Lobbyists and petrostates are doing everything to scupper the agreement to end plastic pollution, reports The Guardian.

Plastic you can’t see is everywhere in the Atlantic – and entering your body, according to new research.

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is dirtier than coal and has documented health risks, including cancer.

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.

European waste dumped in the country is poisoning rivers and people with toxic chemicals, including dioxin.

Major study finds areas with plastic bag regulations saw reductions in coastal bag litter of up to 47% – and 37% fewer animals entangled.

The formal declaration, from a majority of countries, is a welcome show of strength before the final round of negotiations in August.

A new study showing bacteria can turn PET plastic into paracetamol reveals the fossil fuel origins of the everyday painkiller.

Just 56 companies are responsible for more than half of branded trash found worldwide – with the top 5 on the list producing 24% of this pollution.

Researchers find an immediate effect on fish larvae exposed to the contaminated water, with disruption to hormones and fat metabolism.

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.

Indonesian tofu factories are using trash exported from the Global North as fuel, posing serious health risks for workers, local residents and consumers.

Agricultural soil is now the planet’s biggest dumping ground for toxic plastic – and its being absorbed directly into our food, says new research.

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.

130+ containers of toxic waste were seized by authorities in Malaysia and Thailand, thanks for the investigation led by Basel Action Network and partners.

83% of the plastic recorded came from food packaging, with 91% of participants saying businesses should be doing more to reduce the waste their products generate.

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.

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.

Governor Koster says the measures, which come into force next year, are about reducing waste and protecting nature.

Calypso Deep has one of the highest concentration of platic debris ever recorded in a deep-sea environment.

Study says drop over the last decade may be due to greater public awareness, but more work must be done upstream.

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.

Scientists have warned of the hazards of BPA since 2011. It’s linked to cancer, neurobehavioural problems and diabetes. In 2017 it was banned from products designed for babies and infants. This year, the European Union have banned it from plastic that comes into contact with food and drink.

Trump has increased the import tax on aluminium by 25%. In response, Coca-Cola told investors they would “put emphasis on PET [plastic] bottles” to protect their profits. This is one of several pieces of legislation from the administration that will impact plastic production.

The leading cause of death worldwide? Corporations. Their manipulation of science and regulation has led to an increase in chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and metabolic disorders. This makes them the leading cause of death, surpassing infectious diseases. Scientists have launched a new center to study this now-leading disease risk factor.

Soaring energy prices are forcing households in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to turn to a cheaper, far more toxic fuel source: plastic. The harmful toxins released when being burned can cause untold damage to their health, especially women and children.

In December last year, negotiations of the Global Plastics Treaty came to a halt when an agreement couldn’t be reached. Talks will start again later this year, and there are many ways it could go. These options include a strong, legally binding treaty, or discussions being taken outside of the UN.

“Modern couches are basically blocks of gasoline“. The LA fires tragically highlighted the devastating consequences of plastic-filled modern homes. Plastic’s high flammability caused the fires to spread rapidly while also emitting toxic smoke. Firefighters warned that the air was a “poisonous soup,” making it too risky for them to remain in the area.

A few years ago, the German city of Tübingen introduced a tax on disposable packaging. Fast food giant McDonald’s challenged the tax, ultimately taking the case to Germany’s highest court. This month, the court ruled the tax legal, paving the way for other towns to implement similar measures.

Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that microplastics can increase the spread of antibiotic resistance by up to 200 times. These tiny plastic particles act as platforms for bacteria to exchange resistance genes, while also triggering bacterial stress responses that further promote this transfer, thus worsening the global antibiotic resistance crisis.

Not one but two separate stories celebrate how Malaysia’s zero-waste movement is gaining popularity. One on the Asia News Network and one on The Star. Growing awareness of waste issues is fueling renewed interest from both consumers and businesses. While challenges remain, such as limited product choices and the time commitment required for refills, many believe government support and policy changes will be key to wider adoption.

Trash Hero Kuching have been featured in Borneo’s largest English news site! Chapter Leader Ishak shared their achievements so far and their hopes for the future.

Thai authorities have banned plastic waste imports from the new year, setting a strong precedent for other SE Asian nations to follow. Campaigners have welcomed the move, even though it still leaves loopholes that allows Thailand to be used as a transit country for hazardous plastic destined for neighbouring states

If anyone is still in doubt about the link between plastic and climate breakdown, this US federal government report released in 2024 (and summarised more simply by GAIA) shows the devastating effects of plastic production on global warming. The modelling shows plastic alone could consume the planet’s entire carbon budget by 2060, even if all other industries miraculously decarbonised.

Among many, many stories about corporate greenwashing, this story of ExxonMobil’s lies about recycling stood out for the sheer scale of the deception. To add to their woes, Exxon and other plastics producers are now facing a new court case brought by a group of American citizens for similar reasons. If successful, this could open the door to a much bigger class action suit.

In June, researchers released a map of the world that estimated microplastic exposure for citizens of different countries. It revealed which people were consuming the most – and why. Where did your country come?

It was sad news for bees, who were found to be consuming plastic, as well as bringing it into their hives. This is causing damage both to them and the wider ecosystem.

Last but not least, there was some good news from the plastics treaty talks. Yes, nothing was agreed, but this means everything is still on the table – and the countries championing strong measures to curb production and harmful chemicals are getting louder and better organised. Watch this space for updates as we go into 2025!

The nonprofit Alliance to End Plastic Waste has been called a “Bond-style villain” of greenwashing and political manipulation in a new report. Members include oil giants ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies, who produce millions more tons of plastic than they collect.

An Alliance to End Plastic Wasteproject in Bali was found abandonedafter its initial launch, with broken equipment and inadequate financing. It is still promoted on their website as a project designed to be “economically self-sufficient” and making a “positive contribution” to waste management on the island.

Just a few months ago, the US said it would support cuts in plastic production. In what environmentalists are calling an “absolutely devastating” policy reversal, the Biden administration backtracked on their promise just ahead of the UN plastics treaty talks.

This year’s climate talks, COP29, took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The discussions focused on finance. Although a deal was struck, the support that developing countries will receive to face devastating climate impacts is a “paltry” sum. This article highlights five key takeaways from the meeting.

“Clean-ups are effective in the short run but don’t address the systemic issues,” says Zurainee Kula, chapter leader of Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu, in this interview with the Daily Express about the best ways to take action on waste.

A new study has shown bees are eating nano- and microplastics and using them to build nests. The plastic damages their digestive and immune systems. It also causes behavioural changes that prevent pollination and lead to ecosystem damage.

A BBC investigation has found burning household rubbish to make energy is the dirtiest way to produce power, just after coal. Incineration releases significant greenhouse gases, especially when burning plastic. Experts warn this “waste-to-energy” undermines climate goals and contributes to air pollution..

Microplastic exposure from leave-on cosmetics like eye shadow and lipstick has been flagged as an area of serious concern. Scientists are calling for more research into the health impacts of prolonged skin contact with these common products and their petrochemical-based ingredients.

In the UK it’s common to drop off soft plastics at supermarkets for recycling. But a recent investigation that tracked their journey revealed that 70% ended up being burned abroad, mostly in Türkiye. A damning report from the Environmental Investigation Agency reveals this was not an isolated incident.

A recent study has shown that the majority of plastic food packaging across Europe can be replaced or eliminated altogether. The finding supports the calls for reusable packaging infrastructure that would reduce waste and the unhealthy reliance on plastic.