Plastic waste is piling up at a daunting pace around the world. The World Bank estimates that every person on the planet generates an average of 1.6 pounds (0.74 kilograms) of plastic waste daily.To curb this flow, 175 nations are negotiating a binding international treaty on plastic pollution, with a completion target of late 2024. In July 2024, the Biden administration released the first U.S. plan for addressing this problem.The new U.S. strategy covers five areas: plastic production, product design, waste generation, waste management, and plastic capture and removal. It also list actions that federal agencies and departments are currently pursuing.I study environmental law, including efforts to reduce plastic pollution. As the worlds largest economy, the U.S. is a critical player in this effort. Based on my research, here are three proposals in the U.S. plan that I believe are important and one omission that I view as a major gap. A federal standard for measuring microplasticsStudies have detected tiny plastic fragments, known as microplastics, in settings that include the atmosphere, drinking water sources, wild animals, and human food chains.While scientists have found that wildlife, such as seabirds, can be harmed by consuming plastic, the effects on human health are less clear. Unlike other pollutants, microplastics have different effects depending on their size, their shape, and where they are found, such as in food, air, or water. And humans can be exposed to them via many different pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, and touch.There is no federal standard for measuring microplastics in various media, such as water and soil, so studies lack standardized definitions, methods, and reporting techniques. In 2023, California launched a microplastic monitoring program, which includes developing a standardized method for measuring microplastics in drinking water.The Biden administrations plan calls for developing standardized methods for collecting, quantifying, and characterizing microplastics and nanoplastics, which are even smaller. This will help scientists generate consistent data that regulators can use to set limits on microplastics in food, water, and air.Extended producer responsibilityAll plastics contain chemicals that add properties such as strength, softness, color, and fire resistance. A subset of these chemicals, including bisphenols and phthalates, have been linked to adverse health effects that include fetal abnormalities, reproductive health problems, and cancer.Some scientists argue that certain types of plastic waste with particularly harmful ingredients or properties, including PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane and polycarbonate, should be classified as hazardous waste. Currently, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan consider items made from these plastics as solid waste and treat them in the same way as kitchen food scraps or used office paper.The fact that only about 5% of U.S. plastic waste is currently recycled, while 9% is incinerated and 86% is buried in landfills, has sparked calls for assigning some responsibility to plastic producers.Extended producer responsibility laws, which exist for other products such as paint and electronics, make producers responsible for collecting and disposing of their products or paying part of the costs to manage these wastes. Such requirements give producers incentives to create more environmentally friendly products and support recycling.As of mid-2024, California, Colorado, Maine and Oregon have adopted extended producer responsibility laws for plastic waste, and about a dozen other states are considering similar measures. Studies show that when such policies are adopted, recycling rates increase.The Biden administration plan calls for launching a national extended producer responsibility initiative that would allow state, local, and tribal governments to develop their own approaches while offering a vision for a harmonized national system and goals for plastic waste management. Support at the federal level could help more jurisdictions enact rules that require producers to help manage these wastes.Banning single-use plasticsBans on plastic items are a tool to reduce waste generation. Most of these measures apply to items that are used once and discarded, such as shopping bags, food wrappers, and plastic bottles. Items like these are the most common plastics in the environment.The U.S. plan calls for developing strategies to replace, reduce, and phase out unnecessary use and purchase of plastic products by the Federal Government, including an end to the purchase of single-use plastic items by 2035. Although this action applies only to use by federal agencies, the U.S. government is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, so this step can send a powerful signal in favor of alternative products.Whats missing: A cap on plastic productionCurrent projections suggest that global plastic production will double by 2040, with an accompanying surge in plastic waste. In response, 66 countries have formed the High Ambition Coalition, cochaired by Norway and Rwanda, to support stringent provisions in the global plastics treaty. One of their central goals is limiting global plastic production.Early in 2024, several nations participating in the treaty negotiations proposed to cut world plastic production 40% below 2025 levels by 2040. This concept is still under discussion.Plastic manufacturers and companies reliant on plastic argue that a production cap would drive up the costs of all plastics. Instead, groups like the World Plastics Council are calling for steps that would reduce plastic waste generation, such as using resins with more recycled content and increasing recycling rates.Given the size and economic influence of the U.S. plastics industry, I believe it is unlikely that the U.S. will join the High Ambition Coalition countries during the final session of treaty negotiations. However, Congress could still consider domestic proposals, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which includes a temporary pause on permits for new plastic production facilities, as a means of capping production. Sarah J. Morath is a professor of law and associate dean for international affairs at Wake Forest University.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Mexican design studio Locus has utilised 50 per cent recycled materials for the interiors of a Singaporean restaurant in Mexico City.Combining the varied flavours of Southeast Asia typical of Singapore's cuisine, Makan serves customers within an industrial-style space in the Centro district of the Mexican capital.Makan occupies an industrial-style space in Mexico City's Centro neighbourhoodDesigners Jachen Schleich and Sana Frini of Locus aimed to prioritise environmental responsibility with the project, and so used recycled materials for half of the total fit-out."From the conception stage, the use of sustainable materials was prioritised, particularly the use of national white oak wood in much of the interior design," said the studio.The restaurant's open kitchen is framed by the exposed concrete structure"This choice not only highlights the natural beauty of the surroundings but also ensures proper management of natural resources, promoting environmental conservation and supporting the local industry sustainably," the team added.The white oak forms counters, shelving and built-in seating throughout the space, contrasting the exposed concrete floors, columns and ceiling.Wooden bench seating is built around the perimeter and a circular banquette is tucked into a cornerThe restaurant has street frontage on two sides, allowing the dining area to be flooded with natural light from tall operable windows.This minimises the need for artificial light and air conditioning during the day, reducing electricity usage.Private dining rooms are concealed behind sliding paper screensFreestanding tables and chairs supplement the booth seating around the perimeter, which includes a curved unit for large parties tucked into a corner.Shelves above the banquettes are filled with wine bottles, glassware and other accessories, while open storage units are suspended above the two service counters.The private rooms feature sunken floors and bench seats, and can be opened up to one anotherAlong one side is a series of private dining spaces behind paper screens, with sunken floors and wooden bench seating.These rooms, which more closely reflect Asian dining traditions, can be opened up to one another via more screens,Read: MYT+GLVDK creates industrial-style restaurant in Mexico CityBehind the bar and open kitchen and across the bathroom walls, vertical timber boards are charred to a black finish."This technique not only adds a visually appealing element but also ensures durability and resistance, eliminating the need for harmful chemical treatments to the environment and health," said Locus.Open shelving is suspended above the bar counter as well as the open kitchen service areaPlanters large and small are peppered throughout the restaurant, adding greenery to the interior.Overall, the tall ceilings, large windows and open kitchen create a light and airy atmosphere, while the material add an industrial edge.Charred wood lines the walls in the bathroomsAs Mexico City's food scene continues to grow, several gastro options with interesting interiors have opened over the past few months.These range from a boba tea shop by Worc Studioto an industrial-style restaurant by MYT+GLVDK and a tiny taqueria by RA!.The photography is by Rafael Gamo.Project credits:Locus team: Jachen Schleich, Sana FriniDesign team: Santiago Sitten, Ruy Berumen, Eduardo SilvaLighting: Locus x Estudio NuumbraSinks: Locus x Muebles de ConcretoChairs: Locus x Taller NacionalArt: It's A Living, Sindrome de ClerambaultGraphic design: Foreign Policy DesignThe post Locus uses recycled materials for Mexico City restaurant interior appeared first on Dezeen.

