EU Commission launches public consultation on policy options to reduce microplastics entering the oceans; consultation open to all citizens until October 16, 2017
May 15, 2017
Microplastics in sea salt
Researchers find microplastic particles in commercial sea salts from different countries; human intake estimated to be low; more research needed to assess health risks
May 8, 2017
Nordic Council promotes sustainable plastic use
The Nordic Council of Ministers presents new program containing six strategic goals to reduce environmental impact of plastic
May 4, 2017
Study on microplastics’ effects on fish retracted
Science retracts article on effects of microplastics on fish due to loss of raw data, lack of ethical approval for animal experiments, and lack of clarity on conducted experiments
April 21, 2017
Plastic debris in the Arctic
Scientists demonstrate abundance of plastics fragments in the Arctic waters; far-north areas may form a final sink for plastic debris in the oceans; concerns voiced about further accumulation and effects on Arctic ecosystem
April 12, 2017
Australian draft action plan against marine plastic pollution
Australian Government publishes draft plan to reduce marine debris and target plastic pollution in particular; commits to prevention, removal, monitoring activities, raising public awareness
April 10, 2017
Forums on sustainability of plastics
Plasticity Forums to discuss sustainable end-of-life solutions for plastics on April 21 and May 9, 2017 in Texas and California, respectively; registration available online
March 20, 2017
Greenpeace survey on plastic bottles
Soft drink companies have limited commitment to reducing single-use plastic bottles, increasing recycled content in PET bottles, considering PET bottles’ contribution to ocean pollution, according to new Greenpeace report
February 28, 2017
UN tackles marine plastic pollution
United Nations Environment Programme launches global campaign to eliminate ocean plastic pollution; calls on governments, industry, and consumer to take action and reduce plastic use
February 22, 2017
Tracking marine litter in Europe
EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre publishes reports on marine litter in Europe, addresses microplastics and different sources of food and beverage packaging items in the marine environment
