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Awo’s legacy lives on as Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu champions women’s role in creating a viable societyFamily hatchbacks continue to be a popular choice among motorists, as they combine practicality, economy, and comfort. In 2024, the market offers a wide range of models to meet the diverse needs of families. They are compact but roomy, easy to drive, and provide high safety. Experts have selected the best hatchbacks for families, taking into account trunk space, efficiency, technology, and price. Toyota Corolla: economy and reliability The Toyota Corolla deservedly takes its place in the ranking thanks to its fuel-efficient hybrid system. The 2024 model boasts a fuel consumption of 64.1 miles per gallon. The car's interior has been updated with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Toyota's reliability makes this model a great choice for family use. Skoda Octavia: space and functionality The Skoda Octavia offers an attractive combination of price, convenience, and low running costs. The diesel version provides fuel consumption of up to 63.4 miles per gallon, and the IV PHEV hybrid version can travel up to 43 miles on electric power. A spacious 600-liter trunk makes the Octavia an ideal choice for large families. Audi A3 Sportback: style and technology The Audi A3 Sportback has a stylish design and a luxurious interior. The cabin features modern screens: A 10.1-inch multimedia screen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The spacious interior provides comfort even for taller passengers. BMW 1 Series: sporty comfort The BMW 1 Series combines sporty looks with practicality. The car has a spacious 380-liter boot, which is ideal for strollers or suitcases. The infotainment system with a 10.3-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support will come in handy during family trips. Toyota Yaris: compact and safe Small but functional, the Toyota Yaris is a symbol of economy. With fuel consumption of up to 68.9 miles per gallon, it's perfect for small families. A host of safety features, including autonomous emergency braking and a rearview camera, make this car a great option for urban environments. Ford Focus: proven reliability The Ford Focus, which has been popular for many years, demonstrates consistently high quality. Parts availability, ease of maintenance, and safety features such as blind spot monitoring add value to the model. The EcoBoost engine provides good fuel efficiency, making the Focus a practical choice for everyday needs. Peugeot 308: multifunctional trunk The Peugeot 308 impresses with its trunk space – up to 470 liters in standard configuration and 1185 liters with the seats folded down. The interior has convenient storage spaces, making the car ideal for large purchases or traveling. Honda Civic: universal comfort The Honda Civic offers the largest luggage space among its competitors – up to 478 liters. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to transport even large items. The spacious interior and practical design make the Civic an attractive choice for active families. Renault Clio: urban compactness The Renault Clio is a great option for urban environments. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and two ISOFIX seats ensure safety for children. Volkswagen up!: the compact station wagon The Volkswagen up! is the smallest in our ranking, but it still offers a comfortable interior and a trunk capacity of 251 liters. Its compact size makes this car ideal for small families or short trips. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events .
Srinagar, Dec 26: The Deputy Commissioner’s office in Pulwama has initiated the transfer of nearly 5000 kanals of land for the establishment of a new campus for the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar. However, the demand has raised concerns among local politicians and residents about its justification and implications. As per an order issued on 24 December by Assistant Commissioner Revenue Pulwama, a team comprising officers and officials from various tehsils, has been constituted to expedite the preparation of necessary revenue documents for 4834 kanals and 19 marlas land. The team reported at the office of the Assistant Commissioner to begin their work today. The move has sparked skepticism from some quarters. Wahid Parra, MLA from Pulwama, today took to X to express his anguish with the land acquisition.”Pulwama welcomes the establishment of an NIT, but seizing 5,000 kanals of land is unacceptable. Without fair compensation and guaranteed jobs for locals, this project will face strong resistance,” he wrote. Iltija Mufti, daughter of former CM Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed her concerns on X. She wrote, “Grabbing land in Kashmir under the ruse of ‘development’ in J&K continues unabated. Pray tell what’s the need to seize 5,000 kanals of prime agricultural land in Pulwama to establish a NIT? If education was such a priority why have a lopsided