A LEGO set that instantly has you saying Have mercy!Kids of the 80s and 90s practically grew up in the Tanner household. Whether it was being charmed by Uncle Jessies killer personality, humored by Uncle Joeys quips, or just feeling the warmth of single dad Danny Tanners approach to parenting, the Tanner house felt like home to all of us. LEGO builder obiblock considers himself one of those kids, having religiously followed the sitcom Full House through his young years. As an homage to the TV show, obiblock recreated the Tanner home in stunning detail out of LEGO bricks. The LEGO Ideas Full House set comes with a detailed model of the homes living room and kitchen the most iconic and memorable rooms on the set complete with furniture, decor, tiny details like paintings, and minifigures of all the main characters, including Danny, Uncle Jesse, Uncle Joey, D.J., Stephanie, Michelle, and Aunt Becky. Sorry, but Kimmy Gibbler didnt make it on the list!Designer: obiblockI built this set out of my love for Full House and its significant impact on pop culture, says designer obiblock. The show has a special place in the hearts of millions, offering timeless family values and memorable humor. As a lifelong LEGO enthusiast, I wanted to merge my passion for building with my appreciation for this iconic series. Recreating the Tanner home allowed me to relive the nostalgia and share it with other fans, both of the show and LEGO.Although obiblock doesnt mention how many pieces make the set, it does contain a fair amount of detail, down to the plants on the kitchen window, and even the front and back door. The set features the very nucleus of the home the living room, with its signature couch, fireplace, and the staircase behind that leads to everyones individual bedrooms. A door to the right guides you to the kitchen, with the coffee table, kitchen island, and the backdoor through which Kimmy would often make her entrance every few episodes.Even the characters on the show are represented beautifully. Danny and his 3 daughters can be found in the kitchen (Michelle has her own stuffed teddy too), along with Uncle Joey. Meanwhile, Uncle Jesse is spotted on the living room couch, wooing Aunt Becky with dulcet tunes on the guitar. The characters can obviously be moved around, recreating different scenes from the popular sitcom.obiblocks MOC (My Own Creation) can currently be found on the LEGO Ideas forum, where fans submit their own ideas for new LEGO creations and kits. Just shy of 2,000 votes, the LEGO Ideas Full House kit is well on its way to hitting the coveted 10,000 vote mark, following which it may just get turned into a retail kit for all Full House fans to buy and proudly put on display!The post Popular Sitcom Full House gets its own LEGO Ideas Kit with a minifigure Tanner Family first appeared on Yanko Design.

