The Food Safety Information Council today issued advice about safely using reusable food containers, especially as they are gaining acceptance with food retailers. Cathy Moir, Council Chair, said whether it is your coffee keep cup, refillable water bottle, or if you are taking your own container to the deli, take away or cafe we need […]
Microplastics found deep in the lungs of living humans for the first time
A team of researchers from the University of Hull and Castle Hill Hospital, both in the U.K., has identified minute particles of plastic in lung tissue removed from live human patients, marking the first time such materials have been observed in living human patients. The group has published a paper describing their findings in the […]
Nylon cooking bags, plastic-lined cups can release nanoparticles into liquids
Nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cardboard cups are conveniences many people rely on, but a new study in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology suggests that they are an underappreciated source of nanoparticles. They report that the plastic in these products release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water that they come in contact with. That […]
incrEDIBLE Edible Spoons – Crunchy Eco Friendly Alternative to Compostable Cutlery
Incredible Eats is on a mission to remove plastic waste from the ocean. By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans (by weight). You can help preserve nature by switching from plastic and eating your spoon. Our neighbors in the ocean deserve it. Make your next picnic or party as incrEDIBLE […]
Scientists Convert Plastic Waste into Vanilla Flavoring
Scientists have devised a novel way of tackling the mounting issue of plastic pollution… by using bacteria to transform plastic waste into vanilla flavoring. Researchers have discovered that the common bacteria E. coli can be deployed as a sustainable way to convert post-consumer plastic into vanillin, a new study reveals. Vanillin Vanillin is the primary component […]
Face masks and the environment: Preventing the next plastic problem
Recent studies estimate that we use an astounding 129 billion face masks globally every month — that is 3 million a minute. Most of them are disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers. “With increasing reports on inappropriate disposal of masks, it is urgent to recognize this potential environmental threat and prevent it from becoming […]
Potentially harmful chemicals found in plastic toys
It has long been known that several chemicals used in plastic toys in different parts of the world can be harmful to human health. However, it is difficult for parents to figure out how to avoid plastic toys containing chemicals that may cause possible health risks to their children. Regulations and labelling schemes are different […]
Microplastics can be harmful to farm crops
A Kansas State University crop physiologist has found that plastic products – which are well known to cause negative impacts on fish and other aquatic animals – also have an adverse effect on land-based organisms, such as farm crops. Mary Beth Kirkham, University Distinguished Professor in agronomy who specializes in the relationship between soil, plants […]
Highest levels of microplastics found in molluscs
Mussels, oysters and scallops have the highest levels of microplastic contamination among seafood, a new study reveals. The research — led by researchers at Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull — looked at more than 50 studies between 2014 and 2020 to investigate the levels of microplastic contamination globally in fish and […]
Micro- and nanoplastics detectable in human tissues
Plastic pollution of land, water and air is a global problem. Even when plastic bags or water bottles break down to the point at which they are no longer an eyesore, tiny fragments can still contaminate the environment. Animals and humans can ingest the particles, with uncertain health consequences. Now, scientists report that they are […]