Portuguese startup creates laundry bag that reduces pollution in rivers and oceans
August 4, 2021, 9:09 am

pollution in rivers and oceans

The Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that Portuguese startup Skizo, which is incubated in the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto (UPTEC), announced on Tuesday that it has created a laundry bag that reduces pollution in rivers and oceans by retaining the microplastics that come loose from synthetic fibers.

the Xinhua said, Andre Facote, CEO and co-founder of Skizo, estimated that "35 percent of microplastics released into the ocean come from the wear and tear of synthetic textiles during washing."

"These microplastics are ingested by fish, which we then consume," he warned in a UPTEC news release, adding that this bag is "a first step" in solving the environmental and health problem.

Portuguese startup creates laundry bag that reduces pollution in rivers and oceans

According to Facote, the bag is suitable for use with any synthetic garment and compatible with any washing machine.

According to the news release, the bag was developed from polyamide extracted from discarded fishing nets and plastics collected from Portugal's coasts and beaches, and transformed into textile material by companies in the sector.

Facote said: "Since the bags are made with a thin layer and with openings of about 50 micrometers, the fibers that can be released from synthetic clothes are retained in the bag and can be discarded for plastic recycling."

The technology company also develops products made from the recycling of these collected microplastics, such as travel bags, bathing suits and shoes, having already exported to several European countries, as well as Brazil, the United States and Canada.

Source: xinhua

UK records highest daily coronavirus-related deaths since March Pentagon lifts lockdown after multiple gunshots fired near Metro bus station

Upon arriving to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, which includes around forty heads of state in Budapest, he said, "I look forward to sitting with the elected U.S. president and seeing how we will collectively ensure we meet challenges, including the threats from Russia and North Korea." He also noted that the strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to the United States as well, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

Furthermore, many NATO member states in Europe fear that Trump might halt military aid to Ukraine after he previously criticized the U.S. for pouring funds into supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.