New Zealand exports over half of its recycling to countries like Indonesia, where local communities deal with the consequences of processing contaminated wastepaper bales, resulting in the burning of dirty, low-grade plastic scraps for fuel and causing health risks due to dioxins and hazardous chemicals. Workers, including children, sift through the plastic for salvageable material, earning minimal income while being exposed to respiratory diseases and reproductive disorders. The reliance on burning plastic for fuel continues in other industries like tofu production, highlighting the urgent need for tighter regulations to protect both the environment and human health.
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Babies for sale: New Zealanders commissioning illegal surrogacy in Thailand
New Zealanders are reportedly traveling to Thailand to illegally commission surrogate babies from Thai women, a trend that has raised concerns for Oranga Tamariki, the country's child welfare agency. The agency has identified five cases of surrogate parents violating international laws to have children, including a case where a gay man paid a significant amount to circumvent Thailand's strict surrogacy regulations. This practice highlights ongoing ethical and legal challenges surrounding surrogacy and adoption in New...
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