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.
Plastic pollution
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.
IKEA to phase out plastic packaging by 2028
The shift will happen progressively over the coming years, and mainly be focusing on paper as it is both recyclable, renewable, and widely recycled across the world.
Alaska Airlines eliminates plastic water cups and bottles on board
Alaska is the first major airline to eliminate plastic cups and estimates that the measure will save 1.8 million pounds of single use plastic waste per year.
France to ban plastic packaging for most fruit and vegetables in January 2022
France’s environment ministry expects that the measure will prevent more than one billion useless plastic packaging items per year.