Extreme weather, combined with unchecked development and tonnes of plastic blocking drainage routes, led to the disaster that claimed at least 18 lives.
Industry body says cheap virgin and recycled plastics, imports, bureaucracy and rising energy costs have caused plant closures equivalent to one million tonnes of capacity since 2023.
The sharks’ eating habits mean they unwittingly carry and excrete toxic microplastics thousands of miles away from where they were ingested, complicating the task of tracking marine pollution.
New research finds tiny particles – smaller than those previously studied – linger in the air and bury themselves deep in our lungs, with air indoors and in cars being the most dangerous to breathe.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday plastics are a leading cause of male infertility and “subtle deformities” in development, according to environmental health experts.
Tuaran District Office in Sabah, Malaysia, invited stakeholders to help develop policies to reduce plastic use, alongside zero waste experts from the Philippines.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
California alone shipped 7,260 metric tonnes of plastic trash to the SE Asian country in 2024 – campaigners hope the state will now find a way to deal with it at home, rather than dumping it in a different country.
Korean authorities seized dozens of plastic umbrellas, coats and boots sold on AliExpress and Temu, which also contained dangerous levels of lead and formaldehyde.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
Changing people’s perceptions and behaviours isn’t as simple as just presenting facts. At Trash Hero, we’ve always believed that empathy, leading by example and encouraging small, visible steps play an important role in shifting behaviour and fostering lasting change.
It’s a philosophy we embraced at our 2025 Family Meetings in Southeast Asia. These gatherings bring together our volunteers for three days of training that goes further than many might expect. As Ni Luh Putu Pradnyadari from Trash Hero Yeh Gangga, Indonesia, put it: “I initially thought that this FM activity would only invite me to discuss plastic and how to run Trash Hero, but it was far more than that. This activity actually changed many perspectives and indirectly changed mindsets and behaviours.”
The training sessions, held in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, and Bangkok, Thailand, were designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively communicate our mission and amplify their impact.
On the agenda
This year, we focused on effective community engagement. We looked at how individuals and societies change and the strategies and skills needed to make this happen. We also explored how greenwashing affects our work and the latest science on plastic and health.
As Krish from Trash Hero Da Nang, Vietnam shared: “With more knowledge, I feel more confident in helping people become aware of environmental protection.”
An energetic approach to learning
The understanding that facts alone won’t change people’s minds also shapes how we run our training sessions. We created an energetic and engaging learning environment designed to keep volunteers inspired and connected.
Interactive workshops encouraged volunteers to ask questions, think critically, and share their unique experiences.
Quizzes and games kept the energy high while reinforcing key learning material in a fun way.
Informative presentations provided essential, up-to-date knowledge on plastic pollution, zero waste solutions and the wider systemic issues.
Memorable moments and real-world insights
The weekends were filled with memorable moments and fun experiences, including field trips.
In Indonesia, volunteers visited Banjar Tegeh Sari, a pioneering zero waste community. The visit allowed participants to see innovative local solutions in action and discuss how they could apply these insights back home to ignite their own zero waste projects.
In Thailand, participants visited the fire department tasked with managing the Praeksa Mai landfill, which processes over 4,000 tonnes of mixed waste every day. Seeing waste on such a large scale was an impactful moment for many volunteers. After this, they visited a local restaurant that’s participating in a new city-wide scheme to separate organics, offering a glimpse into practical solutions. Maksym from Trash Hero Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, summarised the day: the landfill helped him “understand the scale of the disaster and the restaurant [helped him] to understand the small solutions everyone can make.”
On the final day of the meeting, in both locations, we ran a basic first aid training session aimed at dealing with potential minor injuries that could occur during a cleanup. This gave the volunteers added confidence to deal with issues that could arise, which is part of our commitment to the health and safety of cleanup participants.
Trash Hero World covers the travel, food, and accommodation costs for all participants of the family meetings. We also handle the logistics and content design, creation and delivery, ensuring the volunteers can focus entirely on learning and connecting. The shared experiences, deep learning, and powerful connections made at these meetings keep us motivated in our mission to create a world free from plastic pollution. The impact of these gatherings extends far beyond the three days of training, as Yobin Bataona from Trash Hero Lembata shared after the meeting: “I’m starting to be optimistic that every small step we take will create a domino effect.
