Microplastic particles in water

The latest report by WHO states that almost 94% of all packaged water bottles contain micro plastic particles in them which maybe twice as high as those present in tap water. While it may not be sure what harm these particles cause to human health or to the aquatic life that consumes it, they are still a matter of concern. The biggest problem with pollution by micro plastic parts that they are too small to be seen by eyes or separated by any process. In December 2015, President Obama banned the use of plastic micro-beads in all products including body scrubs and toothpaste. The micro beads are used for exfoliating purpose but being made of plastic are non-biodegradable and form a large part of micro plastics present in water. As the plastic is building up in marine animals, humans are exposed to not as well. The toxicity of plastic wastes and their build up in the marine life is a matter of concern. So while the exact adverse affect of micro plastic particles may be unknown, in the long term, they may pose far greater problems.

Women's day

Every year we celebrate international women's day. It is good that we celebrate those women who have achieved something in the fields of science, business, sports or politics. We even talk about the empowerment of the weak and downtrodden women but in reality nothing really changes. Women are accountable for the majority of unpaid labour, they do not get equally paid for equal work, they are subjected to sexual abuse at workplace and domestic violence at home, they are more likely to dropout from school or leave job to take care of their family members. Women do not get equal opportunities for education, employment or even reproductive rights. They become child brides, often married off to their rapist. They may be harassed for dowry or abused physically, mentally or economically at home. They are subjected to body shaming or other comments. In USA, their reproductive rights are endangered, in India, harassment for dowry, in vast majority of developing countries, they do not have access to education, around the world, they are subjected to harassment. Female foeticide or the abandonment of new born girls is also uncontrollable. They walk miles to collect potable water facing hardships and dangers. Religious laws are used first to curb the freedom of women. Just celebrating women's day is not enough unless actual meaningful work is done to uplift the women. Not just the laws but their implementation is required. But more than law, a change in attitude towards girls and women in needed. Where the subject is demand for equality, just celebrating on one day is not enough. Real work, all 365 days of the year is required.

Curbing food wastage

While about 795 million or one in every nine people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy life, one-third of all food is wasted. In the developing nations, food is wasted at the production stage while in developed nations it is wasted at the stage of consumption. The French have passed a law in 2016 to control food wastage at the super markets. According to the law, groceries and super markets are required to donate all food new expiry date to charities. Grocery stores are banned from throwing away edible food and can be fined $4500 each time. A large amount of food is wasted at the grocery stores which throw away food which is still good but past its sell by date. The sell by dates are often confusing and are largely responsible for the food wastage at the consumption stage, as they do not indicate the state of food quality. The new law is a way of preventing food wastage at this point and can be a guide for other nations also looking for ways to control food wastage as well as combatting hunger at the same time.