The number of lobbyists from fossil fuel and petrochemical industries at the UN talks on plastic pollution has increased by 37%. This rise signals intensified efforts to influence the outcome and poses a threat to any agreement limiting plastic production. Imbalances in representation and access raise concerns about the treaty's effectiveness, with corporate interests holding outsized sway.
The launch of Ocean Cleanup’s system 03 brings hope for ocean waste cleansing. The project aims to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. This ocean-bound plastic stems from inadequate waste management in coastal areas. Embracing a circular economy, it recycles ocean-bound plastic, creating economic opportunities and reducing pollution. However, challenges persist in a consumption-driven capitalist world.
The Ocean Cleanup has achieved a major milestone with System 03, capturing record-breaking amounts of plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This system, equipped with advanced technology, surpassed previous records and garnered widespread support. The monumental achievement serves as a beacon of hope and reinforces the belief in overcoming environmental challenges through innovation and commitment.
The Plastics Industry Association has launched the "Recycling is Real" campaign to debunk claims by environmental groups that plastic recycling is ineffective. While PIA supports policies to boost recycling rates, Beyond Plastics President argues that plastics recycling in the U.S. has never surpassed 10%. The debate underscores the struggle to balance recycling promotion with reduced production and regulation.
Researchers from UFZ discovered alarming levels of plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean. Despite using a predictive model to choose sampling stations, they found unexpectedly high quantities of microplastics in protected areas. The widespread presence of microplastics suggests a need for urgent global cooperation to address ocean pollution.
A landmark study reveals alarming evidence of microplastic pollution's impact on human health. Plastic particles were found in the arteries of 59% of participants, leading to a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a global reevaluation of plastic use and waste management.
Research at IRCCS MultiMedica uncovered evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic particles to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Analyzing artery plaque samples from 257 adults revealed microplastics in 150 participants, associated with higher risk of cardiac events. The study suggests microplastics may exacerbate inflammation, posing a threat to global cardiovascular health through microplastics and nanoplastics.
5 Gyres is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the global health crisis of plastic pollution. Their research focuses on understanding plastics' impact and accelerating science-based solutions, with a key focus on sectors like textiles. Their efforts aim to reduce the harm of plastic pollution and engage with 94 countries to achieve "More ocean. Less plastic."
Recent report from the Center for Climate Integrity exposes decades of deceit by the plastics industry regarding the feasibility of recycling. Industry leaders allegedly knew for over 30 years that recycling plastic at scale was not viable, yet promoted it to obstruct bans on plastic products. Legal action is now being considered to hold producers accountable.
The oversupply of petrochemicals from oil and gas is driving down production costs of virgin plastics, making them cheaper than recycled alternatives. This is due to a glut in petrochemical markets, lowering prices of basic building blocks for plastics. The lower costs of virgin plastics threaten the economics of plastic recycling efforts.
The Trash Economy 