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Microplastics

Europeans' Stories

Hunting microplastics: French scientists sound the alarm on plastic pollution

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Green News

Global Plastics Treaty hangs in the balance as talks resume in Geneva

Campaigners say that industry lobbyists must be banned from the talks to secure a meaningful outcome.

Eco-Innovation

From Italy to Ukraine, plastic waste gets a second life with DIY tech

Around 1400 tonnes were recycled by the Precious Plastic community in one year. Could open-source tech help plastic recycling finally take off?

Climate

7 stunning photos at the intersection of climate, science and health

The shortlist of 25 photos captures our changing world in extraordinary depth, from rooftop picnics to undersea greenhouses.

Green News

Spain seeks to ban flushing of wet wipes and releasing of balloons

Wet wipes and balloons are among the 10 most common single-use plastic items found littering European beaches.

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EU Decoded

Will companies cut down on microplastic pollution?

Microplastics are among the worst polluters for all ecosystems and can be harmful to all life. We look at how new regulations could reduce the contamination that often occurs during the transport of plastic pellets used in the manufacture of larger products.

Europe News

Lawmakers extend new microplastic controls to shipping

After a series of high profile spills at sea, MEPs and governments have agreed that new pollution controls must extend to maritime freight, despite opposition from the EU executive.

Health news

Could this simple action help remove harmful microplastics from water?

Boiling water before drinking it could be "a viable long-term strategy" for reducing global exposure to microplastics, researchers said.

Green News

Plastic pellets are washing up on UK coast after North Sea ship crash

Although not toxic, nurdles present a deadly risk to wildlife if ingested.

Health news

Microplastics may make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics

Microplastics made it more difficult for drugs to be efficient, researchers say.

Green News

How close is Europe to meeting its zero pollution targets?

Air pollution, pesticide use, and plastic litter at sea are down, but more action is needed for the bloc to meet its clean goals by 2030.

Eco-Innovation

Scientists discover ‘hungry’ marine fungi that eat plastic pollution

Researchers are training ‘mighty’ marine fungi to quickly eat polyurethane, one of our most common plastics.

Climate

Why plastic straws became the target of a global pollution crackdown

A viral turtle video sparked a global movement and inspired millions to join the fight against plastic waste.

Health news

Microplastics are increasingly making their way into the human brain

Between 2016 and 2024, the level of microplastics in analysed brain samples increased by 50 per cent.

Health news

Drinking water contains microplastics smaller than EU detection limit

Scientists say that most microplastics found in drinking water are very fine and thus more likely to pass from the human intestine into the blood and organs.

Brussels, My Love?

Brussels, my love? What was there to be merry about in 2024?

In this Christmas edition, we look back at a politically turbulent year dominated by elections, and ask if it's possible to have a sustainable festive season.

Europe News

Governments back tight controls on plastic pellet shipment by sea

In the wake of the spillage of some 26 tonnes of tiny plastic pellets which washed up on Spanish beaches a year ago, environment ministers have agreed that minimum standards and monitoring should apply to shippers operating in EU waters.

Green News

Why did the Global Plastics Treaty talks fail?

The talks were about phasing out plastic production, improving waste management, design requirements for plastic products and funding the global transition away from plastic.

Green News

Global Plastics Treaty: The warnings from campaigners to leaders

Compromise is needed, UN environment chief says – but activists warn the public demands decisive action on plastics.

Green News

Will the fifth Global Plastic Treaty talks finally seal a deal?

Global plastic production has increased over 200-fold to hit almost 460 million tonnes annually since 1950.

Health news

Microplastics are shielding pathogens in wastewater - study

Microplastics are harbouring bacteria in wastewater and that could be dangerous for human health.