reservation in the first place?” The process for identification of land for expansion of NIT Srinagar began in 2018. In a review meeting, the then Advisor to Governor Khursheed Ahmed Ganai directed Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to “identify land for setting up an out-campus of NIT Srinagar where new departments can be established.” The land was also sought for hostels of the Institute. Currently NIT Srinagar has over 500 kanal campus in Hazratbal area of Srinagar. Speaking to Greater Kashmir , Ganai said, “the demand for nearly 5000 kanals for NIT expansion seems excessive on the face of it”. He said NIT Srinagar must “relook at its land requirement and manage the land resources better. “Vertical constructions must be explored.” “This,” he added, “will be a cost effective option too as land is a very cost intensive resource.” He added that it must be ensured that the land identified and allotted for NIT Srinagar expansion and similar projects is not agricultural or horticultural land. “Productive lands must be protected,” he said. An order issued by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2014, gives an insight into the land requirements of institutes of higher learning. For NITs, 300 acres (2400 kanals) of land is required, while IITs have a requirement of 500 acres. The same order notes that the land requirements were established “long time ago when land was available in abundance”. It notes that land availability has shrunk and governments have “found it difficult to acquire land leading to inordinate delay in setting up of central higher education institutions.” A committee had been constituted to relook at the land requirement norms of institutes of higher learning by the Ministry.Limerick organisations encouraged to apply for Rethink Ireland fundingNone
Cowboys win wild one vs. Commanders to halt five-game slide
Cowboys playoff picture: How win over Commanders impacts Dallas' wild-card chances | Sporting NewsLANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert, who missed the previous two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt following a low snap. Thomas then took the kick back 43 yards as the Cowboys (4-7) ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Part of that was the play of backup Cooper Rush, who threw for 247 yards and two TDs in his third start in place of starter Dak Prescott. Part was also the defense forcing two turnovers, as Chauncey Golston ripped the ball out of Brian Robinson Jr.’s hands for what was called an interception of Daniels in the second quarter, and Donovan Wilson stripped John Bates midway through the fourth. KaVonte Turpin provided the fireworks with a spinning, 99-yard kickoff return TD seconds after Daniels found Zach Ertz in the end zone and scored on a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three with 3:02 left. In the final three minutes alone, the Commanders (7-5) scored 10 points and allowed Thomas' TD. All that after the score was 10-9 through three quarters before madness ensued. Washington's playoff hopes that looked solid not long ago are now in serious jeopardy after losing to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Dallas. Before the scoring outburst late, much of this defeat had to do with Daniels and the offense not being able to find any kind of a rhythm. The Cowboys did, despite playing without their two best offensive linemen, top cornerback and starting tight end. Rush's 6-yard pass to Jalen Tolbert was Dallas' first third-quarter TD of the season, and his 22-yarder to Luke Schoonmaker came after Wilson's forced fumble. Daniels finished 25 of 38 for 274 yards, including his second interception of the game on a failed Hail Mary as the clock expired. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards to spring the upset for the Cowboys, who were 10 1/2-point underdogs on BetMGM Sportsbook. Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game. Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was injured on a kickoff return in the final seconds. ... Robinson left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas. Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Telangana: BRS leader Errolla Srinivas granted bail
That’s so brat: ‘Wicked’ brings out the worst behavior in selfish fansLANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert, who missed the previous two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt following a low snap. Thomas then took the kick back 43 yards as the Cowboys (4-7) ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers
