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Dear Reader,
This week, research by Microplastic Solution revealed most microplastics found in bottled and tap water are smaller than the current detection limit set by the European Union. Politicians in England voted overwhelmingly in favour of a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic and metal containers. A reusable cup scheme in Denmark has celebrated its first year and the return of over 750,000 cups. Trump’s selection to lead the US Environmental Protection Agency faced grilling over his environmental voting record and political donations from oil and gas firms after highlighting his support for previous plastic pollution legislation. Finally, the Clean Earth Trust has called on Guernsey to ban the supply of single-use plastics as marine biologists find more different types of plastic bottles on the island’s beaches than the variety of fish recorded in UK waters. |
As always, we hope you enjoy reading.
John Higginson
Editor-in-Chief
Plastic Free Post
Most microplastics in drinking water are smaller than EU detection limits
Researchers reveal most microplastics found in bottled and tap water samples are smaller than 20 microns (μm) which is the current detection limit set by the European Union, despite smaller microplastic particles being deemed the most dangerous for human health. The study led by Microplastic Solution tested 10 different bottled water brands and one tap water source in France with a new method to detect fine microplastics smaller than 20 μm, which to date have been omitted from many studies due to detection limitations. Researchers found that 98 per cent of microplastics found were under 20 μm, and 94 per cent less than 10 μm in diameter. |
Read more here.
UK politicians vote in favour of DRS for plastic and metal containers
Despite concerns from some members of the Conservative Party over the cost implications on businesses, the House of Commons voted 352 to 75, a majority 277, paving the way for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to be introduced in England and Northern Ireland from October 2027. The Welsh government pulled out of the UK-wide approach last year and has always maintained that glass would be part of its scheme whilst Scotland is expected to align its DRS to match the one backed by Westminster. |
Read more here.
Danish city reveals first year of data from reusable packaging pilot
The Danish city of Aarhus has been offering consumers reusable cups when purchasing takeaway drinks at cafés and quick-serve restaurants in the city. Consumers pay an additional deposit of five DKK (EUR 0.67) when purchasing a beverage, and this deposit is digitally refunded to the consumer when they return the cup at one of the automated collection machines located throughout Aarhus. At the one-year mark, over 750,000 cups have been returned in Aarhus, eliminating the equivalent of 7,500 waste bins of disposable cups from the city’s waste management system. Now the scheme will expand to include a new collection machine that accepts both reusable cups and food packaging. |
Read more here.
Trump EPA administrator nominee talks PFAS and plastic
Trump’s selection for the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin a former member of the US House of Representatives, faced grilling this week from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee before taking office. Zeldin noted that pollution from PFAS was a threat to the environment and recognised the success of plastic legislation enacted in Trump’s last tenure that provided funding for removing and preventing plastic pollution. Senators remained sceptical of Zeldin’s commitment to environmental issues, noting he only voted in favour 14 per cent of the time for key environmental bills and has received numerous donations from the oil and gas industry. |
Read more here.
Call for ban on single-use plastic in Guernsey
The Clean Earth Trust said it had drafted legislation to ban the supply of single-use plastics in Guernsey as the Isles are “way behind” countries in Europe and the UK that have already imposed a ban. The calls come after a marine biologist said he had found more different types of plastic bottles on the island’s beaches than the variety of fish recorded in UK waters, with the Trust believing much of the waste that washes up on the island has been dumped from ocean going vessels. |
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