WASTE & Toxins

Info on WASTE & Toxins

Waste[80]
Zero Waste[49]
Recycling[247]
Pesticides & Herbicides[205]
Toxic Substances[377]
Plastics & Plastic Bags[586]
Fine Dust & Air Particles[78]
Shipbreaking in South Asia[26]
Nanotechnology[25]
Electrosmog[10]
Pollution of Space[81]
Bhopal Gas Catastrophe 1984 - December 3[82]
Seveso is everywhere 1976 - July 10[12]
Planned Obsolescence[65]

Hot Topics

Art installation of wasted materials by Tan Zi Xi (Singapore) Thousands of disguarded plastic products hang to symbolise the problem with plastic waste

UN Plastics Pollution Treaty

Negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty began in 2022. Aiming to be in place by 2024, this is our opportunity to end the plastic crisis. The idea is to dramatically cap and phase out plastic production, prevent plastic pollution, and aid the transition to a zero-waste, low carbon, and circular economy. Plastic has huge detrimental effects on our health, it causes irreversible damage to our ecosystems and the animals inhabiting them, it is a leading cause of the climate crisis, and it deepens injustice and inequalities. Pushback is expected from the petrochemical industry, corporations, and governments, we must fight against them to finally end our reliance on plastics.

UN Plastics Pollution Treaty

Photo taken overlooking the 2023 Ohio train derailment during the night. There is a large plum of dark smoke billowing towards the sky, 3 fires can be seen in the background.

Ohio Train Derailment - 2023

The lives of residents of East Palestine, Ohio have been disrupted after a train derailment near their community released numerous hazardous substances into the air, topsoil, and surface water. Residents were evacuated after the accident, but have returned to their homes after the EPA deemed the area safe. However, residents are sceptical and concerned about the consequences of the chemicals on their health. An estimated 25 million people live in areas vulnerable to deadly derailments in the US.

Ohio Train Derailment - 2023

Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility Leak – Hawaii

The ageing military fuel storage facility operated by the U.S. Navy has been under investigation for years following a series of leaks, which have never let to its closure. In December 2021, following a 14,000 gallon fuel loss, an emergency order has finally been put in place to remove the fuel and permanently close the facility. The leak has contaminated the water supply of 92,000 O’ahu residents causing serious health issues.

Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility Leak – Hawaii

6 different sized scientific beakers and flasks filled with yellow and orange liquid infront of 3 cobs of yellow corn on a grey background

Bioplastics - the future, or just another problem?

Could we have found the answer to our plastic problem? By creating plastics from renewable biomass sources, instead of petrobased polymers, scientists have found a way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels - but at what cost? Find out more about the pro's and con's here.

Bioplastics - the future, or just another problem?

Zero waste and how to achieve it

The priniciples of zero waste embrace the familiar concepts of recycling and reusing, but also that of living in an environmentally friendly way. If we can lower our consumption, the demand for products, packaging, materials, and fuel falls - along with high levels of trash and its associated pollution. Find out here how you can get started on your zero waste journey today.

Zero waste and how to achieve it

Should we be worried about microplastics?

These tiny pieces of plastic fragments have found their way into our natural ecosystems. They exist in the form of microbeads, fibers and pellets, or broken down from a larger plastic object. Cosmetics, clothing, and industry are the main culprits. Learn about the effects it is having on organisms including humans here, aswell as the microbead ban, and many other reports.

Should we be worried about microplastics?

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