Yes, there is a ground beef recall, but not for beef sold at grocery storesGuest Column | Nurture young minds to manage social mediaKOLHAPUR: While the suspense over whether the caretaker chief minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, is disappointed after the meeting in New Delhi with Union home minister Amit Shah is yet to be cleared, the health of Shiv Sena chief Shinde, who cancelled all his scheduled meetings and returned to his native village Dare Tamb in Satara on Friday, is reported to have deteriorated and he is kept under the medical observation of doctors. This news comes just hours after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Saturday revealed that Shinde is expected to make a significant political decision within the next 24 hours, as suspense mounts over who will be the next chief minister to lead the Mahayuti-ruled state. Civil Surgeon for Satara, Dr Yuvraj Karpe, said, "CM Shinde is facing a respiratory tract infection and is having fever, an itchy throat along with weakness. His pulse rate and blood pressure are normal. Blood samples were checked and don't show any symptoms of dengue or malaria. He was given an injectable dose on Saturday evening for bacterial infection (Monocef and Beplex saline 100ml)." When asked about the reason behind the health deterioration of Shinde, Dr Karpe said, "He travelled a lot in the last month and also worked on his farm, resulting in exertion. We have suggested he rest for the next two days due to weakness. CM Shinde started feeling ill from Friday night. He felt better on Saturday morning but again at noon he started having a fever. We have stationed an ambulance, physician, a surgeon, and a brother along with medicines equipped in the ambulance," added Dr Karpe. Meanwhile, former minister from Shiv Sena, Deepak Kesarkar, arrived at Dare Tamb village to meet CM Shinde on Saturday but had to return without meeting the CM after learning about his health condition. Earlier on Friday, the Shiv Sena chief left for his native place a day after meeting Union home minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi. Other Mahayuti allies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda were also present at the meeting.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has a golden opportunity in front of him next week in the final game of the regular season. He has the chance to shatter Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing yardage record (even though Barkley will try to do so with one extra game). Barkley has 2,005 rushing yards on 345 carries with one game left. Dickerson ran for an NFL single-season record 2,105 rushing yards on 379 carries. Barkley needs 101 rushing yards in Week 18 to break the record, which he can achieve in less carries. At the beginning of Sunday Night Football, both of the gifted tailbacks spoke with NBC’s Maria Taylor. Saquon Barkley answered a few questions about potentially breaking the record. “It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same category of him and what he’s been able to accomplish. But yeah, I know that I wouldn’t have been able to even be mentioned in that without the guys up front, the tight ends and the wide receivers and our coaches here. So, it’s a blessing but, you know, whatever happens happens,” Barkley explained. “I’m ready if, you know, we have the opportunity to do it or if I rest and get ready for the playoffs too, I’m down for that,” Barkley continued. What are his thoughts on Eric Dickerson not wanting Barkley to break the record? “I can break the record. Let’s say that. But you know, I get it. I wouldn’t want my records to be broken. But to me, it’s all cool. It just I’m a little kid living a dream, to even have those conversations to be mentioned in that. I’m a big fan of position, big fan of the game. You know, I remember when AP, when I watched the game AP came close to doing it,” Barkley noted. “I remember watching YouTube, Barry Sanders rushed for 2000 against the Jets. I’m living the dream, so it doesn’t mean that much to me. But I’m on cloud nine just having fun. And just excited that we’ve clinched the division and get ready for the playoffs,” Barkley explained. As the football gods would have it, Barkley will get the chance to break the record against his former team. The New York Giants. What would it mean for him to break the record against his old team? “If Coach Sirianni made his decision and was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go get it.’ For me, it’s more of the fact that I’m able to put myself in the conversation with a guy like Eric Dickerson. I don’t look at it as to excited to be able to do it against the Giants, but more of the opportunity to put myself in mention with Eric Dickerson. But if that’s not the case either, I’m more than ready to sit out and get my body ready for doing something special,” Barkley finished. Dickerson rushed for 2,105 yards in 1984, breaking O.J. Simpson‘s record (2,003 yards) which had stood for 11 years. Six tailbacks have rushed for 2,000 yards since Dickerson, but none have been able to surpass his total. Barkley is closing in on Dickerson’s mark, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer doesn’t believe Barkley will break it, nor does he want him to. Regardless, we’ll see if the former Penn State star gets an opportunity to shatter one of the NFL’s most coveted records. On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article. This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.
HOUSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 27 points before being one of six people ejected after a fight in the final minute of the Miami Heat's 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Herro was thrown to the ground by the Rockets' Amen Thompson with 35 seconds left and the Heat leading 99-94. Players and coaches from both benches then came onto the court. Both players were thrown out along with Rockets guard Jalen Green, coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier was also ejected for Miami. Houston led 92-85 after Fred VanVleet's layup with 8:10 to play, but the Rockets missed their next 11 shots, allowing Miami to tie the game when Herro found Haywood Highsmith for a 3-pointer with 4:47 to play. Herro’s jumper with 1:56 to play put the Heat on top for good. Takeaways Heat: Playing the second night of a back-to-back and missing Jimmy Butler for a fifth straight game, Nikola Jovic finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the Heat. Highsmith added 15 points. Rockets: After blowing a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead against the Wolves, Houston struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, shooting just 6 for 24 from the field. Dillon Brooks scored 22 points after missing the last three games with a right ankle effusion. Key moment Jovic’s 3 with 47 seconds left put Miami up 98-94. Key Stat Miami outscored Houston, the NBA’s best offensive rebounding team, 15-9 in second-chance points. Up Next The Rockets host Dallas on Wednesday and the Heat host New Orleans on Wednesday.
The legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most revered political and intellectual figures, continues to shape the nation’s landscape, even decades after his passing. A nationalist, federalist, and visionary, Awolowo played a critical role in Nigeria’s political and constitutional development. His ideals, which centred around unity, democracy, and social justice, have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Nigerian society. Chief Awolowo’s commitment to education, self-reliance, and equitable development laid the groundwork for many of the nation’s institutions. His role in promoting federalism, fighting for the rights of the marginalized, and advocating for inclusive governance resonates in Nigeria’s modern-day political struggles up until today. Many Nigerians, both within and outside of politics, strive to uphold these ideals and carry forward his ideals of cultural renaissance and social justice, advocating for a stronger and more united Nigeria. But beyond the broad scope of these influential figures, one person stands at the forefront of ensuring that Chief Awolowo’s legacy remains alive, relevant, and impactful: Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, the sage’s last-born child. Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, is a steadfast champion of her father’s vision. She has become the driving force in preserving and expanding his legacy, ensuring it continues to influence the national conversation. Her work within the Foundation, alongside her other leadership roles, embodies the ideals her father fought for—integrity, education, good governance, and national development. A former Ambassador to the Netherlands and an active participant in Nigeria’s political discourse, Tokunbo has been an advocate for national development and women’s empowerment. She is carrying her father’s vision forward by playing significant roles in various strategic positions, such as her tenure as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Lagos University Teaching Hospital and as a delegate at the 2014 National Constitutional Conference. In these roles, she advocated for a political restructuring that would ensure a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria, something that mirrors her father’s lifelong efforts to ensure the prosperity and unity of the nation. Tokunbo is a key figure behind the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership. This biennial award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in leadership and good governance, qualities that Awolowo himself epitomized. Through this award, she continues to spotlight global leaders who reflect the values of her father, ensuring that his ideals remain integral to the nation’s political and social ethos. Her upcoming webinar, “Building a Viable Society in Challenging Times: The Critical Role of Women,” reflects her ongoing mission to empower women and raise their voices in the struggle for national development, while remaining a true Ambassador of her father’s vision. Like the Sage himself, Tokunbo has an unyielding commitment to the progress of Nigeria, its people, and its future. She is the bridge between the ideals of the past and the aspirations of the present, ensuring that the values Chief Obafemi Awolowo fought for continue to thrive in a modern world. Through the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, she upholds her father’s commitment to nation-building in ways that resonate with the challenges and opportunities of today. As the Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the iconic Nigerian Tribune titles, Tokunbo continues to provide a platform for meaningful discourse on governance, leadership, and the future of the nation. The forthcoming webinar, “Building a Viable Society in Challenging Times: The Critical Role of Women,” promises to be a remarkable convergence of influential voices committed to national progress. Hosted by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation under the visionary leadership of Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, this event continues the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo by fostering meaningful conversations around governance, leadership, and inclusivity. Among the distinguished dignitaries set to participate are the Chairman, The Vice President of Nigeria. His Excellency Kashim Shettima; the Distinguished Guest, Governor of Lagos State. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and the Keynote Speaker, Her Excellency Dr. Amina Mohammed, whose tireless advocacy for sustainable development and women’s empowerment has earned global recognition. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowGeneral Dynamics Board Declares Dividend, Authorizes Additional Share Repurchases
