Despite global concerns over the accumulation of plastic waste, the drive to produce new plastics shows no signs of slowing down. According to OECD data, the world’s annual plastic production ...

Scientists have developed a "self-digesting plastic", which, they say, could help reduce pollution. Polyurethane is used in everything from phone cases to trainers, but is tricky to recycle and ...

Planet or Plastic? is National Geographic’s multiyear effort to raise awareness about the global plastic trash crisis. Come to this page often to learn more, and find out what you can do to ...

While a common family of bacteria, Comamonadaceae, grow on plastics in urban rivers and wastewater systems, it was unclear how these bacteria interact with and break down plastic. Professor Ludmilla ...

On Tuesday, Australia takes another step towards reshaping its throw-away society. A range of single-use plastic, including straws, cutlery and micro beads in shampoo, will be banned in its most ...

Pathogenic viruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria thrive on plastic. The biohazard risks of this ‘plastisphere’ shouldn’t be overlooked in efforts to tackle the pollution crisis.

You see photos of plastic pollution in the ocean, but it can be hard to connect that to the plastic you're buying and using every day. Here are three ways the plastic you throw away can end up in the ...

Scientists discovered that bacteria commonly found in wastewater can break down plastic to turn it into a food source, a finding that researchers hope could be a promising answer to combat one of ...

Plastic bags start out as fossil fuels and end up as deadly waste in landfills and the ocean. Birds often mistake shredded plastic bags for food, filling their stomachs with toxic debris. For hungry ...

Plastic grocery bags are a significant contributor to global plastic pollution, and California is taking a big step up in tackling the problem. Thomas is a native of upstate New York and a ...