There is considerable scientific consensus that plastic is found in the human body. However, researchers have called some of these studies into question. When the media report on this kind of scientific disagreement, they often use dramatic headlines that imply that an entire field of research has been undermined. But is this really the way that science works? Microplastics are found in the air we breathe and the food and drink we consume; therefore, it is no surprise that so

According to the UN, clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2015 and the world produces around 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year, 89% of which contains synthetic fibres. If we continue with our throwaway fast fashion culture, this situation will only get worse. Sub-Saharan Africa is a major destination for the Global North’s unwanted clothing, receiving 70% of the world’s donated clothing. Shockingly, some of these clothes arrive in Africa having been slashed t

Indonesia is one of the most recent Southeast Asian countries to ban plastic waste imports. Despite the ban, the consequences of plastic waste imports inundating Indonesian communities remain, and they serve as a warning for neighbouring countries yet to impose their own bans. The Indonesian government initially attempted to create livelihoods with the waste imports. Paper mills were to use these imports to source scrap paper to reuse in their production, and local communitie

When you hear of plastic ocean pollution, you may only think of images of floating waste like The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (litter that has ended up spinning on the surface of the North Pacific Ocean) — a large and visible reminder of the scale of plastic pollution in our oceans. However, what’s less discussed is what’s actually happening beneath the surface. What does plastic oce an pollution do to marine life that is less visible? It affects marine life in many ways. P

Every 60 seconds the world produces staggering amounts of plastic. It is expected that we will produce a total of 766 million tonnes of plastic per year by 2040, equivalent to 75 trillion plastic bottles. Despite decades of recycling campaigns, the problem is only getting worse. A new report from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), Bending the Curve, argues that we cannot recycle our way out of the plastic crisis and that it is imperative we reduce plastic producti

In response to recent attacks by the US-Israel alliance, Iran restricted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this route. This shipping restriction disrupted energy supply chains and led to a big increase in global oil prices. So what’s the connection with plastic? Oil and gas aren’t only burnt as fuel for energy. They are used to make petrochemicals, which are manufactured into a wide range

Menstrual products are essential for health, hygiene, and wellbeing, enabling millions of people to manage menstruation safely and participate fully in daily life. However, while these products provide important benefits, many commonly used disposable options also have significant environmental impacts, particularly through plastic pollution. Disposable menstrual products such as sanitary pads, tampons, and their applicators are often made from a combination of cotton, wood p

Africa is disproportionately affected by plastic pollution despite contributing just 5% of global plastic production. Waste dumping, discarded textiles and plastic products sold by multinational corporations reflect a wider environmental injustice whereby waste generated in the Global North is exported to lower-income countries. This has prompted many environmental campaigners to describe the practice as plastic colonialism. Yet this is only part of the story. Alongside the

Plastic is often seen as a miracle material. It certainly has useful properties: it’s durable, versatile and cheap. But what exactly is plastic? Plastics are moldable materials made up of polymers – long chains made from repeating molecules. Almost all plastics are derived from fossil fuels such as crude oil and natural gas. These contain a mixture of hydrocarbons which are processed in various stages to make plastic: Refining - Fossil fuels are extracted and refined into pro

Perhaps you’re thinking oh - plastics aren’t my problem. Turtles getting trapped is sad, but I’m safe. You’d be wrong. The idea that plastic pollution only affects wildlife is a dangerous misconception. In reality, humans are part of the marine food web, and we’re already consuming the consequences of plastic waste. Microplastics - particles smaller than 5mm - are now found in 99% of seafood. Shrimp, mussels, fish and even sea salt have tested positive for plastic contamina

As the public has become more concerned about plastic, Coca-Cola has deliberately hidden how harmful their products are to the environment. Coca-Cola is the world’s biggest plastic polluter and yet they present themselves as a sustainable brand. Coca-Cola has used deceptive advertising and misleading claims about their plastic packaging. They have presented recycling as the solution to the plastic problem, whilst producing more and more plastic. They have offered various vol

Ready meals have been around since the 1950s. Yet the plastic packaging used in them is harmful to the planet and to people. Greenpeace’s recent analysis of 24 research papers in leading scientific journals found that plastic packaging used for ready meals and takeaways poses a potentially serious risk for human health. The packaging, especially when heated, can release large amounts of microplastics and chemicals into the food that will be eaten. One study detected 326,000

Soft plastic pollution is a global problem that negatively impacts the environment and the health of people living in countries with the most vulnerable climates and waste management systems. The corporations behind soft plastic pollution have not done enough to invest in effective waste management systems to handle the soft plastic they produce. Therefore, governments and consumers play a vital role in creating protections against soft plastic pollution. Various governmen

The consequences of ocean plastic for marine life are devastating - and often invisible. While viral images of whales dying with bellies full of bags grab public attention, the broader damage runs much deeper. Over 100,000 marine mammals die each year due to plastic entanglement or ingestion (WWF 2021). At least 340 species have been recorded entangled in debris, especially fishing gear like nets and ropes. Once trapped, animals can suffocate, drown or suffer debilitating in

Coca-Cola has deliberately hidden the damage its ever increasing plastic packaging does to the environment. Their deceptive advertising and push for recycling as the primary solution can be seen as examples of greenwashing. Many voluntary promises for sustainable change have been made and abandoned. These misleading marketing claims can be seen as part of a wider tactic to distract the public and delay and derail legislation that restricts plastic use. Coca-Cola has lobbied