WASTE & Toxins

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A protest sign reading "BAN PFAS" held in front of a crowd, suggesting a mobilization against harmful chemicals.
Google Gemini - AI Generated Image

PFAS - Toxic, Forever Chemicals

These chemicals have been under the spotlight as Trump’s EPA have rolled back and delayed important regulations to safeguard drinking water, public health, and the environment. There are over 10,000 different PFAS chemicals, all of which are extremely resistant to biodegradation. The serious risks of PFAS were kept hidden from the public for decades.

PFAS - Toxic, Forever Chemicals
Art installation of wasted materials by Tan Zi Xi (Singapore) Thousands of disguarded plastic products hang to symbolise the problem with plastic waste
Flickr | Choo Yut Shing

UN Plastics Pollution Treaty – Failed Again

Negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty began in 2022, aiming to be in place by 2024. The 6th round of negotiations was our opportunity to end the plastic crisis. Still, nations failed yet again to reach a consensus on a cap and phase-out of plastic production, pollution prevention, and aid in the transition to a zero-waste, low-carbon, and circular economy.

UN Plastics Pollution Treaty – Failed Again
A variety of ingredients displayed on a countertop, including jars of dried fruits, nuts, and fresh vegetables like carrots and zucchini.
Jasmin Sessler | Pixabay

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
Colorful microplastics scattered on a white surface, showcasing a variety of small particles in different shapes and sizes.
Flickr | Oregon State University

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?
Four clear plastic cups are arranged with green stripes, alongside a round container with a green logo on top.
Cmglee | CC BY-SA 4.0

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?
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.
Thunderlips36 | CC BY-SA 4.0

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
A rusty green valve is mounted on a large metal pipe, set against an industrial background with faded blue walls.
Pxhere | CC0 Public Domain

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