Students create device that captures microplastics from car tires
While a lesser-known culprit, the tires of our vehicles are one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution. Every time a car brakes, accelerates, or turns a corner, its tires gradually shed tiny particles that become airborne and make their way into our waterways. In Europe, alone, the amount of Read More...
Seventh Generation takes sustainability to a new level with plastic-free packaging
As brands are increasingly shifting towards more eco-friendly practices, one of the first challenges they are striving to overcome is getting rid of plastic waste associated with packaging. Among the latest to embark on such a zero-waste journey is cleaning product company Seventh Generation, known Read More...
Discarded face masks could be turned into biofuel to produce energy
While the pandemic has benefitted the environment in some ways, it has also brought about an unprecedented problem: the overwhelming number of single-use, non-recyclable personal protective equipment (PPE) leaking into the environment. Concerned about how these single-use masks and gloves can be Read More...
Impact-driven entrepreneurship is slashing plastic pollution in Indonesia
You may have heard that Indonesia has some of the world’s most beautiful and pristine beaches adorning its lush archipelago of islands. And while it’s true that there are few other places that can compete with these spectacular landscapes, over the recent years, an increasing number of Read More...
Experts remind the public that reusables are safe to use during COVID-19
As a response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many states and countries have reversed the course of their efforts to reduce the ubiquity of single-use plastic. Some cafes have stopped offering drinks in reusable cups, while the plastic industry has also been busy promoting throwaway plastics by Read More...
New technique helps accurately detect plastic debris floating in the ocean
Spotting marine plastic debris is an extremely challenging task. And while satellite imagery is often the most optimal way to track plastic debris in the ocean, the images taken from space can’t always tell if something floating in the water is actually plastic or other natural objects like Read More...
Why jute is one of the most promising alternatives we have to plastic
Even though we’re aware of the awful effects of plastic pollution, the detrimental environmental phenomenon continues today. Part of the problem is that plastic is such a durable, accessible material that can be used for a wide range of things such as shipping and packaging. Despite this, we know Read More...
These water-soluble cubes are helping hotels reduce plastic waste
When it comes to tackling the ubiquitous problem of plastic waste, the only solutions actually able to put a dent in this urgent environmental crisis are the ones that encourage reducing and reusing plastic in the first place. That’s why here at The Optimist Daily we are always happy to share Read More...
This fish lamp is designed to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution
Raising awareness about plastic pollution in the marine environment is one of the essential steps towards a future devoid of single-use plastics. Aware of this, design studio Heliograf decided to bring the problem to people’s attention in a fun way, by creating something that’s both Read More...
China to ban single-use plastic bags and food containers by the end of 2020
As plastic pollution becomes ever more ubiquitous each year, China - one of the biggest contributors to the problem - is set to introduce a ban on all non-degradable plastic bags and single-use straws in its major cities. By the end of the year, the country is expected to ban the production and Read More...