WTO Reform Talks Begin in Cameroon Amid Global Trade Tensions 
Thousands of satellites are due to burn up in the atmosphere every year – damaging the ozone layer and changing the climate 
As the Black Summer megafires neared, people rallied to save wildlife and domestic animals. But it came at a real cost 
GesiaPlatform Launches Carbon-Neutral Lifestyle App ‘Net Zero Heroes’ 
Cybersecurity Stocks Tumble After Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI Leak Sparks Market Fears 
How is Antarctica melting, exactly? Crucial details are beginning to come into focus 
The UK is surprisingly short of water – but more reservoirs aren’t the answer 
An unexpected anomaly was found in the Pacific Ocean – and it could be a global time marker 
Gold Prices Drop Amid Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty and Stronger Dollar 
U.S. Praises Kurdistan's Role in Oil Markets Amid Iran War Fallout 
Gold is meant to be a ‘safe haven’ in uncertain times. Why is it crashing amid a war? 
Iran Allows Oil Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Negotiations 
Lake beds are rich environmental records — studying them reveals much about a place’s history 
Fertile land for growing vegetables is at risk — but a scientific discovery could turn the tide 
ECB Eyes Rate Hike Amid Iran Conflict-Driven Energy Price Surge 
Japan will oblige businesses to reduce the distribution of 12 disposable plastic items beginning next April to promote recycling and tackle marine pollution.
The country enacted a law in June to reduce plastic waste at restaurants and retail stores.
Targeted plastic items include straws, spoons, forks, knives, combs, toothbrushes, shower caps, and clothes hangers.
Affected businesses also include hotels, laundries, and pizza delivery companies.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Environment Ministry will hear public opinion on the measure as bases for the ordinances they would draft this fall.
Business operators have several options, including charging for the items and switching to recyclable products.
Operators are required to adopt new practices such as introducing reusable products, making it standard practice to ask customers whether they need plastic items, and giving points to customers who decline to take the items.
|The government would ask businesses that fail to meet the new requirement to improve their practices.
