Plastics|SA will be releasing a series of new radio and television adverts this week in which it addresses the issue of plastics litter found in the marine environment. “Never before has the issue of plastics in our oceans received so much attention on a global scale. Plastics|SA, the umbrella organisation representing the entire South African plastics value chain signed the … [Read more...]
Ocean plastic-cleaning machine to tackle Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Scientists are preparing to launch the world's first machine to clean up the planet's largest mass of ocean plastic. The system, originally dreamed up by a teenager, will be shipped out this summer to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, between Hawaii and California, and which contains an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic. It will be the first ever attempt to tackle … [Read more...]
Top environmental awards dominated by women for first time
The world’s foremost environmental prize has announced more female winners than ever before, recognising the increasingly prominent role that women are playing in defending the planet. The struggle for a healthy planet may sometimes feel like a series of defeats, but this year’s Goldman environmental prize celebrates six remarkable success stories, five of them driven by … [Read more...]
Solar-powered water wheel cleans Baltimore Harbor
Baltimore Inner Harbor features a wide variety of activities, from museums and parks to dining and nightlife. It’s a tourist attraction that doesn’t put much focus on the harbor itself, which has been a lightning rod for waste. The Waterfront Partnership wants to make the waters swimmable once again, and one of the ways they’re achieving that is with Mr. Trash Wheel. Since … [Read more...]
Plastic pollution epidemic attacking Australia’s coastlines
While heading down the Brisbane river, Jim Hinds once pulled aboard a drunken half-naked man just seconds from “going down for the last time”. But on this day, like most other days for Hinds, it’s back to the horribly predictable as he launches his boat into the Nerang river on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Instantly you see it. Decaying plastic bags hanging from the … [Read more...]
Disgusting find in dead whale’s stomach
Scientists were appalled to find 29 kilograms of garbage and plastic — including bags, ropes, nets and even a drum — inside the stomach of a young sperm whale that recently washed up on a beach in Spain. The 6-ton, 33-foot-long creature was discovered near a lighthouse in Cabo de Palos in the region of Murcia on Feb. 27, the regional government said in a statement last week. … [Read more...]
Popular seafood restaurant urged to abandon single-use plastic
Greenpeace has launched a campaign urging Ocean Basket to expand its commitment to the environment by investing in biodegradable or reusable alternatives. The following single-use plastic items should be abandoned: Plastic, polystyrene and other non-recyclable containers Plastic bags Condiments in plastic sachets and/ or other in non-recyclable packaging … [Read more...]
Coral gardening initiative launched at Fiji resort
An iconic reort in Fiji recently launched a marine conservation initiative called 'Our Ocean Guardians.' With an increased focus on coral health and coral resilience, the Reef Safari team at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa worked with resort guests to successfully plant over 50 corals in four months under the ‘Our Ocean Guardians Project’. This initiative … [Read more...]
Mystery ocean infection causes itchy bumps
The mystery infection which saw the temporary closure of Three Pools is seemingly spreading, with bathers at the Willows resort and Pollok Beach (in Port Elizabeth) showing similar symptoms. While Willows management – who also manage Three Pools – are holding “flying insects” responsible for the lumpy protrusions, fever and, in some cases, profuse vomiting it causes, the … [Read more...]
Fighting a rising tide of plastic pollution in the Galápagos Islands
When the clean-up volunteers in the Galápagos Islands came across a soda can with a brand from Indonesia, they were hardly surprised. For months, they had been cleaning the remote beaches of these iconic islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and removing tonnes of plastic waste, much of it carried to the islands from other corners of the planet. This emblematic … [Read more...]
Joburg school fills swimming pool with plastic to teach students a lesson
Plastic bottles are affecting our oceans and the environment, leaving a path of destruction where all living beings are affected. That is why the Dainfern College Foundation and Student Head of Environmental Affairs, Stella Ritsito, decided to do something bold to bring their student’s attention to the damage created by our consumption of plastic. The Annual Swim-a-Thon, … [Read more...]
Socially conscious films recognised in annual SIMA awards
The 6th annual Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) have announced their finalists. Known for bridging the global gap between filmmakers and their audiences and encouraging thoughtful action, the annual SIMA Awards honor the works of content creators who are pushing the boundaries of social and political storytelling. "In 2017 we marched in some of the largest protests in … [Read more...]
Graphene-based sieve turns seawater into drinking water
A UK-based team of researchers has created a graphene-based sieve capable of removing salt from seawater. The sought-after development could aid the millions of people without ready access to clean drinking water. The promising graphene oxide sieve could be highly efficient at filtering salts, and will now be tested against existing desalination membranes. It has previously … [Read more...]
