Major disagreement on plastics reduction at Geneva meeting. The lack of agreement is clearly reflected in the opposition of oil-producing countries and lobbyists linked to those countries. Between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste are dumped annually into aquatic ecosystems, a figure that could increase by 50% by 2040 if urgent action is not taken, according to the UN. The world produces more than 400 million tons of new plastic, and that figure could increase by around 70% by 2040 if policy changes are not made.
The reference to the full life cycle is what stalled the agreement because it opened the door not only to measures against existing pollution, but also to limits on the production of virgin plastic, something that scientists and various institutions consider essential. Many of the countries gathered to draft the text also believe this—there is a coalition of around 100 nations advocating for an ambitious treaty that includes these production limits.
But on the other side of the fence are oil-producing countries—98% of plastics come from fossil fuels—who want the pact to focus only on pollution and recycling measures and not impose production limits. Saudi Arabia leads this group of countries supported by the oil sector. During the last round of negotiations, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and Russia defeated any attempt to set limits on plastics production. They did so with the support of a record number of lobby groups linked to the chemical and fossil fuel industries, who attended the talks under the umbrella of the United Nations. One of the key points is the adoption of the "polluter pays" principle, part of the Nice Declaration, promoted by the EU and signed by nearly 100 countries. This text advocates for a global target to reduce plastics production and to regulate the most harmful chemicals.
However, oil-producing countries have strongly opposed these commitments, and the Commission itself admits that setting a specific reduction figure at this stage "will not be possible."
In fact, this sector sees increased plastics manufacturing as an alternative to offset the decline in its sales due to the advance of electric mobility. Hence, they do not want the agreement to impose production limits.
But if this production is not limited in some way, it will be difficult to curb the scourge of plastic pollution. This is suggested by various studies, for example, by the OECD. This organization explains that without stronger anti-plastic policies, plastic production and use are expected to increase by 70%, from 435 million tons in 2020 to 736 million tons in 2040. And the problem is that only 6% of plastics will come from recycled sources. At the same time, the release of poorly managed plastics into the environment, including their release into rivers, oceans, and land, will increase by 50%, according to the OECD. The cheapness of manufacturing this petroleum-derived material is one of the reasons why the global recycling rate is so low, which in turn leads to plastic waste ending up in landfills, incinerated, or polluting the environment.
Like many Latin American countries, the European Union as a whole, represented by the Commission, has been one of the blocs that has rejected the reduction in ambition that would result from leaving limits on plastic production out of a treaty on this type of pollution. And some of its members, such as France, have been very active. “The global treaty against plastic pollution is our opportunity to make a difference,” French President Emmanuel Macron stated via social media this Thursday. “But the lack of ambition in the text presented yesterday to the United Nations is unacceptable,” he added. "I call on all States present in Geneva to adopt a text that is commensurate with the environmental and health emergency."
Furthermore, beta-glucans are natural, soluble dietary fibers present in some foods, such as cereals (e.g., barley, oats, and corn bran) and mushrooms (e.g., maitake, reishi, and shitake mushrooms). Interestingly, one of the richest and most concentrated sources of beta-glucans in nature is the cell walls of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Regardless of the source, all beta-glucans are carbohydrates formed by a chain of glucose molecules and are absorbed into the body through the intestine.
Beta-glucans are also available in various forms as dietary supplements. Manufacturers extract the key compounds from the soluble portion of fiber-rich foods or baker's yeast and then remove all fats and proteins to refine and purify the extract. Basically, beta-1,3-glucan is a highly purified form of a food product. Subsequently, packaged in tablets and capsules, beta-glucans are sold to prevent or treat various diseases.
Research on beta-glucans has only just begun, but these molecules are already demonstrating potent immune-boosting properties, among other possibilities.
Some of the world's most prestigious universities have researched and documented the effects of beta-1,3-glucan. Among the applications proposed to date are the following:
1. Immunosuppression and associated diseases. As the numerous studies conducted on beta-glucan's activity as an immune system stimulator, or perhaps more descriptively as a "biological defense modifier," have repeatedly demonstrated, enormous benefits can be obtained from the use of beta-1,3-glucan as a dietary supplement. People who, due to age and other factors, such as chronic infection or malnutrition, have a weakened immune system are prone to arthritis, decreased wound healing, decreased bone marrow proliferation, and, as a result, lower white blood cell counts and anemia, a higher incidence of cancer, and a higher incidence of all types of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.
