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In this Matters Arising, we respond to a recent article by Bachmann et al.1 We argue that dealing with plastics pollution as a novel entity within the planetary boundaries framework needs to consider the entirety of the plastics life cycle, from resource extraction to impacts on earth system processes. Singling out LCA quantifications to set a boundary for recycling plastics is not only an unviable myth but may be a dangerous approach. Bachmann et al.1 argue that it is possible to maintain business as usual and move the economy ‘towards circular plastics’ while staying within planetary boundaries. The authors’ solutions rest on poorly operationalized terms and unrealistic estimates, which over-state what technological solutions can achieve and risk locking the world into an even more plastic-intensive future. We see major flaws in their baseline assumptions and aim to better define and contextualize plastics pollution within Earth systems.

Cigarette filters offer no public health benefits, are single-use plastics and the most common source of plastic (cellulose acetate) pollution. Filters are routinely littered, accounting for a significant proportion of plastic litter worldwide, requiring considerable public funds to remove, and are a source of microplastics. Used cigarette filters can leech toxic chemicals and pose an ecological risk to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Bottom-up measures, such as focusing on consumer behaviour, are ineffective and we need to impose top-down solutions (i.e., bans) if we are to reduce the prevalence of this number one litter item. Banning filters offers numerous ecological, socioeconomic, and public health benefits.

Early bio-based plastics, which were neither clean nor green, offer lessons for today

Objectives In low-income settings, neonatal mortality rates (NMR) are higher among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Institutional deliveries have been shown to be protective against neonatal mortality. In Gujarat, India, the access of disadvantaged women to institutional deliveries has increased. However, the impact of increased institutional delivery on NMR has not been studied here. This paper examined if institutional childbirth is associated with lower NMR among disadvantaged women in Gujarat, India. Methods A community-based prospective cohort of pregnant women was followed in three districts in Gujarat, India (July 2013-November 2014). Two thousand nine hundred and nineteen live births to disadvantaged women (tribal or below poverty line) were included in the study. Data was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results The overall NMR was 25 deaths per 1000 live births. Multivariable analysis showed that institutional childbirth was protective against neonatal mortality only among disadvantaged women with obstetric complications during delivery. Among mothers with obstetric complications during delivery, those who gave birth in a private or public facility had significantly lower odds of having a neonatal death than women delivering at home (AOR 0.07 95% CI 0.01-0.45 and AOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.33 respectively). Conclusions for Practice Our findings highlight the crucial role of institutional delivery to prevent neonatal deaths among those born to disadvantaged women with complications during delivery in this setting. Efforts to improve disadvantaged women's access to good quality obstetric care must continue in order to further reduce the NMR in Gujarat, India.

The scope of contemporary global challenges demands new modes of problem-solving, and the process of identifying solutions requires a diversity of perspectives. Business plays a critical role in forging the path forward, yet siloed sustainability efforts are no longer sufficient in tackling and leveraging the complex web of relationships and stakeholders at play. This paper introduces the concept of Human Centered Business, including the methodology and applied research that resulted in the Human Centered Business Index – a framework that measures performance based on purpose, empathy, systems-approach and resilience – and its findings. It provides a methodological and empirical blueprint for highlighting future frontrunners of Human Centered Business, and encourages future application, development, and good practice. The expectation is that this pilot assemblage of methodology, applied research and good practice will ignite further discussion on the future of Human Centered Business. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir.16-1.3