Household energy consumption dynamics in developing countries is often conceptualized through the Energy ladder model and assumes that with increasing income, householders will have a preference to cleaner energy. This paper reviewed various energy sources for household consumption and examines the implications of their dependence on traditional energy sources as well as the energy ladder model as a concept widely used by  scholars in describing the role of income in determining energy use and choices. It further explains the consumption behaviour of households in relation to the major assumptions of the model. The paper posits that the dependence on energy sources at the lowest rung of the energy ladder by most households in Nigeria is accentuated by rising poverty level consistent with the energy ladder hypothesis but disagrees with the notion of complete fuel substitution given that most households tend to have a mix of energy sources for their activities It recommends that government and other stakeholders should formulate policies that will foster the use of modern energy sources with a view to mitigating the environmental and health externalities of traditional energy use as well as improving the quality of human lives. Keywords: Households, energy consumption, energy ladder model, income

Bio-based polymers have become feasible alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest in biodegradable materials for use in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and other areas. Polymers form the backbones of plastic materials, and are continually being employed in an expanding range of area. As a result, many researchers are investing time into modifying traditional materials to make them more user-friendly, and into designing novel polymer composites out of naturally occurring materials. A number of biological materials may be incorporated into biodegradable polymer materials, with the most common being starch and fiber extracted from various types of plants. The belief is that biodegradable polymer materials will reduce the need for synthetic polymer production (thus reducing pollution) at a low cost, thereby producing a positive effect both environmentally and economically. This paper is intended to provide a brief outline of work that is under way in the area of biodegradable polymer research and development. Citation: Ibrahim MS, Sani N, Adamu M, et al. Biodegradable polymers for sustainable environmental and economic development. MOJ Biorg Org Chem.

Nigeria accounts for about 16% of the Shell's global oil business ventures, and about 7% of total profits. Shell has come across a wide range of sustainable development issues throughout its operations. Against this background, this study examines the performance (environmental and social) and efforts by Shell Nigeria in moving their operations in the way that promotes sustainability; and also looks into the hindrances to implementation of the practice of sustainability. The operational data and the company statements were used to access and explain the company's approach to sustainability. Shell's progress in this approach was evaluated and its performance were analysed from data on its social and environmental reports for seven years (2005 to 2011). The general approach of Shell indicates that it understands sustainability issues fronting it and the actions required to improve sustainable performance. Despite Shell's good progress in social and environmental performance over the years, as expressed in their annual sustainability reports, there still exist some challenges and worries particularly in the areas of oil spills, gas flaring and security in the Niger Delta.Among other obstacles, the operational spills in Nigeria have no significant environmental improvement over the years, and have contributed to the volume of global operational spills in Shell. It claims that 72% volume of the spills is from sabotage and theft, and the remaining percentage is due to its own operational failures and ageing facilities; but its 2011 report shows an outrageous oil spill due to its operations over the sabotage spill. Shell is encouraged to target long-term performance in sustainable development that is robust across economic, social, environmental and political spheres in Nigeria.