Heaps of pharmaceuticals, toxic chemicals found in recycled plastics

While the use of recycled plastics is normally considered a noble endeavor, a new study says it’s time to think twice. In an analysis of the material from more than 10 different countries, hundreds of potentially harmful chemicals were uncovered.Contin… Continue reading Heaps of pharmaceuticals, toxic chemicals found in recycled plastics

Envirocat 8.5 cleanly and quietly removes plastic waste from rivers

UK shipyard MMS has added a new member to its fleet of floating-debris collection vessels. The latest Envirocat is the first to clean up waterways without releasing engine fumes into the environment.Continue ReadingCategory: Marine, TransportTags: Plas… Continue reading Envirocat 8.5 cleanly and quietly removes plastic waste from rivers

More evidence connecting BPA exposure to ADHD and autism

For the first time, scientists have described a biochemical mechanism linking attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the common but problematic compound Bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach into food and w… Continue reading More evidence connecting BPA exposure to ADHD and autism

More evidence connecting BPA exposure to ADHD and autism

For the first time, scientists have described a biochemical mechanism linking attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the common but problematic compound Bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach into food and w… Continue reading More evidence connecting BPA exposure to ADHD and autism

Low-emissions flash method upcycles waste plastic into “free” hydrogen

Researchers have used a low-emissions method to harvest hydrogen and graphene from waste plastics. They say it not only solves environmental problems like plastic pollution and greenhouse gas production, but the value of the graphene by-product could o… Continue reading Low-emissions flash method upcycles waste plastic into “free” hydrogen

Bacteria recruited to build endlessly recyclable plastic

Plastic is one of the most useful materials in our modern world, but unfortunately it’s also one of the worst in a sustainability sense. Now, scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a way to engineer bacteria to produce raw materials that can be made… Continue reading Bacteria recruited to build endlessly recyclable plastic

Bacterial cellulose used to create new edible packaging material

We may soon be finishing off a box of cereal and then eating the bag it came in. Researchers have turned to bacteria-produced cellulose to create a composite packaging material to replace plastic. The material is not only robust and sustainable to prod… Continue reading Bacterial cellulose used to create new edible packaging material

Cambridge reactor converts plastic waste and CO2 into useful chemicals

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and plastic waste are two of the most pressing environmental problems facing the world today, but a device designed by Cambridge scientists may help tackle both at once. The team has demonstrated a new version of their so… Continue reading Cambridge reactor converts plastic waste and CO2 into useful chemicals

At every stage from farm to table, more microplastics enter your food

A new study has found that, globally, micro- and nanoplastics and plastic additives are widespread across our food supply. While we have an understanding of how they get there, we don’t know a lot about their effects on human health, food safety and se… Continue reading At every stage from farm to table, more microplastics enter your food

Ocean Cleanup looks to halt flow of plastic trash from Indonesian river

The Ocean Cleanup is possibly best known for deploying huge trash collectors to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but has also sought to prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans. The latest Interceptor vessel will prevent around 1,000 tons of plas… Continue reading Ocean Cleanup looks to halt flow of plastic trash from Indonesian river