#Consumer Goods & Services

[byler-alarmist]

Do people know most paper receipts are harmful to their health?

I'm going to get up on my soapbox for a minute, but do people realize how pretty much everyone is being overloaded with endocrine disruptors like BPA/BPS on a near-daily basis??

I don't think many people understand that ever since most of the world transitioned to thermal paper receipts (cheaper than ink), almost every receipt you handle from the gas station to the grocery store to the Square terminal printer at the local co-op is coated with Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS).

These chemicals have not only been proven to cause reproductive harm to human and animals, they've also been linked to obesity and attention disorders.

Not sure if your receipt is a thermal receipt? If you scratch it with a coin and it turns dark, it's thermal.

BPA/BPS can enter the skin to a depth such that it is no longer removable by washing hands. When taking hold of a receipt consisting of thermal printing paper for five seconds, roughly 1 μg BPA is transferred to the forefinger and the middle finger. If the skin is dry or greasy, it is about ten times more. 

Think of how many receipts you handle every day. It's even worse for cashiers and tellers, who may handle hundreds in a single shift. It is also a class issue, since many people who work retail and food service are lower-income and will suffer worse health consequences over time from the near-constant exposure.

Not only that, receipts printed with thermal ink are NOT recyclable, as they pollute the rest of the paper products with the chemicals.

People don't know this and recycle them anyway, so when you buy that "green" toilet paper that says "100% recycled"? Yup, you are probably wiping your most sensitive areas with those same chemicals (for this reason, I buy bamboo or sugarcane toilet paper as a sustainable alternative to recycled paper).

This page from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has some good links if you want to learn more.

As consumers, we need to demand better from our businesses and from our governments. We need regulation of these chemicals yesterday.

If you are a buyer or decision-maker for a business, the link above also contains a shortlist of receipt paper manufacturers that are phenol-free.

If you work at a register, ask customers if they want a receipt. If they don't and you can end the transaction without printing one, don't print one!

As a consumer, fold receipts with the ink on the inside, since that's where the coating is. Some more good tips here.

And whatever you do, DO NOT RECYCLE THERMAL RECEIPTS

[sizzlingsandwichperfection-blog]

awesomecoffeeclub.com

[canisalbus]

Is it ok if we print some of your artworks? Not to sell them or profit by them in any way, just for decorative reasons.

Also, I know you don't have a shop where we can buy any prints/stickers/anything (if you did I wouldn't even consider printing them by myself) but have you ever thought of actually making one? Maybe, if not your own shop, sign up(?) on inprnt or something?

Sure! If you just want to print out my art so you can stick it on your wall or something, go ahead. (As long as it's just personal non-commercial use and you're not claiming ownership over the artwork or the characters).

I used to have a Society6 shop but I closed it last year, mostly due to changes in their terms of service. They were cutting into artists' already meager profits, and the last time I heard of it, they were planning to add a subscription fee on top of that. It just started to feel a little bit exploitative. (I also had read some reports that the quality of some of their products had gone downhill over the years but I can't attest to that).

I already have an Inprnt account waiting in the wings, but I haven't gotten around to adding any prints to it yet. (Are there any specific pieces you'd potentially be interested in? I know people ask about the 'You cannot eat money' one pretty frequently.)

[blueskittlesart]

your blog has made me so much more competent with zelda lore

my greatest accomplishments with this blog have been making people play the games and making people Understand the games. i want more crazy people in the world so i dont look as insane

[fantasticalleigh]

so glad netflix is in love with adam driver and has so many of his movies otherwise i'd never be able to see them all

in other news blackkklansman is now on netflix and i can finally watch it like four years after it came out lol

[caito-does-stuff]

crying because watcher is gonna be put behind a paywall. i've watched the guys grow from the beginnings of their shows on buzzfeed to finally having their own channel - and yes i'm super proud of them and think they deserve more than what youtube gives them but i literally can't afford to dish out money for streaming each month

[spill-that-anxietea]

Fuck the post-binge spiral is hitting so hard rn. I am drowning lmao

[minty-bunni]

Guess I'm reading "A Snapping Sound" again.

[byler-alarmist]

Seeing as how my post is getting low engagement, I'm curious:

Bonus: reblog with your answer and if you like, your home country.

[tritonmarketresearchamey]

Pet Food Market | A Sustainable Shift in Natural Nutrition

Research from Mars Petcare reveals that around 57% of pet owners in the UK are open to switching to plant-based pet food. Thus, opportunities thrive for functional ingredients like proteins, vitamins, and prebiotics as health-benefiting premium foods. Emphasizing this uptrend, the Global Pet Food Market, analyzed by Triton Market Research, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.12% during the period 2024-2032.

Additionally, localized production facilities help counter sizable logistics costs and import barriers, given the emerging market demand. With global pet numbers set for a definite rise, the demand for pet food is inevitable. Hence, the market is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainability to reduce the environmental impact by avoiding animal-based pet food.

