A global surge in early-onset cancer cases, especially gastrointestinal cancers in adults under 50, has alarmed the medical community and spurred an international $25 million research effort to uncover causes and solutions. Dylan Scott reports for Vox.In short:An international team is investigating the spike in cancers among adults younger than 50, focusing on lifestyle and environmental risk factors.The research, combining surveys and animal studies, aims to understand the mechanisms driving these cancers, potentially influencing future screenings and treatments.This rise in early-onset cance ..read more

In anticipation of the next round of global plastic treaty talks, experts are calling on the U.S. to take a leadership role in pushing for an ambitious treaty. In a letter sent this week, environmental groups ask the administration to support a version of the treaty that includes reductions in plastic production, which has been a contentious issue thus far. In addition,they’re calling on the Biden administration to bolster domestic plastic pollution efforts and be a model for other countries. “The U.S. is the number one generator of plastic waste in the world — both per capita and total. [It’s ..read more

A new approach is necessary to address the common misconceptions about recyclable plastics, emphasizing the need for individual contributions to sustainability.Kaitlyn Wells and Katie Okamoto report for The New York Times.In short:Despite recycling labels, most plastics end up as environmental pollutants, breaking down into microplastics harmful to ecosystems and human health.The article presents 12 actionable tips for reducing reliance on single-use plastics, focusing on sustainable lifestyle adjustments over perfection.Jeremy Gregory, PhD, highlights the environmental impact of acquiring mul ..read more

A CBS News report uncovers a long-standing campaign by the plastics industry to mislead the public about the effectiveness of plastic recycling.Ben Tracy reports for CBS News.In short:Despite widespread belief in plastic recycling, only 5 to 6% of plastic waste in the U.S. is actually recycled.The plastics industry has been accused of misleading the public about the feasibility of plastic recycling.Documents reveal that industry insiders knew recycling was not a viable solution to plastic waste as early as the 1980s.Key quote: “The plastics industry understands that selling recycling sells pla ..read more

GROTON, Mass. — Steam billows inside Black Earth Compost’s processing facility as Syed Dong, regional operations manager, opens the building’s delivery door and lets in the chilly March air. Inside, billions of bacteria are breaking down a big pile of food scraps, yard waste and compostable bioplastic packaging into water, carbon dioxide and compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment. “This is where we ignite the composting process,” Dong told Environmental Health News over the roar of machinery blowing air through the pile. Soon, his team will move the heap outdoors for further processing in win ..read more

In an era where plastic dominates the grocery aisles, a shift toward more environmentally friendly packaging for fruits and vegetables emerges as a pressing concern.Kim Severson reports for The New York Times.In short:Produce professionals are rallying for biodegradable packaging, with initiatives like Driscoll’s paper containers leading the charge.New regulations in various countries and states aim to drastically reduce or tax plastic packaging, spurring innovation in eco-friendly alternatives.Alternatives being explored include biodegradable bags, edible coatings for produce, and innovative ..read more

Companies are now innovating with plant-based shoe soles, reducing the toxic footprint left by traditional footwear. Daliah Singer reports for The Washington Post.In short:Companies are moving away from petroleum-based materials in shoe soles, focusing on plant-based alternatives to lessen environmental impact.Despite efforts in sustainability, the challenge remains in recycling and dismantling shoes due to their complex construction.Plant-based materials offer a solution by degrading more naturally, yet require new recycling infrastructures to be fully effective.Key quote: Shoes are designed ..read more

Jessica Georges loves the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she lives. But a few years ago, she realized even the most pristine parts of town weren’t immune to plastic pollution. “You can’t walk three yards on most beach days and not run into some sort of plastic,” she told EHN. Increasingly bothered by what she saw, she created a low-waste business — Green Road Refill — to sell low-cost and low-waste goods to her community. Now, she and other low-waste businesses are strengthening their efforts to reduce plastic pollution via the National Business Coalition for the Oceans, a nationwid ..read more

A new review published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology evaluates photosynthetic microorganisms’ potential as tools for degrading microplastic pollution both on land and in aquatic ecosystems. In short: Several microorganisms have demonstrated an ability to grow on the surface of various types of plastics and break them down through the use of sunlight and CO2.The advantages of using microorganisms include their low cost, low carbon footprint, and their amenability to genetic modifications. However, the authors point out the ethical concerns that come with using genetically modified ..read more

A third of U.S. adults report reducing their use of plastic products, highlighting growing concerns over plastic pollution and its environmental impact.Bella Isaacs-Thomas reports for PBS NewsHour.In short:The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll reveals a trend of decreasing plastic use among Americans, with women, higher income households, and college graduates leading the charge.Political affiliations influence plastic usage patterns, with Democrats and independents more likely to reduce their use compared to Republicans.The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a temporary increase in single-use plasti ..read more