require time, money and discipline.

The author is a wildlife biologist with specific interest in herpetology and conservation. Although the responsibilities change depending on the pets you keep, here are a few that you should keep in mind — before and while having pets:Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet. In the course of evolution, we seem to have developed a symbiotic relationship with our pets. This will help in taking timely decisions in your pets’ life, when necessary.Although the responsibilities change depending on the pets you keep, here are a few that you should keep in mind-before and while having pets

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January 13, 2020

The plight of rivers across Kerala is another example

How can we put an end to it? Are there any alternatives? Why don’t we use refillable metal containers? Why don’t we reuse cloth or mesh bags that will last for years and cause no harm? Similar questions aligned with the theme of Earth Day 2018 — End Plastic Pollution.. It’s increasingly finding its way into our oceans and other waterbodies. Though we have projects like ‘waste to energy plant’ in Brahmapuram, we still have not reached a level where we could tackle the issue completely. Joy. 


Principal Scientist and head in-charge, Fishery Environment Management Division, Dr Kripa states, "Pollutants upset primary food production in water bodies by preventing the entry of sunlight into water, thus affecting the productivity of the region.M. Have you ever wondered where the plastic waste ends up? You probably won’t believe it if someone answers ‘inside a young male sperm whale that was found dead off the coast of Spain’. 

Marine life is in great danger and the prime reason for it is us, humans."According to recent studies, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, if governments don’t take immediate action. Plastic microparticles are getting into the flesh of the fish we consume. This has been the case of Kochi. Consumption of plastic by marine creatures causes severe digestive problems, which go mainly untreated. Plastic bags, bottles and other disposable items are the most common littered objects, polluting and destroying entire ecosystems that are vital for the planet. They lack stringent law to prevent littering and plastic usage. 

 Though people are not throwing the plastic waste into oceans, they are not aware of the danger of dumping it in public places. People have to show some civic sense,” says retired associate professor and environmental activist Dr C. Also, littering in beaches impacts tourism.Plastic pollution is poisoning oceans, endangering marine life and ecosystems, thus, affecting health. "Our governments have failed to tackle the issue. Believe it or not, it is true. Government will have to urge and make plans to implement it,” he added. The waters are polluted with plastic like never before. Fishes have a tendency to eat whatever tiny pieces similar to their natural prey, even if plastic, float in the sea. Ghost nets, that are left behind by the fisherman, also cause trouble. Large amounts of plastic waste are washed into the ocean every year, jeopardising the natural ambience of the marine life. The only way is to reduce the use of plastic.

The plight of rivers across Kerala is another example of plastic waste that never PVC sheets goes away. The fate of the sperm whale maybe just another incident among marine species, as the use of plastic and unscientific dumping causes problems everywhere. She explains, "Marine debris is any man-made, solid material that enters waterways directly through littering or indirectly via rivers, streams and storm drains.”Fisheries Department’s research wing conducts a number of awareness classes and symposium about marine debris and its issues, but it still remains as a threat.More than eight million tonnes of plastic leak into the ocean each year, which is equivalent to dumping a truck filled with plastic into the sea every minute. In addition to causing intestinal injury and death to shellfishes, plastic also triggers the risk of extinction of bigger fishes and other marine mammals across the food chain.”While it is our duty to ensure that we are not littering, activists like Purushan Eloor says governments have a key role in this. 

Once again, it is a dire reminder that pollution has a great price, and that price is often paid by wildlife. Tons of plastic fragments — like grocery bags, straws and soda bottles — are carried into the oceans every day. Reports suggest that the consumption of plastic by all kinds of fishes amounts to several tonnes every year.Marine ecosystem has been facing threats from plastic pollution. Proper waste management is the only solution. If we need to see a change, we should start working towards it. Because these plastic wastes reach oceans eventually. Representative image: students observe an installation made of plastic bottles

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