Greenpeace lost – not because it did something wrong but because it was denied a fair trial

Blood tests on migratory chicks fed plastics by their parents show neurodegeneration, as well as cell rupture and stomach lining decay

The fate of our ocean lies at the intersection of science and policy.

Solutions to Pellet Pollution webinar series - 'How can the EU lead the way in addressing pellet pollution?’

Big Meat and Dairy companies have long flown under the radar in the climate debate. They have largely avoided regulations to limit emissions, using a range of tactics to maintain their exceptional status.

The market for biodegradable lubricants is continuously evolving and plays a crucial role in national and European objectives to reduce the risks of environmental pollution.

Thirteen additional countries supported a global carbon levy on shipping at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) climate talks in London this week. However, its adoption still seems to be a long way off.

"Two years on from filing a case against the food giant, Danone, along with our French partners Surfrider Europe and Zero Waste France, we’ve reached an agreement and the legal proceedings have come to an end. "

Thirteen additional countries supported a global carbon levy on shipping at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) climate talks in London this week. However, its adoption still seems to be a long way off.

A production cap could smooth out current and structural market imbalances.
• Slow economic growth will reduce demand for primary plastic polymers.
• New technologies will reduce demand for virgin plastics.
• Volatility and price instability likely will persist under current market conditions.
• Geopolitics and trade will alter supply and demand trends.

Whenever the growing pile of plastic waste in front of her door takes up too much space, Asinate Lewabeka has a simple solution. She sets it on fire.

Old article for reference purposes. May be out of date... Would be useful for someone to follow up.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the largest sporting event ever to serve beverages in reusable packaging, potentially replacing millions of single-use plastic cups.

Paper outlines different legal theories that could help governments pursue accountability for harms

A review of interrelated problems and solutions to help avoid unintended consequences

The European Union (EU) has warned that other governments’ “delaying tactics” will make it “very difficult” to agree a new global treaty to tackle plastic pollution by the end of this year, as planned.

Furniture, clothing and food packaging can all shed tiny particles that can end up in our bodies.

Pollution from the plastics industry is a major force behind the heating of the planet, according to a new report from the federal government.

The negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the EC about packaging law produced a result. Here is what the stakeholders agreed on - and the criticism of some of the results.

After INC-4, only one meeting is left to agree a global treaty to limit plastics pollution. With festering disagreements surrounding a cap on plastic production, success is far from assured.

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In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 25 simultaneously finalized four major environmental rules covering greenhouse gases (GHG), air toxics, wastewater discharges, and coal combustion residuals from fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Single Use Plastics Directive Implementation Assessment Report Focus on Extended Producer Responsibility schemes on tobacco-related products

The UK government is providing a €700m (£600m) guarantee for the billionaire Jim Ratcliffe to build the biggest petrochemical plant in Europe in 30 years that will turbocharge plastic production.

Two drafts - blog needs finalising.

It's been over three years since scientists first found microplastics swimming in four different human placentas, and as it turns out, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Companies knew for decades recycling was not viable but promoted it regardless, Center for Climate Integrity study finds. Guardian 15 Feb 24

The Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution dialogues aim to facilitate further engagement and discussion among the stakeholders in International Geneva and beyond. In addition, they intend to address the plastic crisis and support coordinated approaches that can lead to more efficient decision making.

Launch and Panel Discussion to be summarised in preparation for Global Plastics Treaty.

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Europeans are exposed to alarmingly high levels of harmful chemicals and pesticides that also harm ecosystems, soil, air, and water. But promises to tackle these substances via the Green Deal are being shelved.

- roadmap for action

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Please share the briefing (and press release) with fellow campaigners and with local media contacts.

Today, BEUC and member organisations* from 13 countries have reported to EU authorities misleading commercial claims about the recyclability of their products by major drinking water bottle traders, such as Coca-Cola, Danone and Nestlé Waters/Nestlé.

A blueprint for setting up and running a successful returnable cup scheme.

Today, the #BreakFreeFromPlastic movement, Rethink Plastic alliance, Environmental Investigation Agency, Eko, and WeMove have published the results of their joint petition urging the European Union to ban plastic waste exports to both non-OECD and OECD countries.

On October 31st, 2023 The Ellen MacArthur Foundation released The Global Commitment 2023 Report, determining what progress (if any) the top Fast-Moving Consumer Good brands–or top plastic polluters–are making on plastic packaging. Here are our members' reactions:

The Story of Stuff Project has released a new report Bring Back Refill: Calling on Coca-Cola, the Beverage Industry and Policymakers to Bring Reusable Beverage Bottles Back to the US.

Glass packaging plays a crucial role in the ongoing transition towards sustainable packaging systems. Reusable glass bottles produce 75% fewer carbon emissions than single-use PET bottles and 57% fewer than aluminium cans. Glass also makes for a safe choice for food and beverage packaging.