Pet Food Market: Environmental Concerns Lead to Insect Protein Adoption

While meeting advanced nutritional requirements, pet food also needs to reduce its environmental footprint for future sustainability. Various studies estimate that pet food products derived from conventional meat sources generate higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternate proteins.

As per the USDA study on pet food emissions, beef protein in dog food is associated with almost 50 times more production emissions than plant-based protein sources. Specifically looking at methane and CO2 emissions per kg of usable protein, beef clocks in at over 50 CO2-equivalent kg, poultry around 9 kg, whereas plant proteins like peas and corn range from just 0.3-1.7 kg.

Moreover, insects such as black soldier fly larvae record under 2 kg emissions, along with boasting feed conversion efficiency 10 times higher compared to cattle. Their pre-pupae stage composition profile matches chicken meals typically used in pet foods.

Additionally, Insect protein from black soldier fly larvae also gains strong traction as an environment-friendly alternative protein replicate of traditional meat. Thus, multiple startups and VC funds entered this arena recently, looking to commercialize greener pet food solutions.

Pet Food Brands Aim for Pet Health Through Nutrition

Expanding urbanization and nuclear families influence greater pet adoption. With pets considered as family, owners increasingly seek diets that reflect nutritional standards similar to humans. This awareness of health, taste, and a balanced pet diet fuels the growth of the studied market.

Plant-based nutrients sourced from origins like quinoa, chickpeas, peas, seaweed, and lentils supplemented with amino acid additions emerge as sustainable alternatives to regular meat diets. In this regard, Mars Petcare acquired Italian plant-based pet food maker Verso Food in July 2022 to augment its capabilities.

Nestlé Purina also accelerated new product development by 75% between 2020-2022, targeting veterinary and therapeutic segments. It innovated several pet food products to provide a combination of natural prebiotic fiber, high-quality ingredients, live probiotics, etc. Their products offer several benefits along with supporting digestive health and nourishing skin for cats and dogs, respectievly.

Localization Counters Logistics Barriers

The leading pet food manufacturers are establishing localized production facilities within the developing world to target regional markets. High freight costs and substantial import duties levied earlier had posed significant barriers, capping accessibility of higher-priced imported pet foods.

Nestlé Purina provides a model case in point where 20% of its total global sales now come from developing and emerging geographic markets. It has a dedicated network of eight local pet food plants in Asia. It registered double-digit growth across Latin America and Eastern Europe markets, too.

Sustainable Way Ahead

With the global pet population estimated to surpass 1 billion by 2030, continued investments in localizing production and supply chains hold similar growth potential for established leaders and new entrants. Moreover, across regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Eastern Europe, price-sensitive buyers prefer cost-effective products. Thus, local factories in these countries allow for affordably priced products catering specifically to regional volume market and middle-class demographic segments. This further enables customizing pet food options aligning with regional preferences.

FAQs

Q.1) How is the rise of e-commerce impacting the distribution of pet food?

E-commerce is transforming the distribution landscape by offering convenience, a wider product selection, and direct-to-consumer sales channels for pet food manufacturers.

Q.2) What are the opportunities for innovation and sustainability in the global pet food market?

Opportunities include developing eco-friendly packaging, introducing novel ingredients, leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, and addressing pet-specific health concerns through innovative formulations.

[matpat145]

The Consumer 📺

[comradecowplant]

going absolutely insane looking at indeed for a side job where half the openings are for positions like "trash valet" (bringing trash from someone's house/apartment to the actual collection area) or "pet waste removal" (self-explanatory)... idk if this take is "spicy" but unless you are physically disabled, take your own fucking trash out!!!! pick up after your own fucking dog!!!!!

[dnickels]

"Surely there was a better way to convey this information" probably! That may be why I'm no longer asked to contribute to our social media page at work!

But its that season again and i want to remind everyone that just because an object is vest-shaped and floats does not make it a lifejacket. Only a Coast Guard approved PFD is tested and rated to save your life. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

This...thing pops up in searches for "child's inflatable lifejacket" and bills itself as such. But scroll down and we find an explanation:

In contrast to life vests meant to keep your head above water, our vest enables you to swim smoothly with your head in the water. It keeps you buoyant longer for a safe and enjoyable experience - without worry of surprise riptides or fatigue.

Catch that? This thing is not intended to and will not keep your head above water, the single most important thing a personal flotation device should do. What if you are in a riptide and fatigued while wearing this thing and not longer able to keep your breathing hole above the water's surface? You're shit out of luck. You drown.

Consumers may notice that there is a warning notice on the back, but the good people at Amazon have cleverly obscured it. We can still make out "does not protect [...] drowning". If your waterwings, floaties, or vest-shaped inflatable have a disclaimer like this then they are not rated to safe your life, your child's life, your dog's life, whatever!