2. High cholesterol. Beta-glucans appear to be the primary cholesterol-lowering agent in oat bran fiber. Multiple clinical trials with beta-glucan published in the most prestigious scientific journals have shown that incorporating beta-glucan into a regular diet significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, without modifying HDL cholesterol levels in adults. Clinical trials have even shown that the higher the beta-glucan content of oat cereal (hot or cold), the greater the cholesterol-lowering effect. These same studies also demonstrate an association between lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. These scientific findings have supported this effect for beta-glucan from oats, barley, and certain yeasts.
3. Other applications. Beta-1,3 glucan can also prevent infections in people who have suffered traumatic injuries, regenerate and repair tissues, thus accelerating the recovery of injured tissues. Another function of glucan is its ability to act as a potent antioxidant or free radical scavenger. Based on what we now know about free radicals and their potential to accelerate aging and cause cancer and other diseases, this particular effect of beta-1,3 glucan is especially important. They even have the ability to protect against various forms of radiation, protecting blood macrophages from free radical attack during and after radiation, thus allowing these cells to continue performing their important functions in the irradiated body and releasing important factors for restoring normal bone marrow production.
Good to know a simple staple for many, oatmeal, can be a cleanser for the plastics and its harmful disruptive ways. It would be great if it were have a similar affect on Forever Chemicals too. Regardless the standard Big Money Monopoly once again is caught High Jacking areas of Organics and manipulating standards so as to use Glyphosate to dry out certain products. Oats being one of them. Sources for clean as we can get Oats, Oatmeal glyphosate clean as possible at least here are not labeled to jump out at the shoppers. Those of us who have followed this situation know just how bad the situation is when even the rain can be contaminated, well waters and still 'infect' our true organic efforts. Organic products for the most part are still the best bet to avoid Ag Chemicals. Stopping corruption - the Corporate capture to stop the High Jacking of honest earnest efforts. Vandana's a true pursuit of Oneness vs. the One Percent runs across the whole of society. Addressing the floods of plastics, forever chemicals and more has become the many decades long game of musical chairs and those 'chairs,' avenues of Healing and Not Stealing being pulled out, thrown away, while the High Jacking leaves the chairs of corruption in place. Yet, think it is all fruitless? Think you are not making a difference? Must be or if we weren't, the over reaction to Homesteaders, Grandma's Victory Garden wouldn't be filling the content of Legacy Media, the speeches of Corrupt Corporate Shills.
Yes, Just, Humanity faces a world filled with plastic pollution. Global plastic production has doubled in the last two decades. Microplastics can be found in various environmental compartments, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, soil, air, and even organisms. Scientists estimate that there are between 8 and 10 million metric tons of plastic in the oceans, some of which is consumed by fish and other wildlife. Microplastics have been detected in fruits and vegetables, plastic water bottles, the air, cosmetics, and household dust. Organs reported to be contaminated by microplastics and nanoplastics include the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, heart, skin, liver, kidneys, reproductive organs (testicles and placenta), and even the brain. The effects of microplastic pollution on these organs can include inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered organ function, causing a variety of health problems, including cancer, metabolic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and fertility issues.
Fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been associated with abnormal development of reproductive organs in male infants, with an increased risk of metabolic disorders in childhood, and may be associated with the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Some of these chemicals have also been linked to lower sperm quality in men.
The harm posed by microplastics is compounded by bisphenol A, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons, insecticides, heavy metals, and antibiotics that can contaminate microplastics. Microplastics mimic hormones and disrupt the body's natural endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones that govern processes such as growth and development, metabolism, appetite, mood, and reproduction.
Micro- and nanoplastics can serve as a source of carcinogenic or mutagenic substances, potentially causing DNA damage that can lead to carcinogenesis, the development of cancerous tumors. Genotoxicity studies aim to investigate the effects of microplastics and associated chemicals on DNA integrity, chromosomal structure, and genomic stability using sensitive assays. Furthermore, prolonged environmental exposure to microplastics can have significant adverse effects on cancer patients, affecting both cancer and immune cells.
Younger people diagnosed with colon cancer and other gastrointestinal-related cancers may be linked to the ingestion of plastics and other chemicals.
The UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment also offers additional tips to help minimize exposure to toxic chemicals, such as those sometimes found in microplastics: TOXIC MATTERS: NEW AND IMPROVED!
The article says DMSO helps Osteoarthritis.
What is the typical application for using it topically?
Thank you for these informative articles.
