Stories Tagged as
Plastic
Can plastic-eating bacteria help cut down on pollution?
Oct 26, 2020
British and American researchers have developed a “super-enzyme” to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of recycling of plastic waste.
Trump's visit to Shell plant highlights natural gas challenges
by
Scott Tong
Aug 13, 2019
Pennsylvania's natural gas industry hopes the plant can bring a lifeline to a sector beleaguered by overproduction.
Shell's new plastics plant faces challenges: Balancing local and global impacts
by
Jack Stewart
Aug 13, 2019
The new Shell plant will create millions of tons of plastic a year, plus 600 onsite jobs.
McDonald's shareholders consider a switch to paper straws
by
Jed Kim
May 24, 2018
Plastic straws could be banned in New York City if a new bill introduced in the city council this week goes through. Similar restrictions are being considered for California. Several cities there have already banned the plastic straw. And both the U.K. and Taiwan have announced plans to eliminate them. Today McDonald’s shareholders are scheduled […]
Can single-use plastics really be eliminated?
by
Kimberly Adams
and Eliza Mills
Mar 9, 2018
Cities and countries are banning or charging fees for single-use plastic items like bags and straws. This week, the wealthy beach community of Malibu, California, voted to ban restaurants from giving out plastic straws, utensils and stirrers. Overseas, Scotland wants to ban plastic straws by 2019; Taiwan is banning single-use plastics by 2030. So is […]
The self-made millionaire who gave his money to people who just asked for it
Aug 21, 2017
Percy Ross, known as "America's Rich Uncle," had a newspaper column where people could write in with requests.
The next great global glut: plastic
by
Jed Kim
May 31, 2016
Oil and gas are just some of the things gained from drilling. More natural gas also means more plastic
You’ve got questions. We help you answer them.
Support nonprofit, independent journalism that makes you smarter.
How the humble glass bottle lost its appeal
by
Gigi Douban
Apr 22, 2015
Plastic proved more convenient than glass. Now it's easier to recycle, too.
A new glowing plastic that could change the lighting industry
by
Molly Wood
Dec 4, 2012
A new kind of light bulb has been invented that will ship from U.S. factories and may bring more efficient--and controllable--lighting to the industry.
Plastic's fantastic for thieves in California
Nov 26, 2012
Thieves steal millions of dollars of plastic pallets and milk cases from businesses. Sold to recyclers, the plastic is then used to make new pallets and milk cases.