If plastics were better designed, they could be better recycled. That would prevent plastics entering the oceans and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That’s the message of a group of scientists. A simple example: Clear plastic bottles have a recycling value five times higher than those that have been dyed, as the pigment is hard to remove. The pigments serve no useful purpose other than perceived aesthetics. With more and more cities banning the use of plastic bags, the call of the scientists should inspire governments to implement better plastics legislation.
… And better plastics design would help a lot
More of Today's Solutions
How citizen scientists are driving tangible change in Australia
Citizen science has evolved as a formidable force in conservation, propelled by regular people's passion and dedication to conserving our planet's irreplaceable ecosystems. Citizen ...
Read MoreMeet Dr. Wade: writer of thousands of Wikipedia pages for women scientists
Though the world has made some strides in gender equality, there is certainly still room for improvement, especially in the field of science, technology, ...
Read MoreArt preserves endangered flora in Himalayas—where conservation and culture co...
"In 2002, I was returning to Kalimpong in the eastern Himalaya region of India, and I found numerous trees had been cut down for ...
Read MorePrescribed thinning and controlled burns critical in preventing California wi...
A pioneering two-decade-long study done in California's Sierra Nevada mountains confirms the effectiveness of forest management strategies such as restorative thinning and regulated burning ...
Read More
