November 21 to 29, 2020 is European Week for Waste Reduction! In celebration, we are republishing a previous Earth.Org piece detailing how the EU is working to reduce waste. In early March, the EU released its Circular Economy Action Plan which requires manufacturers to make products that last longer and are easier to repair, use and recycle. Taking effect in 2021, the plan is a part of the EU’s targets to become a climate-neutral economy by 2050 as outlined in its New Green Deal. How will the average consumer be affected by this plan?

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The climate crisis has no borders; it affects everyone at all levels. Most Europeans agree with this. A recent Eurobarometer survey carried out in 2019 showed that 95% agree that environmental protection is important, while 91% believe that climate change is a serious problem and protective legislation is required. Policies aimed at reducing plastic waste were also widely supported. In response to this support for environmental protection, the EU Commission signalled The European Green Deal in the same month as the Eurobarometer survey. 

The EU says that global consumption of materials such as biomass, fossil fuels, metals and minerals is expected to double in the next 40 years. 

This deal aims to reset the EU’s commitments on climate change, whilst also serving as their new economic growth strategy. One of the main targets outlined in the Deal is for the EU’s economy to become climate-neutral by 2050, and the Commission hopes to achieve this through legally binding laws, social improvements, and a shift in economic growth thinking. 

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Soon after, the Commission released its proposal for the first European Climate Law which aims to write into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal- to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. With this law, all member states are required to set measures to meet this target, monitor their progress, and make the changes permanent. Hence the EU Circular Economy Action Plan was born.

What is the circular economy?

A circular economy is based on the principles of doing away with waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. Under the ‘Circular Electronics Initiative’, the plan will require manufacturers of products like smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronics to use designs and materials that allow for easy repairs, such as the use of screws instead of glue, and to include parts that are more recyclable, repairable and durable. These standards already exist for some items manufactured within the EU, like dishwashers, televisions and washing machines. 

The plan also attempts to tackle ‘throwaway culture’, by preventing planned obsolescence of products; companies like Apple have admitted intentionally making goods with a shorter lifespan to force consumers to buy a new model. Other initiatives include creating a universal charger that fits all brands of phones and an EU-wide trade-in scheme for electronics. These policies will reduce consumption of raw materials and prolong the lifetime of products. 

Consumers can also expect to receive information at the point of sale regarding a product’s lifespan, where to receive repair services, and repair manuals. This aims to address the ‘right to repair’ movement, a campaign advocating for consumers to fix their electronic items themselves and breaking the monopoly that manufacturers have over repair parts where fixing a broken part is extremely expensive or only available at the brand’s authorised outlets.

Consumers will also start to see restrictions on products that include microplastics, for example, personal care products, paints, detergents, and more. Labels will be placed on products that unintentionally release microplastics, such as tyres and woven polyester textiles, to empower consumers to make more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. Additionally, plastic products will be required to be composed of a set amount of recycled content. 

In 2017, Europeans on average generated 172kg of packaging waste each, with 116kg being recycled. The plan will require all packaging to be reusable and reduce the complexity of materials so that it is easier to recycle by 2030. Often products are encased in packaging that has multiple layers of plastic, making it extremely difficult to recycle and ending up in landfills or incinerators. While there are options to recycle multi-layered packaged products, most of these are limited in scope or use too much energy. Sorting of these plastics becomes too complex for existing systems and the only viable solution is to reduce the material complexity at the source. 

A study says that manufacturing firms in the EU spend on average about 40% on materials; this ‘closed loop’ model can increase their profitability. 

The plan also bans the destruction of unsold durable goods, likely targeting designer brands and luxury goods, such as Burberry, which has burned £90 million of merchandise over the past five years to prevent them being stolen or sold cheaply. This change follows in the footsteps of France’s recent and similar law. 

Understanding the difficulty a lot of businesses and countries will likely face in adhering to this plan, the EU has pledged to provide financial and non-financial support to those who need it. 

A study estimates that applying circular economy principles across the EU may increase EU GDP by an additional 0.5% by 2030 creating around 700 000 new jobs, showing that the advantages of adopting a circular economy are not just environmental. 

The EU is making excellent strides in moving towards a circular economy, reducing intensity of resource use, promoting the use of recycled and secondary materials, and the empowerment of eco-conscious consumers. Aside from environmental benefits, consumers will enjoy more durable, reliable and protected products. The targets and legislative proposals in this action plan will need to be approved by the Members of the European Parliament before going into effect, but with increasing pressure from EU citizens, it will likely be approved. Parts of the legislation will come into effect this year and 2021.

