Scientists have discovered that massive amounts of microplastics are falling into remote areas in protected US national parks every year. The tiny bits of plastic are carried there by winds and rains.
Posts tagged as “plastic”
Recently, researchers have reported on two different ways to break down different kinds of plastic. The new advances could lead to easier, high-quality recycling, and help deal with toxic plastic pollution.
On Sunday, a new law banning single-use plastic bags in New York state came into effect. Though the move will have a positive effect on the environment, there could be some difficulties as New Yorkers adjust to the plan.
Lucy Hughes, a 24-year-old English inventor, has used skin and scales from fish to create a new kind of plastic that will break down in about six weeks. Her invention won this year's James Dyson Award.
The Ocean Cleanup, a group that is working to collect and remove plastic pollution from the ocean, recently revealed a new project - a special boat that removes plastic from rivers before it ever reaches the ocean.
Over a year ago, a group called Ocean Cleanup began using a huge floating screen to try to clean up plastic pollution in the ocean. After several failures, the group is now collecting plastic.
Scientists say using the "Delicate" setting on washing machines releases far more microplastics from clothes than other washing machine settings. They encourage people to try to wash clothes with less water.
In the past year, 14 of the deer in Japan's famous Nara Park have died. Nine of those deer appear to have been killed by eating plastic. Volunteers are working together to try to end the problem.
David Katz was upset by all the plastic going into the oceans. To help solve the problem, he had an unusual idea - to treat plastic like money. Mr. Katz calls his idea the "Plastic Bank".
Last week, almost every country in the world except the United States signed a new agreement to control plastic waste. The new agreement should help track plastic waste and make sure more of it actually gets recycled.
Since the 1970s, people in many countries have been taught to recycle. Now, many places are cutting recycling programs, and often items that are sent off for recycling are never recycled at all.