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

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

The UK’s water pipe upgrade has made it harder to detect leaks – now the race is on to discover new ways to find them

Why the UK still loses 3 billion litres of water a day through leaks.

Jen Muggleton, Principal Research Fellow in Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton • conversation
July 17, 2023 • ~6 min

The UK's recycling system is confusing, chaotic and broken – here's how to fix it

The UK needs to fix its recycling system for a more sustainable future.

Kristoffer Kortsen, Post Doctoral Research Associate, Materials Engineering, University of Manchester • conversation
June 5, 2023 • ~7 min

Recycling: what you can and can't recycle and why it's so confusing

Confusion about what should and shouldn’t be recycled? You’re not alone – and it’s causing some people to ignore recycling altogether.

Matthew Derry, Lecturer in Chemistry, Aston University • conversation
May 31, 2023 • ~7 min

Plastic recycling is failing – here's how the world must respond

Making less plastic and reusing what exists should be the priority.

Stephanie Northen, Research Associate, Revolution Plastics, University of Portsmouth • conversation
May 30, 2023 • ~7 min

Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn't break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research

Polylactic acid – a popular bioplastic – does not readily break down when released into the ocean, and could disrupt marine ecosystems

Muhammad Ali, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering, University of Portsmouth • conversation
May 24, 2023 • ~7 min

Reusable nappies can reduce the environmental footprint of parenting – but only if they're used with care

How to be more a more eco-friendly parent – it’s not as simple as ditching disposable nappies.

Sharon George, Research Chair, Indigenous Approaches to Environmental Management, Keele University • conversation
May 15, 2023 • ~7 min

Researchers turned superglue into a recyclable, cheap, oil-free plastic alternative

Researchers have developed a method for producing strong plastic materials by tweaking the chemical structure of superglue.

Scott Phillips, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University • conversation
March 22, 2023 • ~5 min

Seabirds that swallow ocean plastic waste have scarring in their stomachs – scientists have named this disease 'plasticosis'

Many marine animals, birds and fish are ingesting plastic. New research identifies the first named health effect from it.

Matthew Savoca, Postdoctoral researcher, Stanford University • conversation
March 21, 2023 • ~9 min

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