New biodegradable, plant-based, spray-on coating offers alternative to plastic food wrap and containers
The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study from Rutgers University.
Plastic pollution
Plastic pollution touches nearly every ecosystem on Earth, from deep ocean trenches to mountain snowpack. This archive tracks real progress: policy wins, material innovations, cleanup breakthroughs, and the researchers, companies, and communities driving measurable change. 167 stories and counting.
Canada bans manufacture and import of single-use plastics
The ban includes checkout bags, cutlery, straws and food-service ware made from or containing plastics that are hard to recycle, and will come into effect by the end of 2022.
Australia reduces plastic litter on its beaches by 30 percent in less than a decade
The study by Australia’s CSIRO involved 563 on-the-ground inspections and multiple interviews with waste managers in 32 municipalities.
New plastic-eating enzyme could eliminate billions of tons of landfill waste
An enzyme created by engineers and scientists at the University of Texas breaks down plastics that typically take centuries to degrade in a matter of days.
Los Angeles County mandates compostable and recyclable dining ware
This new ordinance will also ban the sale of expanded polystyrene foam, more commonly known as Styrofoam, in items like coolers, dining ware, and pool toys.
Reswirl creates world’s first zero-waste, fully recyclable toothbrush
The company offers these brushes through a subscription service. Used brushes are returned in provided pre-paid packaging to be recycled.
New technique uses plastic waste to capture CO2 emissions
The scientists from Rice University developing the technique estimate that the cost to remove CO2 from flue gas streams would be about US$21 a ton, a significant improvement over existing alternatives.
Beer giant phases out plastic rings for an eco-friendly alternative
Phasing out the plastic rings is part of a bigger sustainability plan at Molson Coors, that includes a series of environmental goals to be reached by 2025.
Scientists develop a new method for recycling industrial plastic at room temperature in 20 minutes
The researchers at the University of Bath hope the new process will help recycling become less energy intensive, and thus more economically viable.
U.N. adopts landmark resolution that aims to end plastic pollution
The measure calls for an international negotiating committee to set the terms of a treaty on plastic pollution by the end of 2024.