#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

[atotalpitch]

Anna Kendrick talking (briefly) about Beca's relationship with the Bellas was NOT on my 2024 bingo card. in fact, i'm actually physically shaking. what the hell.

[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.)

[doyoueverstopandthink]

what does it say about me if i cry about frankenstein’s creature every time i get even slightly tipsy

[novadreii]

i just now realized why umbrella academy s4 feels so much worse than its previous seasons. it's trying to be the boys. it's going for shock value which, if you've seen the boys, is not really that shocking. and it's juxtaposing that with a cringefuckfest of an attempt at humor to try and make it a Dark Comedy. but all we have is a show that is trying to be both scandalous and funny at the same time, while failing at both. the writing and acting is so fucking bad! is everyone ok? there are 2 actors i like on this show (those of viktor and five) and even they are kind of lackluster this season? i will have to hatewatch this whole season.

nothing can be the boys a second time. there's better tv out there but the boys really did a good job nailing down dark comedy. in so many ways. it's a hard thing to do and umbrella academy thought it would try to capitalize on the trend without actually studying what makes dark comedy so good. it just feels like a m*rvel movie but with more gore and killing. boo.

[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

[worldsportsboats]

Bad boys new Bertram 800 sets a new record pace

Bertram 800: http://wp.me/pzWMi-Fm

[spill-that-anxietea]

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

[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.

[trendynewsnow]

European Commission Investigates Temu for Violations of Digital Services Act

European Commission Launches Investigation into Temu for Potential DSA Violations The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against the Chinese online platform Temu, examining its compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Founded by PDD Holdings in 2022, Temu is currently under scrutiny for several issues, including the sale of illegal products and the design features of…

[tritonmarketresearchamey]

Exploring the Rising Popularity of Processed Food in Modern Diet

Between 2000 and 2021, UNCTAD reported a remarkable increase of 350% in global food trade, with the total value reaching an astounding $1.7 trillion. Food accounts for about 8% of total global merchandise trade. Evidently, due to a rise in food production and trade, the trade of processed foods has also seen substantial growth.

Processed foods encompass a broad range of items that have been altered from their natural state. This includes simple processes like freezing and canning, as well as more complex processes like adding preservatives, flavorings, and other ingredients. In many developed countries, processed foods constitute a significant portion of daily dietary intake. For instance, in the United States, a staggering 57.5% of daily calories come from ultra-processed foods. This heavy reliance on processed foods is linked to poorer nutritional quality, as these foods typically have lower levels of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Conversely, they are often high in carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fats.

As processed foods comprise a majority of our diets, their nutritional value is a primary concern. Let us examine how companies fortify and enrich processed foods to make them healthier.

Are Processed Foods Nutritious?

As mentioned previously, these foods typically have lower levels of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is due to the processing techniques involved in processed foods. These processes cause the original food to lose nutritional value. Here are some specific ways processing affects nutrient content:

Heat: High temperatures used in cooking, canning, or pasteurizing can destroy heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamins C and B.

Light and Oxygen: Exposure to light and air can degrade vitamins A, C, and E.

Water: Water used in boiling or blanching can leach away water-soluble nutrients like vitamins B and C.

While these nutrient losses are often unavoidable, companies are employing methods to enhance the nutritional value of processed foods, such as fortification and enrichment. For example, adding vitamins and minerals to cereals or fortifying milk with vitamin D.

Kellogg’s: Fortifies its breakfast cereals with essential nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and folic acid.

General Mills: Enriches products like Cheerios and other cereals with iron and B vitamins, contributing positively to daily nutritional intake, particularly for children.

Health Concerns Regarding Processed Food: Everything You Need to Know

While processed foods have become a staple in many diets due to their convenience and are considered as quick meal solutions, their health implications raise significant concerns. The primary health concern associated with processed foods is their contribution to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Studies have shown that diets with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods are strongly correlated with increased caloric intake and weight gain. A study by Dr. Kevin D. Hall and his team at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) found that individuals consuming ultra-processed foods ingested approximately 500 more calories per day compared to when they consumed minimally processed foods. This led to an average weight gain of about 2 pounds during the ultra-processed diet phase.

Another study conducted by various institutions in the Netherlands and the UK found a connection between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a Dutch cohort. It revealed that a 10% increase in UPF intake raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25%.

Processed foods are also often high in trans fats and saturated fats, which are known to elevate LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This imbalance contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. High sodium content in processed foods further exacerbates this risk by contributing to hypertension.

Even though these findings are alarming, it is important to note that moderate consumption of processed foods can be part of a balanced diet. Making informed choices and prioritizing minimally processed foods occasionally and in moderation can help mitigate health risks.

The Upside of Processed Food Popularity: Convenience and Nutrient Fortification

Globally, packaged food, processed meats, processed beverages, and frozen foods have become the most popular processed foods consumed by people. In fact, Different types of processed foods are popular in different regions. For example, processed meats and frozen foods are highly popular in North America, while bakery products and packaged foods have high consumption in Europe.

In recent decades, due to the convenience offered by them, especially in developing regions like Africa and Asia, the availability of cheaper processed foods has played a crucial role in reducing overall hunger and improving food security. Higher incomes have enabled increased food consumption and decreased rates of undernutrition.

However, these benefits have come with some challenges, such as a rise in obesity rates, partly due to a significant share of increased food demand being met by processed foods. About 20% of Africans, or more than 250 million people, still go to bed hungry every day. Nonetheless, the reduction in hunger and undernutrition highlights the important role processed foods have played in improving lives across the region.

Future Trends in food processing technology

The upcoming prospects in food processing technology will focus on enhancing methods to address current challenges and drawbacks faced by the processed food industry. Influenced by contemporary movements such as the clean label movement, the goal is to ensure that processing methods and ingredients are more natural, simple, and transparent. A primary concern is mitigating the loss of nutritional content during processing and reducing high-fat content.

