New class of recyclable polymer materials could one day help reduce single-use plastic waste

A team of scientists has developed a method for creating a new class of plastic materials that are potentially more recyclable than single-use plastics.

Emma Rettner, PhD Candidate in Materials Science and Engineering, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 19, 2023 ~7 min

Five tips for a sustainable Halloween

Halloween is a sustainability nightmare – but it doesn’t have to be.

Alice Brock, PhD Candidate in Environmental Science, University of Southampton • conversation
Oct. 16, 2023 ~7 min


What you should (and shouldn't) do with all of your old phone chargers and other e-waste

Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world – there are things you can do to minimise your role in it.

Ian Williams, Professor of Applied Environmental Science, University of Southampton • conversation
Oct. 6, 2023 ~6 min

Lego's ESG dilemma: Why an abandoned plan to use recycled plastic bottles is a wake-up call for supply chain sustainability

Corporate supply chains are riddled with high, uncounted emissions, as Lego discovered. New regulations mean more companies will face tough, sometimes surprising, choices.

Hau L. Lee, Professor of Operations, Information & Technology, Stanford University • conversation
Oct. 5, 2023 ~8 min

New single-use plastic ban takes effect in England – here's why its impact may be limited

The new ban will raise awareness about the plastic crisis. But failing to provide viable alternatives may simply displace the problem, instead of addressing it

Keiron Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and the Built Environment, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Oct. 2, 2023 ~7 min

Psychedelics plus psychotherapy can trigger rapid changes in the brain − new research at the level of neurons is untangling how

Change in the brain usually comes with plenty of effort over time. Neuroscientists are working to understand how psychedelic drugs provide a shortcut that seems to rely on existing brain systems.

Edmund S. Higgins, Affiliate Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina • conversation
Oct. 2, 2023 ~8 min

Sea glass, a treasure formed from trash, is on the decline as single-use plastic takes over

Sea glass, while an eye-catching treasure and a multimillion-dollar industry, exists because of decades of improper waste management.

Lori Weeden, Teaching Professor of Environmental Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, UMass Lowell • conversation
Sept. 28, 2023 ~7 min

Engineered microorganism breaks down plastic in salt water

A genetically engineered marine microorganism can break down plastic in salt water, researchers report.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
Sept. 15, 2023 ~6 min


Fungi show promise against microplastics in water

A new study identifies a potential way to remove microplastics from water: fungal pelletization.

Paul Schattenberg-Texas A&M • futurity
Sept. 13, 2023 ~7 min

Table salt is really good at recycling plastic

Sodium chloride, simple table salt, offers a safe, inexpensive, and reusable way to recycle plastic waste, new research shows.

Emilie Lorditch-Michigan State • futurity
Sept. 7, 2023 ~6 min

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