Report: Leaky loop “recycling”: A technical correction on the quality of pyrolysis oil made from plastic waste

OPINION: Simpler, but not necessarily better. Peter Jones, principle consultant at Eunomia, shares his thoughts on the government’s “rather scaled back” Simpler Recycling announcement.

The whole thing is a very dangerous manipulation/alienation of the science of plastic

The plastic pollution crisis is the result of a broken system of overproduction and single-use, linear business models. We think it's about time this changed - and retailers have a big part to play.

The film was recently released and is a rallying point for the movement to convince the US EPA to ban vinyl chloride.

NGOs call on EU policymakers to develop ambitious phase out strategies for the harmful plastic

There are existing solutions to plastic pollution but some “solutions” cause more harm than good to people and the environment.

An extensive database and resource library focused on plastic legislation that has been passed around the world.

Food waste and plastic waste are two major economic,environmental and social challenges facing Europe

Rather than racing to extract natural gas, those who caused the climate crisis should help Africa harness its wind and sun

Link for webinar requested

Experts say even if it claims to be “microwave-safe.”

Workout wear made from synthetic fabric is treated with chemicals, which research shows, can absorb through our skin

Some interesting thoughts about Glass and the DRS

Latest on Scotland's DRS. The following six topics give an overview of DRS AND EPR. A priority topic . Let Mark know if you want to collaborate on this.

Thread about DRS in Scotland

The UK's Deposit Return Scheme has lost its way - we need to move it forward

Case Study for reference. The University of San Francisco saved more than $150,000 in disposable foodware costs each year by eliminating more than 2 million packaging items with a ReThink Disposable pilot program.

The Scottish Government has confirmed that it will be introducing a deposit return scheme to Scotland, as planned on 16th August 2023, counteracting recent calls to delay the scheme again.

We are reiterating our call for a comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme that covers all materials...

Links from Litternet.org.uk

Sabotage' claims over whisky industry lobbying of Scottish Government

Manufacturers will become responsible for the full cost of disposing of the packaging waste they create.

A report on the circularity of single-use glass packaging,

Take action in your community with this Climate Adaptation Toolkit

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Chemical recycling, also known as advanced or tertiary recycling, is a group of processes that uses heat, pressure, and/or chemical solvents to break plastic waste into its basic building blocks, which can then be remade into new plastic.

6 demands for a health-first reform of Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

Plastics recycling & 'chemical' recycling. All about Syngas. Would be useful to compare with existing chemical recycling processes.

Useful discussion about PlasticsEurope report on recycling (from 2017 but still relevant)

On October 31st, 2023 The Ellen MacArthur Foundation released The Global Commitment 2023 Report, determining what progress (if any) the top Fast-Moving Consumer Good brands–or top plastic polluters–are making on plastic packaging.

Plastic credits can help fund waste cleanup, but they can also justify making more plastic.

False solutions: how the forces of Big Plastic seek to undermine our progress towards a plastic pollution free planet.

A study into what makes a financially viable
reusable packaging system

Ahead of the global plastics treaty negotiations in Paris, Defend Our Health Releases First-Ever Study that Reveals the Hard Truths Behind Plastic Bottles - May 2023

What chemical changes take place in plastic bottles?

Ahead of a groundbreaking treaty to reduce plastic pollution, a group of independent scientists fear that the United Nations is legitimizing industry-backed proposals such as chemical recycling. ProPublica 19 Sep 2023

Implications for Human Health The results indicated that microwave heating caused the highest release of microplastics and nanoplastics into food

Includes: What’s just happened?
What was achieved?
Notable points for financial institutions
What’s next?
Memorable quotes

In some places, recycling may work; in others, it may not. Plastic must not be exported from places where plastic recycling works better to places where recycling largely does not work.

The problem with recycling? One word: Plastics
No matter how well we sort, much of what we throw away cannot be reused.

How recycling is killing the planet

By taking the guilt out of consumption, it undermines effort to cut back on waste.

In the ongoing negotiations of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the realities of disposable paper-based food packaging should not be ignored.

Population exposure to the synthetic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in everything from plastic and metal food containers to reusable water bottles and drinking water pipes in Europe is well above acceptable health safety levels,...

Without dramatically reducing plastic production, it will be impossible to end plastic pollution and eliminate the health threats from chemicals in plastics.

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the soft plastic you diligently collect at home and drop off at the supermarket? Do you know if it *actually* gets recycled?

A study finds one plastics recycling plant in the U.K. produces as much as 3 million pounds of microplastics a year—and that’s with filtering.

Ohio environmentalists and oil companies are teaming up to oppose the disposal of fracking wastewater underground in the state. They worry that the waste could leak and contaminate clean water sources and productive oil wells.

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More than 2.5 million kilograms of trash were picked up and disposed of properly by volunteers in coastal regions around the world in 2021, according to Ocean Conservancy.

Research needed to identify decision makers about water bottle sponsorship.

by Plastic Solutions Fund - Newsweek 22 June 2023

I get it that many environmentalists are instinctively against incineration plants. After all, isn't it very inefficient/wasteful to burn stuff? But what is the alternative?