Asia would benefit from policies such as the EU Circular Economy Plan. Rapid development and population growth has put immense pressure on the continent’s infrastructure. By 2050, the population is expected to rise to 5.3 billion people, however, as many Asian countries work to grow their economies and lift their people out of poverty, it is likely that this will not be the continent’s priority for many years to come. 

Featured image by: Klaas Brumann

The post The EU Circular Economy Action Plan Aims To End ‘Throwaway Culture’ appeared first on Earth.Org.

According to researchers at the University of Hawaii, a newly discovered seaweed has been wreaking havoc on the pristine coral reefs throughout the Northern Hawaiian islands. Individual mats of this seaweed are as big as football fields, have the ability to break off and form tumbleweed-like structures, and- most dangerously- compete with corals for nutrients and light. They have described this seaweed as ‘highly destructive with the potential to outgrow entire reef systems’. 

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The seaweed was discovered in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a pristine conservation area with high ecological value considered as a World Heritage Site. The area is home to over 7 000 marine species, 14 million seabirds, and is home to the threatened green sea turtle and endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Each of these species relies on the existing reef systems for shelter, food and structural protection (erosion protection from waves). 

The red seaweed, known as Chondria tumulosa, was initially discovered through surveys conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) back in 2016. The first appearance was in the Pearl and Hermes Atoll. A follow-up survey was conducted in 2019 and it was then that researchers discovered their alarming growth rates that had covered entire reef systems. From DNA testing, there is no existing match of known algae, hence it is considered a new type of seaweed in the genus Chondria. 

According to the US National Invasive Species Information Center, the new seaweed is not considered invasive, as it is unknown whether it was introduced to the native islands by humans or if it originated from there in very small numbers and only recently exploded. Normally, marine invasive species are introduced into new areas via human activities, through fish being accidentally transported on ships, for example. 

Researchers have instead characterised the seaweed as a ‘nuisance species’ due to the sudden ecological impact caused by its expansive and explosive growth. There is conclusive evidence of their abilities to destroy coral reefs; according to the published article, the seaweed was found to outgrow native reef species and replace keystone species, fundamentally, changing the ecological structure of reefs. This has caused irreversible damage to coral reefs in Hawaii because the seaweed is outcompeting the corals for light and nutrients, causing a collapse in the ecosystem. 

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The researchers are also concerned at the seaweed’s tendency to break off into tumbleweed-like structures and travel far distances, posing risks for nearby coral reef ecosystems. 

Another example where an invasive species has decimated the native ecosystem is that of the lionfish. Originating from the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, the lionfish has invaded the Atlantic ocean, with frequent sightings along the southeastern coast of the US and the Bermuda Islands. The Lionfish hunts and outcompetes native fish for food, causing an imbalanced food chain.

In areas where the seaweed had taken over, Heather Spalding, one of the researchers and an algae specialist from the University of Hawaii says that “everything was dead underneath.” The large mats of seaweed essentially block light that corals need to live, making it difficult for these and other marine life to flourish. Known species of fish that graze on algae do not touch the new seaweed, and such areas are void of marine life. 

Determining the causes of a systemic change in the ecosystem is rather difficult but one important factor favouring seaweed growth is increasing ocean temperatures. Opportunistic seaweed can adapt to fluctuating warmer waters and completely overtake coral-dominated systems. An example of this is in the Gulf of Maine where there used to be an abundance of kelp beds but these are currently being overtaken by turf seaweed. Growth of kelp beds favour lower temperatures and they provide large areas of cover for the native fish. Without this cover, native fish are being predated on by migratory fish species.

Seasonal changes can contribute to seaweed blooms throughout the year, but with over 20 years of NOAA observations and surveys in the area, the researchers have concluded that it is not an ordinary seaweed seasonal growth, but rather a symptom of an existing problem, such as increasing water temperature from climate change. 

To combat this nuisance seaweed and save coral reefs in Hawaii and beyond, it is vital to find out the origins and causes of growth, both of which are still unknown at this stage. The researchers are returning to the area to study for more information.

Featured image by: Mike Cialowicz

The post Where Is This Coral-Killing Seaweed Coming From? appeared first on Earth.Org.

Saltwater aquariums are aesthetic displays of reef systems that are placed inside homes or public spaces to evoke a sense of calm. Less calming is the process of harvesting these marine organisms, which is severely deteriorating sensitive coral reef systems.