Warm wood and black iron finishes give this tabletop organization set a sophisticated modern look, easy to coordinate and satisfying to use. This set includes three pieces a low flat tray, a carved wooden bowl, and a tall cup component. Use this set to organize your life or display as decorative accents almost anywhere.Use this set in the office to keep essentials right within reach. The bowl can keep small items like paperclips and thumbtacks nicely contained, while the taller cup would make a convenient holder for pens and pencils. Use the flat tray as a place to rest your glasses or stapler.Explore a variety of placement possibilities throughout the home! This organizer set would make a great catch-all for an entryway, an attractive decoration set for a bedside table, or an eye-catching composition for a shelf. Here, the cup contains a faux plant to add a creative pop of greenery to any room.These organization items are made from durable metal with a smooth silky finish. The wood elements like the bottom of the cup and the beautifully carved bowl are all made from durable mango wood in a versatile walnut finish. Its a timeless combination with endless decorative appeal.Use these pieces together or apart. The cup and the bowl fit perfectly together on the low wide tray but they look great on their own as well. The tray measures at a spacious 12 inches in length and 5 inches in width. Use to complement decor themes ranging from modern minimalist to industrial chic.Looking for something with a glamorous aesthetic? This organizer set is also available in gold with details in genuine marble. Either set would make a fabulous gift for a coworker, a college student, or an interior design enthusiast.Recommended Reading: 40 Unique Desk Organizers & Pen Holders51 Of The Best Housewarming GiftsFor more regular updates from Home Designing, join us on Facebook. If you are reading this through e-mail, please consider forwarding this mail to a few of your friends who are into interior design. Come on, you know who they are! Related Posts: 25 Cozy Mid Century Modern Living Room Ideas 24 Dreamy Rustic Cottage Living Room Ideas 25 Luxury Bedroom Design Ideas 51 Modern Houses That Impress With Stunning Architecture, Pools & Landscaping Unusual Bookshelves

From the classics of the 1990s and early 2000s through to the revivalism of the late 2010s onward.These are the best cyberpunk games you can play on PC.

Can the ASUS-made AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE gamer card deliver for creatives too?

If you're an avid Tolkien fan and have a particular fondness for The Hobbit, the upcoming Hobbit Encyclopedia should be on your radar. The 336-page book takes a deep dive into the lore of Middle-earth, covering everything from iconic characters and places to sacred objects and other essential lore. The Hobbit Encyclopedia releases September 3, and preorders are currently seeing a nice discount. The Hobbit Encyclopedia $31 (was $40) This hardcover volume is pitched as the ultimate source for all things related to J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel. Whether you're a newcomer to The Hobbit or you've read it a thousand times, you can probably find something here that'll help you better appreciate Bilbo's journey. Here's a short sampling of topics covered in the book:The ArkenstoneAzog and BolgDragonsElvishFarieGirionLake-townPipes and pipe-weedThe Quest of EreborWasterlandsScattered throughout the text are a variety of premium illustrations that help bring different subjects to life. It's been designed to be read either front to back or skimmed through as a reference book. Preorder at Amazon You also might be interested to learn The Hobbit has multiple new and upcoming editions. The Hobbit Collector's Edition, a beautiful new hardcover version of the classic tale, released earlier this month and is on sale for $29 (was $35). Meanwhile, The Hobbit Deluxe Tolkien Illustrated Edition is set to launch on October 22, and preorders are available for $151 (was $195). This lavish edition of The Hobbit is part of the Tolkien Illustrated Editions collection. The standard Tolkien Illustrated Edition of The Hobbit is still a gorgeous book in its own right--plus, it's only $39 (was $75).The Hobbit Collector's Edition is part of a new series of hardcovers featuring Tolkien's five best-known works. The Silmarillion Collector's Edition also released earlier this month, and it's available for only $24.50. Meanwhile, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy--The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King--will receive their collector's editions on September 17. These beautiful editions only cost $35 each--pretty much the norm for new hardcover fiction--and will be collected in The Lord of the Rings Collector's Edition Box Set with a foldout map on November 5.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Developer Avalanche Software will need to put in a lot of work to flesh out Hogwarts Legacy 2's world and build upon the exploration present in the first title. This investment in the 2023 title naturally resulted in a great number and types of collectibles present. It can take players approximately 70 hours to platinum Hogwarts Legacy, and many will complete the campaign before they manage to get every single item or trophy out there.

