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. 06/05/2025
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. 09/04/2025
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. 02/04/2025
Earth 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. 17/03/2025
Health news Microplastics may make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics Microplastics made it more difficult for drugs to be efficient, researchers say. 11/03/2025
Earth 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. 03/03/2025
Ecotech 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. 19/02/2025
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. 13/02/2025
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. 05/02/2025
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. 17/01/2025
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. 21/12/2024
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. 17/12/2024
Earth 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. 02/12/2024
Earth 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. 26/11/2024
Earth 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. 25/11/2024
Health news Microplastics are shielding pathogens in wastewater - study Microplastics are harbouring bacteria in wastewater and that could be dangerous for human health. 07/11/2024
Earth News Microplastics trigger major concern ahead of UN treaty talks As officials from nearly 200 countries convened in Colombia this week to discuss implementing a global pact to reverse biodiversity loss, and prepare for crunch climate talks in Azerbaijan in November, yet another major environmental threat – plastic pollution – is the focus of a separate UN summit. 25/10/2024
Earth News Microplastics can be breathed into your brain, new study shows New research has revealed that plastic from everyday items has the ability to infiltrate the brain. 17/09/2024
Nutrition Microplastics found to increase in soda bottles the more you open them A new report found a number of micro and nanoplastics in soda bottles, with the number increasing based on how many times the bottle was opened. 25/08/2024
Earth News Worried about microplastics? Avoid these 5 household items These everyday household items could be leaching microplastics into your diet. 01/07/2024