Teabags made from plastic – rather than the usual paper – are fast becoming common around the globe. But tea drinkers ought to steer clear of these plastic teabags after recent tests found that a single bag could shed billions of microplastics into each cup. In a major breakthrough, scientists from Canada’s McGill University at Montreal found that just one plastic teabag … Continue reading A dangerous brew: Plastic teabags release BILLIONS of microplastics particles into your drink
Just 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean is all it takes for infection-causing bacteria to alter skin microbiome – is pollution to blame?
A quick dip in the ocean is hard to beat on a hot day, but a new study shows that ocean bacteria can colonize your skin surprisingly fast – and some types of it can be quite dangerous. Researchers say that just 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean is enough to see your skin … Continue reading Just 10 minutes of swimming in the ocean is all it takes for infection-causing bacteria to alter skin microbiome – is pollution to blame?
Over 90 percent of salt brands contain MICROPLASTICS, scientists find
Bad news, salt lovers — a recent study says that over 90 percent of salts sold across the world contain microplastics. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, looked at 39 salt brands from 21 countries, including the U.S. and China. Microplastics refer to plastic debris less than five millimeters in length — around the size of … Continue reading Over 90 percent of salt brands contain MICROPLASTICS, scientists find
Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials
Single-use plastics cause plastic pollution, a problem that affects rivers, lakes, and oceans. To address this concern, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a recycling process that turns various materials made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into other useful products that will last longer. NREL’s research was published in the journal Joule. What is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)? Polyethylene terephthalate … Continue reading Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials
Scientists have found ANOTHER major problem with the plastic pollution in the oceans: It harbors bacteria that can be transferred up the food chain
Experts predict that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish within the next century — a serious problem, considering there’s still a lot to be explored in their depths. The adverse effects of plastic pollution have been the subject of many studies, but according to marine scientists from the National University of Singapore, their … Continue reading Scientists have found ANOTHER major problem with the plastic pollution in the oceans: It harbors bacteria that can be transferred up the food chain
Follow these tips to reduce plastic pollution
It’s official: We’re heading toward a “plastic world” – and we’re not talking about credit cards. Plastic – the ubiquitous polymer found in nearly all consumer products – is part of just about every aspect of our lives. For the most part, it’s a versatile material that has been part of many significant innovations, such as in … Continue reading Follow these tips to reduce plastic pollution
Glitter sunscreen is this summer’s biggest beauty trend, but experts warn it is harmful to the environment
Chemical-based sunscreens are unsafe enough on their own. But the glitter sunscreen that came out this summer of 2018 might pollute the environment on top of the existing detrimental effects on human health, an article in Harper’s Bazaar reported. Glitter is highly popular among women and children. Makeup, nail polish, and lip gloss are just some of the common … Continue reading Glitter sunscreen is this summer’s biggest beauty trend, but experts warn it is harmful to the environment
Irish researchers detail a potential solution for tackling plastic waste
Every day, the average American churns out a lot of plastic garbage that takes forever to decay. Over time, the nearly-indestructible waste piles up and contaminates the surroundings, causing serious harm to the environment and human health. This prompted Irish researchers to look for a way to manage the ever-growing mountains of plastic waste we … Continue reading Irish researchers detail a potential solution for tackling plastic waste
Researchers develop blend of bioplastics that can decompose under diverse conditions
Biodegradable plastics have been available for a while now. But an Irish-led effort has come up with new bioplastics that also retain the best characteristics of normal plastic products, an article in Science Daily stated. These bioplastics are just as malleable, resilient, and robust as their petroleum-derived equivalents. At the same time, they can be easily broken down … Continue reading Researchers develop blend of bioplastics that can decompose under diverse conditions
With plastic pollution in the oceans at 16xs more than previously thought, is it even possible to clean it up?
There was a time when the sea was the go-to place for keeping the body clean and catching fresh fish free from harmful chemicals. Beach lovers didn’t think twice about swimming there because they knew it was perfectly safe, and good for their health besides. But recent figures show that those who hesitate to swim … Continue reading With plastic pollution in the oceans at 16xs more than previously thought, is it even possible to clean it up?
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 