Cold Plasma is an emerging non-thermal food processing technology and method that uses ionized gas to eliminate bacteria and extend the shelf life of food without compromising the quality of the nutritional content in the food. It is particularly promising for fresh produce, preserving texture, flavor, and nutritional value better than traditional methods.

Food fortification: This method involves adding essential micronutrients to foods to address deficiencies. Various technologies support this process, such as premixing for even nutrient distribution, extrusion for cereals, and spray drying for powdered products. Companies like Vitaliz Biosciences specialize in nutritional ingredient formulations for various food products, and VitaKey develops a platform for precision nutrient delivery.

With these innovations, food fortification processes will continue to improve, addressing nutritional deficiencies more effectively.

In Conclusion,

The rapid growth of processed foods in global markets reflects both their convenience and the advances in food processing technology that make them appealing to consumers. However, this rise comes with significant health implications, necessitating a balanced approach to consumption. Consequently, the future trends in food processing are geared towards making these products healthier, more sustainable, and better tailored to individual needs.

[nmsc-market-pulse]

North America: The Epicenter of Growth in the Pet Service Market

Introduction:

In recent years, the Pet Service Market has experienced an unprecedented surge, driven by an increasing number of pet owners and a growing awareness of pet well-being. Among the various regions contributing to this market expansion, North America stands out as the dominant player.

With a significant market share and a robust growth trajectory, North America is not only leading the global pet service market but is also setting trends that other regions may follow.

This article explores the factors contributing to North America's dominance in the pet service sector and what the future holds for this thriving market.

Download FREE Sample: https://www.nextmsc.com/pet-service-market/request-sample

North America: A Hub for Pet Enthusiasm

North America's dominance in the pet service market can be primarily attributed to the high pet ownership rates in the region, particularly in the United States and Canada.

According to recent statistics, over 67% of U.S. households own a pet, with dogs and cats being the most common companions. Similarly, Canada has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with a growing number of households adopting pets. This widespread affection for pets translates into a substantial demand for a range of pet services, including grooming, boarding, training, and veterinary care.

Rising Pet Ownership and Changing Lifestyles

The increasing number of pet owners in North America reflects broader societal changes. As urbanization and dual-income households become more prevalent, people are seeking ways to integrate pets into their busy lifestyles. This shift has led to a growing demand for convenient and high-quality pet services.

For instance, urban areas with a high concentration of professionals often see a rise in demand for pet sitting and dog-walking services, as busy pet owners seek reliable solutions to ensure their pets receive adequate care and attention.

Inquire before buying: https://www.nextmsc.com/pet-service-market/inquire-before-buying

Innovations and Trends Driving Market Growth

Several key trends and innovations are fueling the growth of the pet service market in North America:

Technology Integration: The integration of technology into pet services has revolutionized the industry. Mobile apps for pet care, GPS tracking devices for pets, and telemedicine services for remote veterinary consultations have become increasingly popular. These technological advancements cater to the tech-savvy pet owner and enhance the overall pet care experience.

Premium and Specialized Services: There is a growing preference for premium and specialized pet services. From luxury pet hotels to gourmet pet food and advanced grooming treatments, pet owners are willing to invest in high-quality services that cater to their pets' specific needs. This trend is particularly evident in affluent urban areas where pet owners view their pets as family members deserving of top-notch care.

Focus on Pet Health and Wellness: The emphasis on pet health and wellness has led to an increased demand for services such as preventive care, fitness programs, and holistic treatments. Pet owners are becoming more proactive in managing their pets' health, leading to growth in services that focus on overall well-being and longevity.

E-commerce and Home Delivery Services: The rise of e-commerce has significantly impacted the pet service market. Online platforms offering pet products, subscriptions, and home delivery services have gained popularity. Pet owners can now conveniently access a wide range of products and services from the comfort of their homes, contributing to the market's expansion.

Market Opportunities and Challenges

Despite its dominant position, the North American pet service market faces both opportunities and challenges:

Opportunities:

Emerging Market Segments: There are untapped opportunities in emerging market segments such as pet insurance, pet-friendly travel, and eco-friendly pet products. As pet owners become more conscious of environmental and financial considerations, these segments are expected to see significant growth.

Expanding Demographics: The market has the potential to expand further with the growing number of millennials and Gen Z pet owners. These younger demographics are more likely to invest in innovative and high-quality pet services, creating new opportunities for businesses.

Challenges:

Market Saturation: The North American pet service market is highly competitive, with numerous established players and new entrants vying for market share. This saturation can lead to price wars and increased operational costs, posing a challenge for businesses to maintain profitability.

Regulatory Hurdles: The pet service industry is subject to various regulations and standards, particularly in areas such as veterinary care and pet food safety. Navigating these regulations can be complex and may impact the operational efficiency of businesses.

The Future of the North American Pet Service Market

Looking ahead, the North American pet service market is poised for continued growth. The combination of a high pet ownership rate, increasing demand for specialized services, and the integration of technology into pet care will likely drive market expansion. However, businesses must stay agile and innovative to navigate the competitive landscape and address emerging challenges.

Conclusion: North America’s position as the dominant region in the pet service market is a testament to the region's deep-seated passion for pets and its ability to adapt to evolving trends. As pet ownership continues to rise and consumer preferences shift, North America will remain at the forefront of the pet service industry, setting the stage for future growth and innovation.

For businesses and investors, the North American pet service market offers a promising and dynamic landscape with ample opportunities for success.

[expopeak]

Hong Kong Electronics Fair – Autumn Edition 2024 https://expopeak.com/event/hong-kong-electronics-fair-autumn-edition-2024/