We live in a world that often feels deeply divided. Whether it’s about politics, economics, or social issues, the gaps between us seem wider than ever. Sometimes even within our own families. It can be tempting to try and correct people who have succumbed to online disinformation with the facts. But if you’ve ever tried to convince someone with data only to see them dig their heels in, you know it’s rarely that simple. Facts, if delivered at the wrong time or with the wrong sentiment, can make differences even more entrenched.
Today, we’re exploring this as a reminder to ourselves and everyone who is working to change the status quo. Because while knowledge is power, emotional intelligence is a superpower.
Why facts aren’t always enough
We often assume a simple chain reaction: if people know, they’ll care, and if they care, they’ll act. But the reality is much messier than that.
While truth is vital, and knowledge matters – especially at a time when the world is flooded with disinformation – bombarding people with facts can often backfire. Environmental organisations, for example, often publish horror stories about pollution, toxic chemicals or climate change.
But the truth, when it feels too overwhelming, scary or inconvenient to face, can cause people to shut down rather than engage. We go into fight, flight or freeze mode – a natural human response to protect ourselves from what feels unmanageable.
Being told about a problem doesn’t automatically lead to action, especially when the scale of change feels too big, too hard or too lonely.
What stops people from acting?
It’s this feeling of powerlessness or lack of clear direction that turns people off. People can’t act if they don’t know what to do, or if they genuinely believe their actions won’t make a difference.
Here are some common assumptions that can hold us back:
“Change will be expensive and mean sacrifice” The perception that living more sustainably or advocating for change will be a financial burden or require giving up comforts.
“Whatever I do won’t make a difference one way or the other”. A paralysing sense of futility, that leads people to believe their individual efforts are insignificant against global challenges.
“It’s easier to stay in my bubble than face the crisis” An avoidance tactic – it’s human nature to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. Facing daunting realities can be emotionally draining.
Those with vested interests in keeping business as usual will also exploit and reinforce these beliefs on their own media channels. They will either deny the science altogether, or invest it with incredible powers: “science will come up with a solution, we don’t need to do anything.” This both reassures people and frees them from guilt and obligation.
So, what does work?
To spark bottom-up action, people need more than just facts: they need support, motivation and a sense of agency. This is something we have experienced first-hand in Trash Hero, working in communities often resistant to change.
Here’s how we try to engage people in our mission:
Empathy and connection: hold the judgement
Instead of asking “Why do you do that?” or telling someone “You’re wrong”, approach conversations with compassion and curiosity. We are all shaped by the systems around us. Inspiration moves people, whereas fear and shame often freeze.
Connect with identity and values, before presenting facts
People are most likely to act when their behaviour aligns with who they are, or who they want to be. We encourage our volunteers to share their own “why” – their personal motivation for wanting change – and tell stories about justice, community and courage. These narratives provide hope, which isn’t naive: it’s a powerful motivator.
Lead by example
Actions truly do speak louder than words. We are social creatures, and we learn by observing others. When people see us composting, using reusable items, or speaking up respectfully, it makes these actions feel possible and normal.
Make it easy and social
Behaviour change spreads when it feels normal, visible and supported. When reducing waste is made simple and becomes a shared activity, it fosters a sense of belonging and makes the journey less daunting. Eventually, we will reach a tipping point – and when culture shifts, systems often follow.
Small steps with visible impact and repetition
Huge, overwhelming goals can paralyse us. Small, achievable steps that have a visible impact – like cleanups with education – help us move forward. Consistent action builds habits and trust and reaches a wider audience over time.
Relevance to everyday life
People need to feel that environmental issues are connected to their daily experiences. How does plastic pollution affect their local park, their health or their community? When people can see the immediate relevance of an issue to their own lives, it becomes more personal and pressing.
