“Skip the Stuff” Laws Aim to Get Rid of Takeout Trash
Every order of takeout comes with a side of single-use plastics and each plastic fork, knife, spoon, straw and condiment packet — whether or not you wanted it or used it — ends up in the trash. New research found that 139 million metric tons of single-use plastic waste was generated in 2021— six million metric tons more single-use plastics compared to 2019. A hunger for takeout meals that skyrocketed during the pandemic contributed to the surge.
What the Ohio Train Derailment Says About the Dark Side of Plastics
The Norfolk Southern crash highlights the environmental and health dangers of the world’s growing reliance on plastics, which two of the train’s hazardous-material cargo are used to make.
IC Says Thanks, Others No Thanks for New Turf Field
Ever since Ithaca College’s football field was first installed in 1958, it has been home to many games full of excited football fans. After being named the Jim Butterfield Stadium in 1992, the field has since undergone many renovations and changes over the years. The most recent decision to replace the field’s natural grass with artificial turf has led to many environmental concerns from local activist groups.
“Bomb Train” in Ohio Sickens Residents After Railroad Cutbacks, Corporate Greed Led to Toxic Disaster
Fears of a wider health and environmental disaster are growing, after a 150-car freight train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed and a so-called controlled burn released toxic chemicals last week in East Palestine, Ohio. Residents reported seeing a fireball and mushroom cloud of smoke fill the skyline. Data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows the train contained more toxic and carcinogenic chemicals than initially reported, including phosgene, a poisonous gas that has been used as a chemical weapon in war.
The Ohio Train Derailment Underscores the Dangers of the Plastics Boom
As the petrochemical industry grows, the disaster is a reminder of the health and safety risks that accompany reliance on fossil fuels.
Q&A: Cancer Alley Is Real, And Louisiana Officials Helped Create It, Researchers Find
Two researchers from the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic in New Orleans discuss their peer-reviewed studies that challenge the official narrative from government and industry.
“Cancer Alley”: Louisiana Petchems Target Black Communities
The global plastics and petrochemical industry wants to build toxic facilities in Black communities. But residents of “Cancer Alley,” Louisiana, are fighting back.
Microplastics Are Filling the Skies. Will They Affect the Climate?
Recent studies reveal that tiny pieces of plastic are constantly lofted into the atmosphere. These particles can travel thousands of miles and affect the formation of clouds, which means they have the potential to impact temperature, rainfall, and even climate change.
On ‘Cancer Alley’ Tour, Activists Push for More Natural Beauty in Area, Less Industry
Inclusive Louisiana, Beyond Plastics, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and the Descendants Project staged a multi-parish tour Friday of several river facilities, in a bid to raise awareness about their efforts to ward off more industrial developments in St. James, St. John and St. Charles parishes.
Groups Rally Against Chemical Recycling in New Mexico
Over 70 organizations and businesses signed a letter to New Mexico’s governor last week, asking her not to classify chemical recycling as recycling. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a democrat, attended the opening of a PlastikGas demonstration facility in Los Lunas, N.M. last year, which is driving the letter writers’ concerns.
Pediatrician Describes Health Risks and Solutions to Country’s Plastics Problem
A medical doctor and epidemiologist with decades of experience in pollution’s impact on the health of people, animals, and nature reminded a national audience recently that “disease, disability, and death occur across the whole life cycle of plastic,” from production through use and disposal.
Why Walmart Is Eliminating Single-Use Bags in Some States but Not Others
Walmart will eliminate single-use paper and plastic carryout bags at the register from stores in New York, Connecticut and Colorado this month. The company previously stopped giving out single-use plastic bags in New York and Connecticut and in some areas in Colorado. Walmart offers reusable shopping bags starting at 74 cents for customers without their own bags.
How Microplastics Are Infiltrating the Food You Eat
Plastic pollution is one of the defining legacies of our modern way of life, but it is now so widespread it is even finding its way into fruit and vegetables as they grow.
Senators Press Industry on Plastic Waste Impacts
During a two-hour hearing, U.S. senators questioned industry experts about chemicals in plastics, marine plastic pollution and extended producer responsibility. The Dec. 15 hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice and Regulatory Oversight brought four panelists together to answer questions from legislators.
Senate Hearing Looks at Bottle Bills, Chemical Recycling, Other Methods to Urgently Reduce Plastic Pollution
At the Senate committee hearing on plastics, the Plastics Industry Association’s CEO warmed to bottle bill possibilities but clashed with Beyond Plastics on chemical recycling’s risks and merits.
A Gary, Indiana Plant Would Make Jet Fuel From Trash and Plastic. Residents Are Pushing Back
Fulcrum BioEnergy says its “sustainable aviation fuel” will divert waste from Chicago-area landfills and reduce airline carbon emissions. But critics say there’s nothing sustainable about it—and even question its viability.
Plastic Gift Cards on Climate Advocates’ ‘Naughty List’ This Christmas
For the 16th year in a row, gift cards will be the most requested present of the holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. While many cards are often left in wallets or drawers, some just end up in the trash. Even worse, many end up getting illegally dumped in countries like Turkey, India and Mexico.
No Plastics Panacea: Chemical Recycling Causes Pollution, Promotes Waste
By now it’s no secret that plastics pollution is a major environmental problem. Tiny plastic particles have been found in human blood, and the buildup of plastic waste in our oceans has reached critical levels. For decades the plastics industry has told us that if we just do our part and recycle, the problem will go away. But no matter how much we recycle, things only seem to get worse.
Beyond Plastics Urges Consumers to Avoid Plastic Gift Cards This Holiday Season
More than 3.4 billion gift cards were sold in the United States in 2021 and 47% of U.S. adults said they have one or more unused gift cards in their possession, according to Research and Markets. But as environmentally conscious consumers demand more sustainable products, plastic gift cards have often flown under the radar, despite frequently ending up as plastic waste.
Paper or Plastic? Gift Cards Don’t Need to Be Trash
More than 3.4 billion gift cards were sold in the United States in 2021 and 47% of U.S. adults said they have one or more unused gift cards in their possession, according to Research and Markets. But as environmentally conscious consumers demand more sustainable products, plastic gift cards have often flown under the radar, despite frequently ending up as plastic waste.