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Approximately two million people are believed to be keeping marine aquariums, and the trade is estimated to be worth up to USD$330 million annually. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), over 1 400 species of fish are traded globally with up to 24 million individuals traded annually and about 140 species of coral species are traded globally, with up to 12 million pieces of coral traded annually. Finally, more than 500 marine invertebrates are traded globally, with an estimated 10 million individuals traded annually.

The Truth About Aquariums

Some countries, like Hawaii, lack regulations that protect their reefs- anyone is free to take reef fish; unless a net with holes smaller than two inches is used, people are able to catch fish for home aquariums without permits. Other countries may have stricter regulations such as the Philippines, that ban visitors from taking marine organisms and ban the use of destructive fishing methods. Despite this, marine animals are still collected through unsustainable practices, including using cyanide as a sedative to collect reef fish, physically chiselling corals and snapping off branch corals to scare fish into nets. These practices are highly destructive to reefs, causing massive trauma to slow-growing corals. The marine aquarium trade is an added pressure on the planet’s reef systems, along with the climate crisis, overfishing and accidental damage by tourists. The Banggai Cardinalfish is an example of a reef fish that has been harvested to the point of endangerment. 

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Some countries have banned some of the most destructive techniques of harvesting reef species, for example the Philippines’ Fisheries code of 1998, however, it is difficult to monitor and educate locals on better harvesting techniques as most fish harvesters for aquariums are individuals or small families that sell to exporters that ship the animals, with the largest markets being the US, Europe and Japan. This is exacerbated by government corruption and poor enforcement, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. 

However, the trade is essential for communities living in the Coral Triangle, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. Named for its incredible number of coral (nearly 600 different species of reef-building corals alone), communities in this region are usually limited in job opportunities due to the lack of development and with the aquarium trade booming in demand, the trade provides vital jobs.

Aside from reef destruction from harvesting, countries are reporting invasive species introduced by the aquarium trade. An example of this is the lionfish that has wreaked havoc in US waters. The fish, native to the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, has been introduced to Atlantic waters through accidental or mercy releases by aquarium owners. The lionfish is a predatory fish that poses a considerable threat to native species due to competition and predation. A study by Oregon State University revealed that over a five-week period, the presence of lionfish on reefs prevented 79% of small larval fish reaching adulthood in coral research sites. These important species include herbivores that graze on algae that grow on corals; without them, the health of corals drastically decreases. Common snapper and grouper populations are decreasing as the lionfish competes with them for food. Economic damage from the lionfish invasion was analysed in Jamaica and was estimated to be approximately USD$11 million for June of 2011 alone. A more recent study conducted on the smaller Island of Tobago shows that the welfare loss due to lionfish invasion was valued at USD$130 000 per year. Some other popular fish for aquariums seen as invasive include the clownfish, tang fish and angelfish.

The only international agreement that makes provision for the protection of coral reef wildlife is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The agreement has 183 signatory countries, including China, US, Coral Triangle countries and Japan. However, a key issue with this agreement is that numerous species that are popular within the trade are not listed, making their conservation difficult. 

Developed nations (importers) should take the lead in implementing laws on the trade, since countries in the Coral Triangle, for example, do not have the resources to implement and enforce regulations. 

Besides regulations, developed nations can support developing nations through the provision of resources, like educating local fish harvesters on safer methods of collection, educating communities on aquacultures of local corals and marine fish, avoiding the capture of endangered species and supporting local governments to enforce regulations.

Currently, there are varying levels of success for certain regulations in the marine aquarium trade in both source and importing countries. Gear restrictions, Fish Recovery Areas, bans and catch limits, seasonal regulations and precautionary regulations are successful management methods that show the significant potential for wide-scale sustainable transformation of the trade.

However, the trade provides some environmental benefits; firstly, it increases the valuation of marine aquarium species. Although this can result in increased catches, conservation efforts have also increased. For instance, to keep up with the demand for corals in the trade, aquarists have grown corals in tanks for sale. As a result, after decades of coral propagation, extensive scientific information gained from coral aquacultures can be used in the restoration of coral reef systems. By manipulating environmental factors such as lighting, nutrition and water flow, there is greater quality, productivity and growth rates of corals. 

Another benefit of increased valuations is the reduction in exploitative practices, such as indiscriminate coral limestone extraction and overfishing. In a UNEP report, one kilogram of fish for aquariums was valued at US$500, whereas one kilogram of reef fish harvested for consumption was valued at US$6. Similarly, one tonne of coral traded for the aquarium hobby was valued at US$7000 meanwhile one tonne of coral used for limestone extraction was valued at US$60. 