Be the change, inspire the change
The truth matters, but so does how we share it. Big change starts with better conversations. We need to use our compassion, connection and consistent modelling alongside our knowledge and data in order to be effective. This takes time and patience, but eventually has better results than trying to “win” an argument, blaming or gimmicks.
We’ve summarised these findings in a social media post, along with some case studies of effective environmental campaigns – please share to help more people understand the power of emotional intelligence in the zero waste movement. And follow us online to keep yourself inspired!
Microplastics are escalating into a financial and legal nightmare for businesses, forcing insurers to deal with potential health claims, environmental damages, and greenwashing lawsuits.
Swiss newspaper “20 Minutes” shares Trash Hero’s perspective on littering and why it is just one piece of the much larger crisis of waste and pollution.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
Study finds starch-based plastics cause organ damage and endocrine disruption in the same way as petroleum-based plastics, despire being marketed as natural, safe and ecofriendly.
A deep-dive into the history of “forever chemicals”, explaining how industry lobbying and cover-ups mean they are now in every corner of our lives.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
A new investigation joins the dots between controversial Texas shale gas, the petrochemicals industry and plastics made for companies such as Coca-Cola, Unilever and Nestle.
Particles in follicular fluid (which enables egg development) point to a strong link between plastic and infertility and other reproductive health issues.
Study says drop over the last decade may be due to greater public awareness, but more work must be done upstream.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
What image comes to mind when you picture a successful, busy character in a TV show? For many, it’s someone striding into an office, mobile phone in one hand and a disposable coffee cup in the other. This image of success and power has been reinforced by decades of TV and film. Think of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada: a high-powered woman whose assistant fetches her very specific coffee order every day in a single-use cup. This is just one example of how props function as symbols of character and status. A throwaway lifestyle signifies success, but is this the right message to be sending audiences? And in general, given what we now know about its impact, should single-use plastic be presented on screen as a positive – or even neutral – part of society?
Media’s role in normalising behaviour
“We are shaped and formed by what we watch”- Diana Cohen, Co-founder and CEO of the Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC).
The media has the power to normalise or demonise behaviours. Characters become popular because people relate to them, idolise them and want to be like them. Take smoking: once a symbol of the “cool” character (e.g. Danny Zuko in Grease), its use on screen shifted with growing awareness of health impacts. Regulations limited its presence, and depictions changed. Broadly speaking, it became a symbol of weakness, struggle or villainy.
How is plastic portrayed on screen? A 2021 PPC study found that 93% of plastic shown in a sample of popular TV and films from 2019-2020 was not disposed of on screen. Of the 7% that was disposed of, 80% was littered. This gives the audience two messages:
That plastic simply “disappears”.
Irresponsible disposal, like littering, is acceptable.
Since then, knowledge about plastic’s impact on our planet, climate and health has grown massively and the public’s attitudes towards plastic have also shifted. It’s clear TV and film producers need to catch up. Let’s look at some recent popular TV shows and how they have, or haven’t, addressed single-use plastic.
Direct references to reuse culture
Hacks (2021-present) uses the age gap between young writer Ava and veteran comedian Deborah to discuss a variety of environmental issues. In early episodes, Ava chastises Deborah for always getting single-use plastic cups for fizzy drinks and persuades her to get a reusable cup instead. In “One Day” (season three, episode five), Deborah initially dismisses climate change: “the Earth is a billion years old. It just self-corrects from any damage that’s done to it…Trust me, we’re fine”. Ava gradually educates her, and in the closing scene, Deborah reprimands her makeup artists for using plastic. These conversations are not clunky or forced. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, the show seamlessly integrates “deeply felt activist stances” without sacrificing comedy.
Quietly sustainable: the power of visual cues
Of course, reuse doesn’t have to be talked about directly by the characters to have an impact. By simply showing reuse in action, Shrinking (2023 – present) and Abbott Elementary (2021- present) make it feel natural and commonplace. In Apple TV’s Shrinking, Gaby’s “emotional support water bottle” is a recurring feature, but its environmental impact is not explicitly mentioned. Instead, the characters discuss how hydrated Gaby is, and she uses it as a way to bond with one of her colleagues.