Exclusive: Waste firms and councils accused of ‘greenwashing’ with false claims over burning rubbish for energy - Open Democracy Report 17 June 2023

Compare the Swiss approach to Plastics with that of the UK

New report calls for at least 75% reduction of plastics by 2050, reveals dire connection between plastic and climate

Second round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (INC2) is happening in Paris, France on May 29 to June 2, 2023.

Paris, France – Over 150 civil society groups and scientists from around the world, including ethologist, anthropologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall, have signed on to an open letter urging the UN to act now

Delegates from 180 nations set out pathway to binding global agreement on tackling plastic pollution as soon as 2025 - Guardian 6 June 2023

In preparation for the second session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC-2), the Global Plastics Policy Centre, in collaboration with Break Free From Plastic, present this report to aid the negotiations.

First analysis of plastics’ hazards over life cycle – from extraction to disposal – also shows ‘deep societal injustices’ of impact

Understanding the toxicity of plastic and ways to take action

Analyses the implications of micro- and nanoplastics moving through the air and entering the human body via inhalation.

They both release and attract toxic chemicals, and appear everywhere from human placentas to chasms thirty-six thousand feet beneath the sea. Will we ever be rid of them? Elizabeth Kolbert - New Yorker 26 June 2023

Plastic pollution is one of the defining legacies of our modern way of life, but it is now so widespread it is even finding its way into fruit and vegetables as they grow.

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What might a PET/polyester system look like, if it could combine all circular economy approaches, including reuse, and mechanical and chemical recycling?

What might look like an obvious solution to plastic pollution is not as straightforward as it may seem...

Salt is now one of the many sources through which humans ingest microplastics. They are also found in seafood, air, fruits and vegetables. Globally, India is among the leading countries in salt production.

The effect of plastic on the environment

Today’s insatiable fast fashion business model is enabled by cheap synthetic fibres, which are produced from fossil fuels, mostly oil and gas.

Rethink Plastic position paper on the PPWP. This will form the basis of our advocacy with the Parliament and Council in the crucial weeks coming up.

Environmental campaigner Hemantha Withanage is adamant that the purchase of plastic-bottled water should be discouraged.

We all agree on one point: we must stop plastic pollution. Our oceans cannot afford it any longer: mammals and birds are dying; fishes are eating millions of pieces of microplastic that eventually reach our food and the Pacific Plastic Garbage Patch`s insects are changing the natural environment.

As an expert on microplastics, here's what I do to keep my family safe.

Every stage of the plastics cycle reflects different gender-specific experiences and exposures.

Natural History Museum scientists say plasticosis, which scars digestive tract, likely to affect other types of bird too

Policies and management actions intended to mitigate plastic pollution sometimes have the reverse effect.

Reuse is not only about reusable cups and canvas bags, but entire systems that require standards, infrastructure, political will, financing, and promoting behavioural change.

Some more ideas for future blogs

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How reducing waste is a climate game changer

top findings show reuse beats single-use every time

Key takeaways

McDonalds pushes back on reuse to waterdown PPWR

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capacity problems across swathes of the country are putting at risk the Government’s plans to improve Britain’s energy security and cut carbon emissions.

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Carbon capture technologies cannot solve the climate crisis

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, and they are a growing environmental problem in the world's oceans.

Don’t eat meat? Don’t fly? Doesn’t matter. Individual action to curb your carbon footprint barely makes a dent in the struggle against climate change, according to Assaad Razzouk,.

Assessing the effectiveness of diverse climate mitigation approaches

Despite risk of disasters like East Palestine, the vinyl lobby has poured millions of dollars over the years into convincing lawmakers that PVC plastic is safe and sustainable.

HOW THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IS FIGHTING TO KEEP POLLUTING THE WORLD

as waste management and recycling fall short, says OECD.
Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled while 22% is mismanaged

Breaking carbon lock-ins through three mitigation pathways

The money behind INEOS and Borealis
by Amadeo Ghiotto May 2022
Posted by Antoinette Vermilye

The role of international trade in realizing an inclusive circular economy

Basel Action Network:
Welcome to the information clearinghouse of the Plastic Waste Transparency Project, otherwise known as "The Hub".

World needs to offer trillions, not billions in overseas support, says leading climate economist Avinash Persaud - Guardian article 18 June 2023

In an historic win for people, nature and the climate, a Belgian court has ruled that INEOS’s€3 billion plastics project in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, is not legal. The project is now suspended. Client Earth 20 July 2023

The school is on stilts, the shore has advanced by 2km – and the mangroves that used to reduce the waves have been lost for shrimp farms. How long can residents stay ahead of rising sea levels? Guardian 1st July 2023

The Gulf Stream system could collapse as soon as 2025, a new study suggests. The shutting down of the vital ocean currents, called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc) by scientists, would bring catastrophic climate impacts. Guardian 25 JUly 2023

Personal change

Beware of rabbit holes...

BFFP Task Forces (in no particular order):

GPT Priorities

Key Categories

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