Here are all of Dr. Mercola's articles on DMSO:
https://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?q=DMSO#stq=DMSO
Thanks, Guillermo for the link and info in beta-glucans. I take my mushroom powder every night. This is helpful and appreciated. 👍😊
Major disagreement on plastics reduction at Geneva meeting. The lack of agreement is clearly reflected in the opposition of oil-producing countries and lobbyists linked to those countries. Between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste are dumped annually into aquatic ecosystems, a figure that could increase by 50% by 2040 if urgent action is not taken, according to the UN. The world produces more than 400 million tons of new plastic, and that figure could increase by around 70% by 2040 if policy changes are not made.
The reference to the full life cycle is what stalled the agreement because it opened the door not only to measures against existing pollution, but also to limits on the production of virgin plastic, something that scientists and various institutions consider essential. Many of the countries gathered to draft the text also believe this—there is a coalition of around 100 nations advocating for an ambitious treaty that includes these production limits.
But on the other side of the fence are oil-producing countries—98% of plastics come from fossil fuels—who want the pact to focus only on pollution and recycling measures and not impose production limits. Saudi Arabia leads this group of countries supported by the oil sector. During the last round of negotiations, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and Russia defeated any attempt to set limits on plastics production. They did so with the support of a record number of lobby groups linked to the chemical and fossil fuel industries, who attended the talks under the umbrella of the United Nations. One of the key points is the adoption of the "polluter pays" principle, part of the Nice Declaration, promoted by the EU and signed by nearly 100 countries. This text advocates for a global target to reduce plastics production and to regulate the most harmful chemicals.
However, oil-producing countries have strongly opposed these commitments, and the Commission itself admits that setting a specific reduction figure at this stage "will not be possible."
In fact, this sector sees increased plastics manufacturing as an alternative to offset the decline in its sales due to the advance of electric mobility. Hence, they do not want the agreement to impose production limits.
But if this production is not limited in some way, it will be difficult to curb the scourge of plastic pollution. This is suggested by various studies, for example, by the OECD. This organization explains that without stronger anti-plastic policies, plastic production and use are expected to increase by 70%, from 435 million tons in 2020 to 736 million tons in 2040. And the problem is that only 6% of plastics will come from recycled sources. At the same time, the release of poorly managed plastics into the environment, including their release into rivers, oceans, and land, will increase by 50%, according to the OECD. The cheapness of manufacturing this petroleum-derived material is one of the reasons why the global recycling rate is so low, which in turn leads to plastic waste ending up in landfills, incinerated, or polluting the environment.
Like many Latin American countries, the European Union as a whole, represented by the Commission, has been one of the blocs that has rejected the reduction in ambition that would result from leaving limits on plastic production out of a treaty on this type of pollution. And some of its members, such as France, have been very active. “The global treaty against plastic pollution is our opportunity to make a difference,” French President Emmanuel Macron stated via social media this Thursday. “But the lack of ambition in the text presented yesterday to the United Nations is unacceptable,” he added. "I call on all States present in Geneva to adopt a text that is commensurate with the environmental and health emergency."
Furthermore, beta-glucans are natural, soluble dietary fibers present in some foods, such as cereals (e.g., barley, oats, and corn bran) and mushrooms (e.g., maitake, reishi, and shitake mushrooms). Interestingly, one of the richest and most concentrated sources of beta-glucans in nature is the cell walls of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Regardless of the source, all beta-glucans are carbohydrates formed by a chain of glucose molecules and are absorbed into the body through the intestine.
Beta-glucans are also available in various forms as dietary supplements. Manufacturers extract the key compounds from the soluble portion of fiber-rich foods or baker's yeast and then remove all fats and proteins to refine and purify the extract. Basically, beta-1,3-glucan is a highly purified form of a food product. Subsequently, packaged in tablets and capsules, beta-glucans are sold to prevent or treat various diseases.
Research on beta-glucans has only just begun, but these molecules are already demonstrating potent immune-boosting properties, among other possibilities.
Some of the world's most prestigious universities have researched and documented the effects of beta-1,3-glucan. Among the applications proposed to date are the following:
1. Immunosuppression and associated diseases. As the numerous studies conducted on beta-glucan's activity as an immune system stimulator, or perhaps more descriptively as a "biological defense modifier," have repeatedly demonstrated, enormous benefits can be obtained from the use of beta-1,3-glucan as a dietary supplement. People who, due to age and other factors, such as chronic infection or malnutrition, have a weakened immune system are prone to arthritis, decreased wound healing, decreased bone marrow proliferation, and, as a result, lower white blood cell counts and anemia, a higher incidence of cancer, and a higher incidence of all types of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.