Planet-friendly behaviour is seen regularly in Disney’s Abbot Elementary. The teachers all have reusable coffee cups, the staff car share or walk to events, and there is a school garden project. While some single-use items are still present on screen, in general, sustainable choices are the default option without making any particular fuss about it. Having popular, likeable characters associated with reuse sends a powerful message to audiences.
In comparison, Only Murders in the Building (2021 – present), like most shows, missed an opportunity to show reuse as a standard option. The Disney show centres around a friendship between Charles and Oliver, in their 70s, and Mabel, in her early 30s. They frequently use disposable coffee cups and cutlery. Like in Hacks, the writers could have used the age gap to spark conversations about reuse. For example, Mabel could carry a reusable coffee cup while Oliver and Charles take single-use – the outdated option. Or they could have had characters of all ages using reusable cups and cutlery – normalising the behaviour across generations.
Perhaps in the future we might even see whole reuse systems in action in popular TV shows and movies?
Behind the scenes
Who can forget the famous Starbucks coffee cup left on set in Game of Thrones? The TV and film industry is known for waste. A typical 60-day shoot uses 39,000 single-use water bottles. On top of that, large quantities of disposable plastic plates, utensils and coffee cups are used every day on set. Quinta Brunson, creator, writer and star of Abbott Elementary, has been open about the need for change in the industry. She is leading by example, providing reusable water bottles for everyone on her set. Lucia Aniello, showrunner for Hacks, also supports sustainability. She worked with the studio to reduce waste by eliminating plastic water bottles on set and having characters repeat outfits. Changes we want to see on screen should be mirrored by changes off screen.
What needs to happen?
Given the well-documented health and environmental harms of plastics, the way they are portrayed on screen needs to be addressed. Producers should consider their depiction with the same responsibility now applied to tobacco and alcohol. If they acknowledged their duty it would undoubtedly help to make sustainable behaviours more mainstream. It would also reflect the attitudes of growing numbers in their audiences who are concerned about single-use plastics.
As viewers, we should be aware of how single-use plastic is portrayed on screen. The Begley-Cohen Test, developed by the PPC, encourages the critical evaluation of single-use plastic in the media.
To pass the test, the following criteria must be met:
No single-use plastics appear on the screen
If single-use plastic does appear on the screen, it is portrayed or discussed as problematic
Try it on the next thing you watch and share your findings! The stories we see on screen can be shaped by pressure from the people who watch them. Films and TV shows are both a reflection and an important driver of aspirations. And what better goal to have than a world free from plastic pollution?
Microplastics have been found to hinder plant photosynthesis, causing crop yields to fall by 4 – 14%. Scientists warn that 400 million people potentially face starvation in the next two decades as a result. The research highlights the need for urgent action to increase global food security.
Blood analysis of baby birds has discovered neurological damage resembling ALS and Alzheimer’s, as well as multiple organ failure. Scientists have linked the findings to the chicks’ substantial plastic ingestion: one bird had been fed over 400 pieces of plastic by its parents.
Indonesia has banned plastic waste imports, following the lead of Thailand earlier this year. While campaigners welcome the move, they also highlight enforcement concerns, loopholes and potential for greenwashing. Many also fear repercussions for nearby nations like Malaysia and Myanmar, whose plastic waste imports will inevitably increase.
According to new research, just 36 fossil fuel firms are responsible for 50% of the world’s carbon emissions. Increasing production at a time when most countries are setting targets to reduce emissions is reckless, says the report, and has led to record-breaking global warming.
The International Day of Zero Waste was marked on 30 March. The UN campaign put a spotlight on fast fashion and textile waste. This article goes in depth to expose the industry’s toxic impact, its destructive practices, and its role in fueling rampant overconsumption.
What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Every month we round up the top stories from the world of plastic pollution – and the work being done to stop it. From aquatic pollution to zero waste, you’ll always be up to date with the latest research, trends and greenwashing tactics.
Lydia27 March 2025 : the month’s most important stories
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