, the now-former head coach of the , has spoken publicly for the first time since his dismissal. Eberflus, who was relieved of his duties on Friday , expressed gratitude and reflected on his time with the team. In a statement released on Saturday, he said, " " He also extended his appreciation to the players, acknowledging their dedication and resilience. " ," he added. Eberflus' tenure with the Bears lasted , during which he amassed a 14-32 record. His time in Chicago was marked by challenges, including struggles with developing young quarterbacks. , drafted 11th overall in 2021 before Eberflus arrived, did not progress as expected under his leadership. Additionally, this year's No. 1 overall pick, , has experienced an inconsistent rookie season. Eberflus was often seen working closely with Williams on the sidelines, as captured during their Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions. Eberflus thanks fans for their support The Thanksgiving loss, where the Bears and ultimately fell 23-20 to the Lions, appeared to be the tipping point for the organization. On Friday, GM Ryan Poles announced the decision to part ways with Eberflus. " ," Poles stated. He also thanked Eberflus for his efforts and professionalism, wishing him and his family well moving forward. Despite the disappointing results on the field, Eberflus emphasized his pride in how the players represented the organization. " ," he remarked. He also expressed gratitude to Bears fans for their passion and support throughout his tenure. While his time in Chicago has come to an end, Eberflus leaves with an appreciation for the team and city that he served.MIAMI — Miami-Dade Commissioners are set to vote on a resolution to eliminate single-use plastics and Styrofoam at county-owned venues like Miami International Airport, PortMiami, parks and office buildings — and instead sell aluminum bottles or cans or serve food on washable ceramic or compostable plates. The resolution marks the latest chapter in a longstanding battle between the state and local governments over attempts to ban single-use plastics, with some hoping that successful implementation would inspire private businesses to voluntarily follow the county’s lead in reducing plastics proven harmful to the health of humans and the environment. “I don’t want to go into any county-owned facility and see single-use plastics when there is a viable, cost-effective alternative,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who championed the proposal. The resolution, which could face a vote as early as Wednesday, would make exceptions for grab-and-go snacks or candy bars. Despite their light weight, the plastic products that industries produce in the U.S. each year weigh 35.7 million tons. In the U.S., only 5 percent of all plastics are recycled, according to the Department of Energy, and recycling rates have dropped over the years. The rest ends up in incinerators or landfills, pollutes storm drains, rivers and oceans, and breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces that have been found in breast milk, human brains, lungs and testicles. Better options While the county’s waste management master plan considers a new and controversial incinerator necessary – the amount of waste produced is expected to grow from roughly 2.5 million tons this year to 2.9 million tons by 2028 – experts and activists say that burning trash isn’t the only option. “The trick is reducing and diverting waste,” said Dave Doebler, co-founder of VolunteerCleanup, which has helped remove 800,000 pounds of trash from beaches and parks in South Florida since 2013. Simply put, Doebler said, “the less volume we have to deal with, the less we need to incinerate or throw in a landfill.” And the less that can end up in Biscayne Bay or as toxins in our own bodies. Microplastics have been linked to cancer and infertility and might even play a role in obesity, recent studies show, though their impact is most apparent on Florida’s coast, which not only draws millions of tourists, but sees plastics from across the world washed up. As petrochemicals derived from oil or gas, plastics account for 3.4 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers project that plastic waste in the ocean could amount to about 600 million tons within the next six years – about 150 times the weight of the planet’s total blue whale population combined. Dozens of volunteers gather regularly around Miami-Dade to try to make a difference by combing beaches and parks for plastic bottles and bags. Most of them are designed for just a few minutes of usage and can’t be recycled even if they were thrown in a recycling bin. “People are not aware of how it could affect not just us individuals, but the animals that live here,” said Gabriella Wright, a 16-year-old who has passed up sleepovers and hangouts with friends since she was six to instead gather trash. Though Wright has inspired her friends and family to be more mindful