2. High cholesterol. Beta-glucans appear to be the primary cholesterol-lowering agent in oat bran fiber. Multiple clinical trials with beta-glucan published in the most prestigious scientific journals have shown that incorporating beta-glucan into a regular diet significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, without modifying HDL cholesterol levels in adults. Clinical trials have even shown that the higher the beta-glucan content of oat cereal (hot or cold), the greater the cholesterol-lowering effect. These same studies also demonstrate an association between lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. These scientific findings have supported this effect for beta-glucan from oats, barley, and certain yeasts.
3. Other applications. Beta-1,3 glucan can also prevent infections in people who have suffered traumatic injuries, regenerate and repair tissues, thus accelerating the recovery of injured tissues. Another function of glucan is its ability to act as a potent antioxidant or free radical scavenger. Based on what we now know about free radicals and their potential to accelerate aging and cause cancer and other diseases, this particular effect of beta-1,3 glucan is especially important. They even have the ability to protect against various forms of radiation, protecting blood macrophages from free radical attack during and after radiation, thus allowing these cells to continue performing their important functions in the irradiated body and releasing important factors for restoring normal bone marrow production.
Good to know a simple staple for many, oatmeal, can be a cleanser for the plastics and its harmful disruptive ways. It would be great if it were have a similar affect on Forever Chemicals too. Regardless the standard Big Money Monopoly once again is caught High Jacking areas of Organics and manipulating standards so as to use Glyphosate to dry out certain products. Oats being one of them. Sources for clean as we can get Oats, Oatmeal glyphosate clean as possible at least here are not labeled to jump out at the shoppers. Those of us who have followed this situation know just how bad the situation is when even the rain can be contaminated, well waters and still 'infect' our true organic efforts. Organic products for the most part are still the best bet to avoid Ag Chemicals. Stopping corruption - the Corporate capture to stop the High Jacking of honest earnest efforts. Vandana's a true pursuit of Oneness vs. the One Percent runs across the whole of society. Addressing the floods of plastics, forever chemicals and more has become the many decades long game of musical chairs and those 'chairs,' avenues of Healing and Not Stealing being pulled out, thrown away, while the High Jacking leaves the chairs of corruption in place. Yet, think it is all fruitless? Think you are not making a difference? Must be or if we weren't, the over reaction to Homesteaders, Grandma's Victory Garden wouldn't be filling the content of Legacy Media, the speeches of Corrupt Corporate Shills.
Yes, Just, Humanity faces a world filled with plastic pollution. Global plastic production has doubled in the last two decades. Microplastics can be found in various environmental compartments, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, soil, air, and even organisms. Scientists estimate that there are between 8 and 10 million metric tons of plastic in the oceans, some of which is consumed by fish and other wildlife. Microplastics have been detected in fruits and vegetables, plastic water bottles, the air, cosmetics, and household dust. Organs reported to be contaminated by microplastics and nanoplastics include the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, heart, skin, liver, kidneys, reproductive organs (testicles and placenta), and even the brain. The effects of microplastic pollution on these organs can include inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered organ function, causing a variety of health problems, including cancer, metabolic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and fertility issues.
Fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been associated with abnormal development of reproductive organs in male infants, with an increased risk of metabolic disorders in childhood, and may be associated with the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Some of these chemicals have also been linked to lower sperm quality in men.
The harm posed by microplastics is compounded by bisphenol A, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons, insecticides, heavy metals, and antibiotics that can contaminate microplastics. Microplastics mimic hormones and disrupt the body's natural endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones that govern processes such as growth and development, metabolism, appetite, mood, and reproduction.
Micro- and nanoplastics can serve as a source of carcinogenic or mutagenic substances, potentially causing DNA damage that can lead to carcinogenesis, the development of cancerous tumors. Genotoxicity studies aim to investigate the effects of microplastics and associated chemicals on DNA integrity, chromosomal structure, and genomic stability using sensitive assays. Furthermore, prolonged environmental exposure to microplastics can have significant adverse effects on cancer patients, affecting both cancer and immune cells.
Younger people diagnosed with colon cancer and other gastrointestinal-related cancers may be linked to the ingestion of plastics and other chemicals.
The UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment also offers additional tips to help minimize exposure to toxic chemicals, such as those sometimes found in microplastics: TOXIC MATTERS: NEW AND IMPROVED!
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929139322002839 (2023).---
https://www.cell.com/heliyon/pdf/S2405-8440(23)00503-0.pdf (2023).----
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(23)00467-X/fulltext (2023).--
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389424006332 (2024).--
https://www.aamc.org/news/microplastics-are-inside-us-all-what-does-mean-our-health (2024)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772906024004011 (2024)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-024-01734-2 (2024)
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4849245 (2024)
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/13/3323 (2024)
What happened to not eating grains
Great article! Thanks for the insights.