Pandemic precautions have given new life to disposable plastic products, which the industry claims are more ‘hygienic’ than reusables. But critics say there’s no scientific evidence this is so.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Articles on Single-use plastic
Displaying 21 - 36 of 36 articles
Recently washed cups could be safer than single-use containers that could have been sitting around for ages.
Just because we’re in a period of change, doesn’t mean we have to lose momentum.
A media study of public criticism of plastic reveals that stigmatisation may result in limited bans, it leaves the vast majority of plastic production and pollution unexplored.
Governments need better information on which types of plastic generate the most pollution — citizens can help.
The global focus on plastic pollution isn’t a distraction from other planetary issues.
Without action, the amount of plastic waste produced globally could reach as much as 265 million tonnes per year by 2060.
By 2025, Canada’s population could include five million people who live alone. Those who live alone tend to cook less, but the food industry has plans for them.
Asian countries have become a dumping ground for the plastic waste from wealthy countries.
Every day we throw away plastic and every day we’re reminded of its environmental impact. Why can’t something be done about it?
Fast-food restaurants and coffee shops are banishing the straw. While it may seem like a small measure, your pessimism isn’t justified.
Meet the ‘Yeah-buts’ - those who know plastic is bad for the environment, but can’t get behind the bag ban because it affects their own convenience. This mindset can stall the best-laid green plans.
We’re drowning in plastics. With governments setting un-ambitious targets, corporations are now listening to consumers who are demanding less plastic packaging and food containers.
We can safely say goodbye to most single-use plastics. But they do have essential uses in some areas, such as for medical or scientific samples, or storing food for humanitarian aid.
Plastic bags will soon be gone from major supermarkets and many other shops too. Campaigns to reduce plastic even more should focus on positive advice, rather than shaming shoppers for their plastic use.
The success of the plastic bag ban announced by Australia’s big two supermarkets will hinge on whether they can persuade customers to change an engrained behaviour - without annoying them.
Top contributors
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Professor, School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University
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Professor of Law and Associate Dean for International Affairs, Wake Forest University
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Senior Principal Research Scientist, Environment, CSIRO
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Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO
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Senior Lecturer, Ecotoxicology and Conservation Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos
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Professor of Global Environmental Politics, University of California, Berkeley
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Chancellor's Fellow in Sustainable Design, University of Strathclyde
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Academic and researcher, Queensland University of Technology
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Environmental Chemist, Macquarie University
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Lecturer in Marine Biology, University of Hull
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Professor of Applied Environmental Science, University of Southampton
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Professor of Business and Society, Audencia
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Digital and Communications Manager
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Professor of Waste Management, The University of Queensland
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Professor in Construction and Environmental Assessment, The University of Melbourne
