Tanzania bans the use of plastic bags
In a historic conservation move the government of the United Republic of Tanzania has announced the ban on plastic bag use beginning June 1, 2019.
Ocean health
Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and regulate climate, feed billions, and sustain extraordinary biodiversity. This archive tracks verified progress on ocean health — from coral reef recovery and plastic reduction to marine protected areas and fishing reform. It covers what’s working and who’s making it happen.
Canada bans deep-sea mining, oil and gas drilling in marine protected areas
The decision, which also prevents waste dumping and bottom trawling, helps inch Canada closer to its international commitment to protect 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas by 2020.
Bali bans single-use plastics
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced that the Indonesian province of Bali is officially banning single-use plastics. The country produces 3.2 million tons of plastic annually.
Scientists report that coral reefs in West Hawaii are now recovering from bleaching
“We surveyed over 14,000 coral colonies at 20 sites along the West Hawaii coast from Kawaihae to Keauhou and were thrilled to see that many of the area’s reefs have stabilized, which is the first step toward recovery.”
E.U. agrees deal on single-use plastic ban
The single-use plastic ban was introduced earlier this year and yesterday the European commission agreed a deal to set the ban in place.
Australia just cut 80% of its plastic bag use in 3 months
When Australia’s two largest supermarket chains banned plastic bags three months ago, it led to an 80 percent reduction in the country’s overall consumption of plastic bags.
Biggest coral reseeding project launches on Great Barrier Reef
Scientists have launched the largest-ever attempt to regenerate coral on the endangered Great Barrier Reef by harvesting millions of the creatures’ eggs and sperm during their annual spawning.
Plastic waste elimination pledge by 2025 attracts 250+ big firms
Some 250 big organisations have now pledged to eradicate plastic waste by 2025, including Coca Cola, H&M and L’Oreal, up from 40 in April.
Commercial fishing banned across much of the Arctic
International agreement will protect vast areas of sea that have opened up as the ice melts.
In a world-first, Carlsberg to replace plastic ring can holders with recyclable glue
Carlsberg’s snap pack shows how rethinking a single everyday product can remove a genuinely harmful material from the environment at scale. The adhesive holds cans together through shipping and refrigeration, then releases cleanly — and because it bonds directly to aluminium, it recycles right alongside the can with no extra step for consumers. That adds up to more than 1,200 tonnes of plastic eliminated annually from one company’s packaging alone. Aluminium production still carries its own carbon costs, so this isn’t a complete solution — but it’s a concrete, verifiable step that other brewers and regulators could build on.