Not everything in nature is natural. This #WorldEnvironmentDay#, let’s #BeatPlasticPollution# before it buries our planet. Take action today▶️ Inspired by: Only One #endplastics# #planetvsplastics# #plasticpollution#

Researchers engineered specialized yeast to transform discarded plastic into consumable cookies. A group based at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is addressing plastic pollution alongside food shortages through an unusual approach. Employing oxidative hydrothermal dissolution, the scientists apply heat to decompose used plastic bottles together with sweetcorn plant residues into forms that microbes can process. The resulting material is supplied to CRISPR-modified yeast strains that convert it into proteins, lipids, and a vanilla-like sweetness. After additional ingredients are incorporated, the blend is shaped via 3D printing into cookies known as µBites, redefining the idea of sustainable cuisine. Although the scientists are still seeking official clearance to sample the products themselves, the idea has generated both interest and doubt. Observers such as Jason Hallett of Imperial College London contend that producing food from plastic lacks commercial viability and cannot meaningfully address worldwide plastic accumulation, especially amid concerns regarding microplastics and genetic modification. The inventors counter that regardless of whether plastic-based cookies become commonplace, the work represents an essential advance toward reshaping societal responses to plastic refuse. [Jayakody, L. N. (2024). Next-generation 3D-printed nutritious food derived from waste plastic and biomass. Trends in Biotechnology, 42(6), 799–800. DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.04.004]

Without changes, plastic pollution will keep pushing health-related economic losses even higher. But #GEO7# shows it doesn’t have to be this way. See the solutions that can help us #BeatPlasticPollution# and build a healthier planet:

I just urged Congress to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act to protect our children from this threat to their health and future. Take action via @CleanAirMoms #plasticpollutes#

Rising temperatures are altering sea turtle nesting patterns across the Mediterranean, with warmer sand producing more female hatchlings and increasing the risk of embryo deaths. Researchers warn that continued warming could threaten reproduction, while fishing nets, plastic pollution and boat strikes pose additional dangers. The loggerhead turtle will be the mascot of the UN climate summit COP31, hosted by Turkey next month.

In Odysseus, the Mediterranean Sea is a world of dangers, love and destiny. Today, the Mediterranean faces new monsters, from plastic pollution and wastewater to temperature changes and drought. Fortunately, the sea has a hero. @UNEPMAPNews is here to protect. Discover how:

At first glance, it's a beautiful underwater world. Look a little closer, and you'll find one of the greatest challenges facing sea turtles today: plastic pollution. At TCL, we've continued to expand the use of recycled materials and recover packaging waste as part of our journey towards a cleaner future. This World Environment Day, let's reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics to help protect the oceans we all share.