Nature Hub

From Earth Unreal By Vinuri Randula Silva Fresh produce wrapped in banana leaves are able to last longer as the leaves retain the moisture while blocking the heat. Banana leaves are large, thick and pliable, which makes them a great alternative for plastic packaging, therefore, contributing significantly to reducing the amount of plastic used. This method also means that fruits and vegetables are less likely to be thrown away. Plastic pollution is a real issue worldwide. In reality, only 9% of all plastic being used around the world is recycled and also, the resulting recycled plastic is of inferior quality. Perfect Homes Chiangmai, Jan Darren Guiwan, Sunny Bee

  By Stephanie Hegarty Population correspondent From BBC News As harvest time looms for the world's main wheat producers, countries that import wheat are hoping for a bumper global crop so that record high prices might fall. But analysis on the health of crops around the world, shared with the BBC, suggests that's unlikely, and that Russia could be the only big winner. From his farm three hours south-east of Paris, Sébastien Neveux is worried. Here in France's main wheat-producing region, the weather has been strange recently. It was extremely dry in March, April and May, a crucial time for wheat crops in France which need moisture to pull minerals up from the ground. Then, in June, there was heavy rain and hail. It was too much, too late. "I'll have lost 40% of this field because of drought and intense heat," says Mr Neveux. He estimates he'll lose 25% of his wheat crop overall. Working with two companies that analyse data on crop health, the BBC has foun