Father of War is a tank weapon.It is a two-handed long sword. You have two basic abilities. Switch Stance changes your abilities from an offensive to defensive state. Each stance has three abilities.Offensive abilities f

Building a town from the ground up is no small feat and in video games, its a task that usually requires vast screen real estate and a pair of readers to see all that tiny text. But with Outlanders 2 the city builder/life sim developed by Pomelo Games available exclusively on Apple Arcade I can build a thriving town while I ride the subway to work or wait for my laundry at the laundromat.A sequel to the popular PC game, Outlanders 2 maintains the originals aesthetic and vibe: the muted color palette, the low-poly characters, the thematic focus on nature, the pleasant acoustic guitar music. That means some players are probably disappointed that they cant play Outlanders 2 on their PCs, but this game successfully translates the typically vast view of a city builder and all its intricate metrics for mobile and in portrait mode, no less.Outlanders 2 is also available in landscape mode for Mac and in portrait for iPad, but no matter what Apple device you use, youll need an Apple Arcade subscription. As a frequent mobile game player, though (and as someone with small hands), I like that I dont have to hold my iPhone awkwardly in landscape mode or sit at my desk while playing a game like this. Whats more, the other mobile city builders Ive played are fraught with other mobile game ads and prohibitive in-app purchases.Regardless of my personal infatuation with the existence of a big game I can play while Im in transit, though, Outlanders 2 is just plain fun. Just like the original, the campaigns (called stories in game) are where this game really stands out from others like it. First, youll progress through Pablos Quest, where experienced outlander Pablo teaches a group of new settlers (and the player) how to survive in the Outlands. The second story, Mirandas Chance, focuses on an outlander with perhaps too much ambition who finds herself trying to survive in a harsh winter.Each successive story and its three parts gets increasingly difficult, so every part of the campaign teaches you new gameplay mechanics, like how to use a bonfire or how to keep your settlers sense of community up. Outlanders 2 is not punishing, but it is occasionally challenging and reaching the stretch achievements in each level gets harder as you move along.The interface for metrics is simplistic, relying on bold symbols and numbers to make it easier to see on a small screen, while still including everything you need to see: how many resources you have, how happy the outlanders are, and how far you are in accomplishing the goals of that level. The eye icon lets you toggle a mode that shows how many settlers you have assigned to each structure, which is helpful for looking at a glance. Placing buildings is easy with a touchscreen-friendly grid mode (though its a bit grabby when placing roads), and the locked camera angle lets you zoom in and out without getting lost in space.Pomelo Games has also released three new challenges which are mini sandboxes with specific circumstances and goals every two weeks since the game was released on July 3, and all of the archived challenges are available to play indefinitely.These intentionally designed, story-focused campaigns and challenges are the best part of the game and possibly the only part worth playing. The sandbox mode available from the jump as of a few updates ago just doesnt measure up. For one, the maps are criminally small, with even less playable space for placing structures, and they dont expand as you play. Theres no terraforming, which is fine, but it means that if theres a valley on your map, youll never be able to put your farm there. In fact, in my sandbox playthrough, there was only one usable area for a farm, which is one of the largest structures you can place.The sandbox also suffers from a lack of variability. The seasons dont change (though there is some intermittent weather), and theres no way to upgrade buildings instead, you recycle them and add better buildings, but there arent too many to choose from.Its obvious why Pomelo Games decided to make a sandbox mode for this game; its something players have come to expect from city builders, and its a great way for players to get creative in ways the developers didnt think of. But Ive found myself wishing Outlanders 2 had committed to a smaller game with more stories instead. I also wish the game forced me to unlock buildings and features via the campaign; the sandbox mode comes with everything unlocked, which takes the fun out of working toward the next level.Outlanders 2 alone probably isnt enough to justify the $6.99 per month for an Apple Arcade sub, but if you already have one, its a must-play title. Moreover, if you initially refused to play Outlanders 2 because its on mobile, heres my plea to give it another shot, if only to play through those silly, heartwarming stories in campaign mode.Outlanders 2was released July 3 on iOS and Mac. The game was reviewed on an iPhone 15 using a download code provided by Apple. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. You can findadditional information about Polygons ethics policy here.