The marine aquarium trade has also benefited science by providing easy access to marine species for research as well as educating the younger generation in the hopes that there will be more future awareness and conservation efforts. All these benefits further reflect the importance of creating a sustainable marine aquarium trade.

Coral reef systems are important ecological hotspots for ocean biodiversity and many vulnerable communities rely on them for their livelihoods. It is a shared responsibility between importing and exporting countries to improve the practices within the marine aquarium trade so that oceans and livelihoods are protected.

The post The Destructive Truth Behind Aquariums appeared first on Earth.Org.

In light of the plastic waste crisis plaguing the planet, a novel solution could lie in a type of worm that can biodegrade plastic. Could wax worms be deployed on a large enough scale to make a significant impact? 

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Polyethylene (PE) is a type of plastic derived from petroleum. It is the most common plastic used and has a wide variety of uses, including grocery bags, children’s toys, and food packaging. PE satisfies approximately 40% of the total demand for plastic packaging in products and its impact on the environment is significant as it is non-biodegradable. It is disposed of through incineration, chemical degradation, as well as in landfills, all of which degrade the environment further. 

The global PE market was USD $103.49 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $143.30 billion by 2026, illustrating an exponential rise in demand for the substance despite the growing push towards a green economy. 

A novel solution to ease this crisis might lie in wax worms. In a chance discovery, scientist Frederica Bertocchini found that these worms created holes in a plastic bag. To develop her finding, she teamed up with scientists from the University of Cambridge and confirmed, through several experiments, that the worms are able to break down the chemical bonds of PE.

By itself, PE takes hundreds of years to decompose depending on its form and use. For instance, a plastic bag can take up to 10 to 20 years to decompose, while plastic bottles can take 450 years. Even with chemical degradation, it takes several months to decompose. In a study, scientists found that 100 wax worms were able to biodegrade 92 milligrams of PE in 12 hours, or about 2.2 holes per hour per worm.

How Do Wax Worms Eat Plastic?

The answer lies in the worm’s physiology. Wax moths lay their eggs within beehives to allow the wax worms to feed on beeswax for nutrients. Both PE and beeswax are polymers consisting of similar chemical bonds. The worms’ ability to break down beeswax is thought to be similar to that of their ability to break down plastic.

However, it is still unclear whether this ability comes from enzymes found on the skin of the wax worm or from microbes found in its gut. To rule out mechanical degradation from the wax worms chewing and munching on the plastic, the scientists created a mixture of crushed wax worms and spread it on a thin sheet of PE plastic for two hours. The results showed that the mixture of dead worms did, in fact, biodegrade PE at an even higher rate than live worms.

In a recent study by the Pondicherry University in India, researchers found similar results in a smaller species of wax worm, with a biodegradation rate of 2.01 holes per hour in PE film. One key element in this study compared the survival rates between wax worms feeding on only PE and those on traditional wax worm diets. Worms that were on wax comb diets had a 92% survival rate, whereas wax worms on a PE diet had an 80% survival rate. PE by itself does not contain enough nutrition for the worms and those worms that survived resorted to eating the dead ones for nutrition. 

This raises the issue of ethics and could cause conflict with animal rights groups if this plastic waste management concept was to be carried out on a large scale. Adding nutrients to the PE mixtures might solve this issue, but may require more resources.

Aside from this, if wax worms were accidentally released into the wild, struggling bee populations might be severely impacted. Wax worms are considered pests by most beekeepers as they can rapidly destroy and chew through honeycombs.

However, in light of these ethical and environmental concerns, the idea should perhaps not be to produce millions of wax worms on farms, but rather to isolate and extract the enzyme or bacteria responsible for PE degradation and create an industrial enzyme solution for large-scale usage. 

The financial aspect of creating industrial enzymes is known to be quite expensive and may act as a barrier to the global market. The extraction, purification, and containment of enzymes are complex and require specific equipment. This is a similar barrier that prevents commercial success for bioethanol as a cleaner alternative to non-renewable fuels due to the high commercial costs of cellulase enzymes. But if this solution for the PE waste issue is proven to be viable, perhaps these high costs could be subsidised by governments and other pro-environment parties.

Wax worms are not the only worms that are able to biodegrade specific types of plastics; mealworms are also known to biodegrade polystyrene foam. The solution to solving the plastic waste crisis will require the collaboration of many industries, one of which could be the use of the wax worm. Overall, the potential for biochemical solutions holds great promise and should be explored further. 

The post How Wax Worms Can Be Used to Fight Plastic Waste appeared first on Earth.Org.