plastics

‘Plastic Pollution Is a Social Justice Issue,’ New Report Warns

‘Plastic Pollution Is a Social Justice Issue,’ New Report Warns

Plastic pollution isn’t just a threat to non-human life like turtles and whales. It’s also a major environmental justice problem. That’s the conclusion of a new report released Tuesday from the UN Environment Program and ocean justice non-profit Azul, titled Neglected: Environmental Justice Impacts of Plastic Pollution. “Plastic pollution is a social justice issue,” report […]

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    A 10-Step Plan to Save Our Seas

    A 10-Step Plan to Save Our Seas

    By Douglas McCauley This article is part of The Davos Agenda. The year 2050 has been predicted by some to be a bleak year for the ocean. Experts say that by 2050 there may be more plastic than fish in the sea, or perhaps only plastic left. Others say 90% of our coral reefs may […]

    Kenyan Engineer Recycles Plastic Into Bricks Stronger Than Concrete

    Kenyan Engineer Recycles Plastic Into Bricks Stronger Than Concrete

    Nzambi Matee is an entrepreneur with an incredible goal — to turn plastic destined for the landfill into sustainable, strong building material. Her company, Gjenge Makers, uses the plastic waste of commercial facilities to create bricks that can withstand twice the weight threshold of concrete. Gjenge Makers is based in Nairobi, Kenya, where plastic waste […]

    Appalachian Fracking Boom Was a Jobs Bust, Finds New Report

    Appalachian Fracking Boom Was a Jobs Bust, Finds New Report

    By Nick Cunningham The decade-long fracking boom in Appalachia has not led to significant job growth, and despite the region’s extraordinary levels of natural gas production, the industry’s promise of prosperity has “turned into almost nothing,” according to a new report. The fracking boom has received broad support from politicians across the aisle in Appalachia […]

    Why Plastic Pollution Is a Producer Responsibility

    Why Plastic Pollution Is a Producer Responsibility

    By Alex Truelove We’re all culprits in the plastic pollution crisis — and that’s by design. I was reminded of this recently when I ordered a set of carbon filters for my countertop compost bin. (Like most people, I don’t care for smelly kitchens.) The package arrived in a layered-plastic bubble envelope. Inside I found […]

    Save the Turtles: 10 Best Reusable Straws of 2022

    Save the Turtles: 10 Best Reusable Straws of 2022

    Keeping a reusable straw in your purse, pocket, on your key ring, or in the glove compartment of your car makes it easy to skip single-use plastic when you’re on the go. In fact, purchasing reusable straws, made from materials like bamboo, glass, silicone, and stainless steel, is one of the simplest ways to reduce […]

    Can Fireworks Ever Become Eco-Friendly?

    Can Fireworks Ever Become Eco-Friendly?

    By Elliot Douglas First developed in China more than a thousand years ago, fireworks have since become an integral part of celebrations all over the world. From New Year’s Eve festivities, to U.S. Independence Day and Diwali in India, many events have become almost synonymous with the spark and spectacle of mini explosions lighting up […]

    Plastic Pipes Are Polluting Drinking Water Systems After Wildfires

    Plastic Pipes Are Polluting Drinking Water Systems After Wildfires

    By Andrew J. Whelton, Amisha Shah and Kristofer P. Isaacson When wildfires swept through the hills near Santa Cruz, California, in 2020, they released toxic chemicals into the water supplies of at least two communities. One sample found benzene, a carcinogen, at 40 times the state’s drinking water standard. Our testing has now confirmed a […]