Startup spins out plant-based alternative to PVC in vinyl records

Though streaming accounts for most of our music consumption, sales of vinyl records have been on the rise for a few years now. But the plastic used to create them is bad news for the enviro-conscious listener. A UK startup is hoping to change that by p… Continue reading Startup spins out plant-based alternative to PVC in vinyl records

One liter of bottled water found to contain 240,000 plastic fragments

Using advanced imaging technology, researchers have ascertained the number of nanoplastics – bits of plastic smaller than a micrometer – in bottled water, finding that, on average, a liter contains 240,000 detectable fragments. The study provides inval… Continue reading One liter of bottled water found to contain 240,000 plastic fragments

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

Impressive new plastic self-heals, can be recycled and feeds marine life

Japanese scientists have developed a new type of plastic that’s strong at room temperature, but can be easily broken down on demand into its base components. In seawater, it starts to break down into food for marine life, and just to top it off, it can… Continue reading Impressive new plastic self-heals, can be recycled and feeds marine life

Strong, spirulina-based bioplastic breaks down in the compost

Rich in vitamins and minerals, spirulina is a type of blue-green algae commonly used as a dietary supplement that you may have mixed into a drink as a powder or taken in a tablet when you were on a health kick. Now, researchers have used it to create a… Continue reading Strong, spirulina-based bioplastic breaks down in the compost

Bacteria, electricity, and wood waste used to create greener nylon

Nylon can be found everywhere in modern life, from the clothes we wear to the seatbelts in our cars. The problem is that producing it can be a dirty business, but researchers say a new method can make nylon production significantly greener.Continue Rea… Continue reading Bacteria, electricity, and wood waste used to create greener nylon

Newly discovered cold-adapted microbes digest plastic at low temperatures

Swiss scientists have discovered new cold-adapted microorganisms that can degrade different types of plastic at temperatures lower than currently required. The discovery is the first step towards developing a more cost-effective, industrial-scale metho… Continue reading Newly discovered cold-adapted microbes digest plastic at low temperatures

This cheap, strong paper bag can be reused, then turned into biofuel

We use a massive five trillion plastic bags every year, and they’re in the top five of all plastic products found in the natural environment. However, paper doesn’t fare any better, with many studies including a 2020 UNEP report citing the environmenta… Continue reading This cheap, strong paper bag can be reused, then turned into biofuel