The Headlines: A series designed to be enjoyed while your coworker or child is having a buckwild meltdown. Don’t worry, that forest fire can wait. Here are some of this Tuesday’s biggest stories for you to ponder:
Which States Have Banned Single-Use Plastics?
As of today, businesses in NSW will no longer be able to supply several single-use plastic items. These products include straws, stirrers, cotton buds, cutlery, and certain food service items.
“The bans apply to anyone carrying on a business, including retailers, suppliers, educational and medical providers, sporting, charity, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations, whether a fee for the items is charged or not,” said the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
However, it’s worth noting that single-use straws will still be available for folks with a disability or certain medical needs.
This ban is taking place because single-use plastic items are just the worst for the environment. For instance, once a plastic straw has been discarded, it can take up to 200 years to break down.
In the ACT, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, a whack of single-use plastics have already been banned. These items include straws, drink stirrers, and cutlery.
In Victoria, these three products will be banned in 2023. Meanwhile, the North Territory is banning them in 2025. In a bad move for the planet’s ecosystems, Tasmania has no plans to ban said single-use plastic items.
Instagram is Mucking the Heck Up
If you’re an Instagram junkie, it might be a difficult day for you. This is because Instagram has been having outages, banning users without cause, and ripping followers away from some folks.
In a statement, Instagram confirmed that some users can no longer get into their accounts. However, they did not acknowledge that some people have lost followers or why these actions are happening in the first place.
“We’re aware that some of you are having issues accessing your Instagram account. We’re looking into it and apologise for the inconvenience,” said an Instagram spokesperson.
Related: Instagram Precise Location Tracking, How to Turn Off
Related: Instagram Retired Swipe Up Links as of August 30 2021
Truck Drivers in Queensland to Be Taught First Aid
In some good news, around 150 Queensland truck drivers will receive crash scene management training and first aid training. This could be invaluable as these truck drivers could be the first ones to be on the ground of a crash.
“It’s important for them to know what they could do, certainly what they shouldn’t do, and how they can provide assistance in a number of different ways until the authorities arrive,” said Queensland Trucking Association’s CEO, Gary Mahon.
“The program gives a greater acknowledgement of how important the role of truck drivers can be at times. They’re the ones out on the highway on a consistent basis.”
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