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single use plastics

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Woman drinking mineral water from the bottle

Science Apr 03

1 in 3 Americans say they’ve reduced how much plastic they’re using

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Science Jan 13

Plastic
Watch 6:24
Why you may be eating and drinking more microplastics than you thought

From takeout containers to water bottles, plastic seems unavoidable in our daily lives. Now, two new studies have found that we’re eating and drinking more plastic than we might have realized. George Leonard, a co-author of one of the studies…

By John Yang, Lorna Baldwin, Andrew Corkery, Andrew Chambers

Politics Sep 21

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey speaks after taking the Oath of Office during her inauguration at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, U.S., January 5, 2023. Photo by Brian Snyder/REUTERS
Massachusetts becomes first to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies

Massachusetts buys about 100,000 of the plastic water bottles each year. The order bars all executive offices and agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles under 21 fluid ounces except in cases of emergency.

By Associated Press

Science Dec 04

Tides of trash in Pasig River
Watch 5:44
How countries are trying to tackle the plastic pollution problem together

This week, representatives from 150 nations are meeting in Uruguay with the goal of dramatically reducing or eliminating all plastic pollution by 2040. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers introduced a new bill to help curtail the harmful impacts of plastic waste. Washington…

Nation Jul 02

View of the memorial for victims of the Uvalde school shooting
Watch 2:55
News Wrap: Embattled Uvalde schools police chief steps down from city council

In our news wrap Saturday, the district police chief for Uvalde schools has resigned from his position on the City Council amid a growing outcry, Texas' top court ruled against a temporary four-day window to abortion access, New York reimposed…

By PBS NewsHour Weekend

Jun 20

Canada to ban sale of single use plastics by end of 2023

By Associated Press

In addition to bags and takeout boxes, the ban will affect plastic straws, bags, cutlery, stir sticks and six-pack rings that hold cans and bottles.

Continue reading

Jun 08

Interior Department to phase out single-use plastics at national parks

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

The Interior Department says it will phase out sales of plastic water bottles and other single-use products at national parks and on other public lands over the next decade, targeting a major source of U.S. pollution.

Continue reading

Dec 18

Watch 8:24
Guster, My Morning Jacket, other musicians unite to make concert tours more sustainable

By Tom Casciato

From gas-guzzling tour buses to concession stands loaded with single-use plastic water bottles, concert tours aren’t exactly easy on the environment. But now, a movement to make touring more climate-friendly is empowering musicians to not only talk about issues like…

Continue watching

Jul 14

COVID-19 has resurrected single-use plastics. Are they here to stay?

By Jessica Heiges, Kate O'Neill, The Conversation

Pandemic precautions have given new life to disposable plastic products, which the industry claims are more "hygienic" than reusables. But critics say there's no scientific evidence this is so.

Continue reading

Jun 28

Watch 7:45
Samoa searching for plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics

By Mike Taibbi, Mori Rothman, Laura Fong

Like many other places around the world, the South Pacific island-nation of Samoa has begun phasing out single-use plastic products, and styrofoam will be next. Businesses and research organizations there are finding creative uses of local resources to fill in…

Continue watching

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Full Episode
Wednesday, Sep 10
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