European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
How ongoing deforestation is rooted in colonialism and its management practices 
How to create a thriving forest, not box-checking ‘tree cover’ 
An unexpected anomaly was found in the Pacific Ocean – and it could be a global time marker 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Lake beds are rich environmental records — studying them reveals much about a place’s history 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
LA fires: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is poorly understood − and a growing risk 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
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.
