July 2026 : Environment news round-up

by Fayrouz on 29/07/2026 No comments

Our round-up of the month’s most important stories.

Destroying unsold clothes and shoes is now illegal in the EU

New regulation forces fashion brands to face and account for their overproduction problem, with resale, donation, repair, recycling or simply more thoughtful output.

 

Emerging link between microplastics and heart disease

A new study by a leading journal has found people with plastic particles in their arteries are more likely to suffer a heart attack or die in the following years than those without – and the most likely carrier of the particles? Cigarette smoke.

 

This World Cup is the most polluting in the tournament’s history

The highly criticised event managed to generate almost 3 times the amount of trash of the previous tournament in Qatar and double the average amount of CO2 emissions.

 

Reusable packaging is on the rise 

A survey of the global reuse landscape finds positive signs, with a new reuse symbol and standards; increasingly supportive legislation and incentives; and business-led innovation and cooperation all creating momentum for change.

 

The Ocean Cleanup hasn’t worked. So what happened?

Seven years after its glitzy launch, the viral project has made millions, but fallen short of its promised impact. Experts had been warning of this all along: their story is now being told.

 

As Europe turns away from incineration, its companies are selling it to the Global South

The EU has cut funding for waste-to-energy and Germany now taxes it, so European and Japanese firms are expanding elsewhere, backed by international finance and the carbon credits market.

 

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.

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FayrouzJuly 2026 : Environment news round-up

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