By contrast, every Coast Guard approved PFD has labeling like this:

It will clearly say USGC approved and have an approval number. It will say WHO it is rated for (infant, child, youth, adult), the size (small, medium large), an upper weight limit, and generally what kind of recreation its approved for (near shore versus offshore etc). It will give you instructions for proper use and signs that your lifejacket is nearing the end of its utility and needs to be replaced.

Not all personal flotation devices are suited for all activities. Whitewater kayaking and deep-sea fishing need more specialized gear than a day at the lake. But you should have, at minimum, a correctly-sized, well-fitting, CG approved PFD in serviceable condition for any kind of activity on or near the water. Have it, but most importantly, wear it!!!!!

[head-post]

EU agreed new law giving consumers right to repair products

Under a new legislation passed on Friday (February 2), European consumers will have the right to repair common household appliances, including mobile phones, with EU countries obliged to develop schemes to increase repair rates, according to Euractiv.

The European Commission proposed a new law in 2023 to give consumers the right to have their devices repaired even long after the warranty has expired. Parliament and EU countries will only be required to approve the agreement. Alexia Bertrand, the Belgian consumer protection state secretary, stated:

With the agreement reached today, Europe makes a clear choice for repair instead of disposal.

Read more HERE

[legalmetrologyservices]

What Is Legal Metrology Act In India

Legal Metrology plays a crucial role in ensuring fair trade practices and consumer protection in India. Enacted to standardize weights and measures, the Legal Metrology Act has a rich historical background that reflects the evolution of trade regulations in the country.

Introduction

Legal Metrology, at its core, pertains to the science of measurement applied to laws and regulations. In the Indian context, the Legal Metrology Act serves as the guiding force that regulates weights and measures used in trade and commerce. Its significance lies in fostering transparency, fair competition, and consumer confidence.

Historical Context

The roots of the Legal Metrology Act can be traced back to India's early post-independence years. The need for standardization arose as the country underwent economic reforms and witnessed a surge in trade activities. Key milestones, including the establishment of regulatory bodies, mark the evolution of legal metrology in India.

Key Provisions of the Legal Metrology Act

Standardization of Weights and Measures

The Act mandates uniformity in weights and measures across various industries, ensuring a level playing field for businesses. From kilograms to liters, every unit undergoes rigorous scrutiny to prevent malpractices.

Enforcement Mechanisms

Stringent enforcement mechanisms are in place to monitor and penalize deviations from the prescribed standards. Inspections, certifications, and penalties for non-compliance are integral aspects of the Act.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating the Legal Metrology Act can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Such measures act as deterrents, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of trade practices.

Application of Legal Metrology Act

Industries Covered

The Legal Metrology Act is not limited to specific industries. It applies across sectors, ensuring that every product, whether sold by weight, volume, or number, adheres to standardized measurements.

Consumer Protection Aspects

One of the primary goals of the Act is to protect consumers from fraudulent practices. Accurate measurements instill confidence in buyers, fostering trust in the market.

Role of Regulatory Authorities

Responsibilities of the Legal Metrology Department

The Legal Metrology Department shoulders the responsibility of implementing and overseeing the Act's provisions. This involves conducting inspections, issuing licenses, and collaborating with other regulatory bodies.

Collaborations with Other Regulatory Bodies

To address the dynamic nature of trade, the Legal Metrology Department collaborates with other regulatory authorities, creating a comprehensive framework that aligns with evolving business practices.

Impact on Business Practices

Ensuring Fair Trade

Legal Metrology fosters fair trade practices by eliminating unfair advantages gained through inaccurate measurements. This, in turn, promotes healthy competition among businesses.

Creating a Level Playing Field

Small and large businesses alike benefit from standardized measurements, as it creates a level playing field. Consumers can make informed choices, contributing to a robust market ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Legal Metrology Act?

The Legal Metrology Act aims to standardize weights and measures in trade, fostering fair competition and consumer protection.

How does it impact businesses?

Businesses benefit from a level playing field, as standardized measurements eliminate unfair advantages gained through inaccurate metrics.

What are the penalties for violating the Act?

Violations can result in fines and imprisonment, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining trade integrity.

Can small businesses comply with Legal Metrology standards?

Yes, the Act applies to businesses of all sizes, creating a fair market for both small and large enterprises.

Is the Act applicable to imported goods?

Absolutely, the Legal Metrology Act applies to all products sold in the Indian market, including imported goods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Legal Metrology Act in India is a cornerstone in fostering fair trade practices and ensuring consumer protection. While facing challenges, its evolution and impact on businesses and consumers are undeniable. As India strives for global recognition, aligning with international metrology standards becomes imperative. The success stories and positive outcomes underline the Act's importance, urging businesses and consumers to actively participate in its implementation.