Microplastics are a pervasive environmental issue. Defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter, these tiny fragments originate either from direct production, such as plastic beads in personal care products, or from the degradation of larger plastic items like bottles, fishing nets, and synthetic textiles. The latter is the predominant contributor to microplastic pollution, […]
Driving Toward a Circular Economy: The UK’s Path to Effective Plastic Recycling by 2035
The landscape of plastic waste management in the UK faces an urgent call for transformation as the nation strives to achieve its ambitious recycling targets by 2035. Recent insights provided in collaboration with RECOUP outline a clear direction, shedding light on the essential changes required to meet set goals. Irina Ankudinova, the Sustainability & Circularity […]
Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling: The Promise of Atomic Scissors
In a world increasingly burdened by plastic pollution, innovative solutions are not just desirable but essential. Enter Repolywise, a start-up supported by £375,000 in funding from Innovate UK, which is poised to transform the landscape of plastic recycling through its groundbreaking Atomic Scissors technology. As plastic waste continues to infiltrate ecosystems and harm wildlife, this […]
Turkey's Low E-Waste Recycling Rate: A Call for Action
Turkey has emerged as the 17th largest producer of electronic waste, generating an alarming 700,000 tons annually. However, only a meager 10 percent of this e-waste finds its way to recycling facilities. This staggering statistic not only reveals an environmental crisis but also highlights significant economic implications for the nation. It is estimated that Turkey […]
The Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence: An Urgent Call for Sustainable Practices
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various industries, offering innovative solutions and enhancing efficiencies. However, this technological advancement is not without significant consequences. As an expert in the field, Sasha Luccioni highlights the substantial energy demands associated with AI, particularly generative models like ChatGPT. This energy-intensive nature raises important questions regarding the environmental impact of […]
Innovative Research Sheds Light on Microplastic Degradation and Recycling Solutions
The environmental challenges posed by microplastics and nanoplastics have become increasingly apparent in recent years. As research highlights, these minute plastic particles—derived from the breakdown of larger plastic items—threaten ecosystems, wildlife, and human health alike. However, groundbreaking research conducted in collaboration with the National Research Council (NRC) is transforming our understanding of how microplastics degrade. […]