In a somewhat unique attempt to reduce pollution and revive two species of vulture nearing extinction, the Indian government has granted the Parsi community in Mumbai funding for a project best described as ‘extreme recycling’. The scheme will witness the revival of an ancient practice of disposing of the Parsi dead by feeding them to vultures, a custom favoured over cremation by Parsi priests. The programme is set to cost US$5 million (£3.1 million) over the course of the next 15 years, but will revive the birds that haven’t been seen over the skies of Mumbai for a decade and a half. If all goes to plan the vultures should be contributing a unique form of recycling to the region by January 2014, a move which is expected to have zero waste groups all of a flutter.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.