and reduce the amount of plastic they use — for example, by getting reusable water bottles — policies that support such waste-reduction efforts are urgently needed, activists say. State pushback on bans While 12 states, including Maine, Delaware and California, have already imposed some form of plastic bag ban, Florida’s state legislators took a different route in 2008 when they passed a preemption that restricts the right of local governments to regulate plastics, including “containers, wrappings, or disposable bags.” Several local governments, from Surfside to Palm Beach, nevertheless passed plastic bans, citing the will of its residents, but quickly repealed or rescinded these regulations after the Florida Retail Federation (FRF), a lobbying group representing influential retail giants like Publix and Walmart, threatened them with lawsuits. Coral Gables lost a lengthy legal battle to FRF when the state’s Supreme Court declined to hear its appeal over a Styrofoam food container ban in 2020. Miami Beach and Broward County have passed similar resolutions as the one Miami-Dade will be voting on. Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature considered further protecting plastics, which are derived from fossil fuels like oil and gas, with a bill that would have stopped local governments from passing measures restricting its use under public contracts. That bill, however, quickly died after environmental groups’ protests, paving the way for Miami-Dade’s measure. More than 17,000 people have so far emailed the commission in support of the resolution. Statewide, 93 percent of people surveyed by the Department of Environmental protection in 2021 favored regulation of single-use plastics. A total of 82 percent said they’d support it even if it meant an additional fee. Industry warns commission Opposition is again coming from FRF, which sent a letter to the commission that warns of “a significant financial hit” and “unintended consequences that may arise, particularly in terms of negatively impacting small businesses that rely on sales of items packaged in, or utilize, plastic or polystyrene.” FRF did not respond to the Herald’s request to specify how their members would be hurt. Efforts should be focused on improving recycling of plastics, the letter says. But the plastic industry itself has failed to create workable recycling for decades, and has internally expressed doubts that it would ever be possible to do so in an “economically viable” way since at least the mid-70s. In September, California’s state attorney filed a lawsuit accusing ExxonMobil of deceiving the public over the alleged recyclability of plastics for decades. Publix, by far the single-biggest contributor to FRF’s political committee and a major powerhouse in Tallahassee, said it has reduced plastic bag usage by 9.7 billion since 2007 by coaching staff on “proper bagging techniques” and installing bins designated for recycling single-use plastics. Publix declined several requests for an interview and did not reply to a request to elaborate on the data. The Miami-Dade resolution doesn’t limit product types, quantities or their prices, and is limited to future contracts only. “We’re not trying to tell you how to run your household. But we are saying, ‘This is how we want to run our household and our business’,” Higgins said. She believes that Miami Dade, the largest county in Florida, should lead by example. “We can, through our contracting, inspire companies to change the product portfolio, to make more in aluminum and less in plastic,” she said. Who profits? Businesses across the county, including Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins, have already shown that reducing plastics can work. William Elgar, the director of Zoo Miami, said that his team also decided to tackle its own plastics issue during the pandemic, around the time the zoo opened its Sea Turtle Hospital that has so far removed plastics from some 30 sea turtles. Across the premises, vending machines are now stacked with aluminum water bottles and cans with electrolyte drinks, which helped the zoo cut 340,000 bottles of plastic just last year. “If you think about it, that’s 340,000 bottles and cups less that could get into our oceans, that could get into our water works, our streams, and cause microfilaments and plastic to get everywhere,” Elgar said. The switch hasn’t hurt revenues, Elgar said, in part because the aluminum trash is bought by companies that can recycle it indefinitely. Activists, however, say that recycling isn’t in the best interest of the companies producing plastics, nor in the oil companies’, which are banking on the increase of plastic production as the use of fossil fuels for transportation or heating decline. “If we’re truly going to address or slow down climate change or avert the worst impacts of climate change, we also are going to have to address the emissions that are coming from plastics and petrochemicals, which are expected to rise,” said Renee Sharp, a policy expert at the National Resource Defense Council. Along with other petrochemicals like fertilizer and synthetic fabrics, the International Energy Agency projects that plastics will account for roughly half of the growth in oil demand by 2050. Activists have called plastics the oil industry’s “Plan B.” The only entity that would ultimately be hurt by a ban is the oil and plastics industries, said the Sierra Club’s Ken Russell, a former Miami city commissioner. “It does not hurt the end user, the retail tenant, or, of course, the customer,” Russell said, “and so the real pushback comes from the industry that creates, in this case, the plastics and the Styrofoam.”