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Plastics and the Environment
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Global Issue
Industry
Economy
Plastics and the Environment
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Davos 2022
Which priorities should a global plastic pollution treaty focus on? 5 leaders weigh in
Here is what five leaders believe are the priorities and perspectives a global treaty on plastic pollution will offer us in the fight against climate change.
Plastics and the Environment
Scuba divers remove more than 25,000 pounds of debris from Lake Tahoe
Volunteer scuba divers in the United States have removed 25,281 pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe's still remarkably pure waters in a major clean-up effort.
Plastics and the Environment
How a plastic-eating enzyme could inspire a truly circular economy
Researchers have developed a plastic-eating enzyme with the potential to break down environmentally damaging plastics in just a matter of hours, instead of centuries.
United States
How is the growing plastic waste problem impacting America?
The recycling rate fell from 8.7% in 2018 to 5-6% in 2021. This is due to a big drop in plastic waste exports, with China and Turkey banning such imports.
Plastics and the Environment
Can brands make reusable packaging more attractive than single-use plastic? NFTs could be the answer
The reusable packaging market could be worth $10 billion. Next-generation reward schemes using digital currencies could help eliminate single-use plastic.
Plastics and the Environment
A major shipping line is refusing to export the West's plastic waste. Here's why it matters
Western countries may have to rethink what they do with their plastic waste as a major shipping line bans plastic exports. Could this be a watershed moment?
Climate Change
How to get involved this Earth Day
Earth Day 2022 takes place on 22 April, and the theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. An event called The Great Global Cleanup will run throughout April.
Plastics and the Environment
Congolese City Recycles Plastic Waste Into Paving Slabs
Chemical and Materials Industry
Researchers find way for plastic waste to soak up CO2
Heating plastic waste in the presence of the chemical potassium acetate creates particles that are able to absorb carbon dioxide, researchers have found.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
This Congolese city is transforming its plastic problem into an asset
A business entrepreneur in Bukavi is turning the city's plastic waste into paving slabs; providing economic resources, jobs and environmental protection.
Global Health
Microplastics found in lungs of living people for first time, and deeper than expected
Scientists have found large microplastic particles deep in the lungs of living humans, despite the narrow size of the lower airways.
Plastics and the Environment
These Start-Ups Are Leading The Fight Against Plastic Waste
Circular Economy
How community cardboard shredding in Hawaii is helping residents, businesses and the environment
Circle Pack is a grassroots organization in Hawaii that is turning cardboard waste into usable material for great soil quality for gardeners and farmers.
UpLink
Here's why paint microplastic emissions must be at the top of the global environmental agenda
Paint microplastic emissions account for more than half of estimated total annual ocean microplastic leakage and more needs to be done to tackle the issue.
Plastics and the Environment