The problem with banning plastic

What is needed is to actually alter behaviour, if not preferences

Microplastics, an invisible danger to human health

Indians consume 11 kg of plastic products in various forms every year, according to industry estimates

Chemical used in plastic packaging may cause obesity: research

The chemical Bisphenol A hampers the functioning of a hunger-related hormone and can lead to overeating

UNEA 5.2: Australia dumping plastic in ASEAN countries despite ending exports in 2020, shows report

Australia promoting policies driving “massive investment” in plastic waste fuel, says report

Conserving Chitkul: Why the ‘last village of India’ cannot be allowed to drown in plastic

The pristine hamlet has heaps of plastic waste lurking in its inconspicuous corners

Biodegradable film developed from whey, isabgol and lotus stem starch

It can be used to replace petroleum-based plastic packaging

50% of plastic packaging to be recycled by 2025: European Council

According to new rules adopted for waste management and recycling by the European Council, all member states must recycle 50% plastic packaging …

Can bioplastics save us from drowning in our own waste?

Alternatives like paper, cloth, biodegradable plastics, glass, etc have relative merits and no single alternative can be the solution to what is …

40% plastic waste littered on India’s streets: Javadekar in Lok Sabha

Minister also told the House that the government had no new scheme or fund allocation for recycling of plastic

10 methods companies bet on to cut single-use plastic use

Several firms claim to have either started or plan to use eco-friendly cutlery, recycled plastic, biodegradable lids and other ways firms are …

Land-based pathogens may hitch a ride on microplastics to oceans: Study

Microplastics can either float over long distances, spreading pathogens; or they can sink to oceanic depths, where filter-feeding animals reside …

UNEA 5.2: Support technological transfer for enhancing circular economy, says EU

United States, Argentina sought clarity on implementation of producer’s responsibilities

United Nations Environment Assembly 5.2: Five aspects of plastic pollution that needs focus

The 5th meeting of UNEA will be held February 28, 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. 

No place for toxins in circular economy

Plastic materials containing toxic chemicals should not be recycled; they should be phased out

UK changes its waste strategy for circular economy with Brexit

Maximise the value of resource use, and minimise adverse environmental impacts, aims new waste strategy of UK

Plastic is now in humanity’s blood

Besides research, policies and technologies, it is now a global environmental concern that demands an individual or personal effort in …

How plastic pollution affects camels in the Thar

Improved waste management and alternative systems to package and deliver goods in the region could help in managing our terrestrial solid waste …

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (October 16, 2019)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal

"Zero-waste life isn't wishful thinking"

Hannah Sartin rarely dumps a plastic wrapper or paper ball as trash. At 32, she owns Munich's first zero-waste shop and has published a book that …

Ban on plastic packaging for junk food products in Himachal Pradesh upheld

High Court vacates stay; says ban must be enforced from coming January 26

Indian states’ implementation of plastic ban a mixed bag

Tamil Nadu is the latest entrant to the band of Indian states that have banned single-use plastics; here’s a status update on all of them

Maharashtra's ambitious plastic ban continues to confuse

Rushed up notifications, illegal raids, and lack of alternatives have marred Maharashtra's plastic ban 

Packaging peril: Combined effort needed to ensure eco-friendly options, say experts

COVID-19 has accelerated plastic packaging due to a rise in e-commerce; ensuring its safe disposal and recycling requires involving everyone on board

Prevention, not mitigation needed to solve South Africa’s plastic problem: WWF

Interventions needed across plastic value chain rather than just waste management

How about climate-neutral plastic? New research suggests that may be possible

The model hinged on the principle of circular economy can be achieved by using three simple technologies that already exist