Plafera Challenge

🌍 The Dual Role of Coastal Mangroves: Microplastic Sinks and Potential Sources 🌊 Coastal mangroves are nature’s frontline warriors against pollution, known to trap microplastics in their complex root systems, protecting both marine life and our shorelines. But as cities grow, these resilient ecosystems face unprecedented pressures, transforming from microplastic “sinks” into sources of pollution during high-flow periods and storms. Urban mangroves, like those studied in the Pearl River Estuary, intercept microplastics from rivers, tides, and even vehicle runoff, absorbing synthetic rubbers, fibers, and other microplastics in concentrations that are alarmingly higher than surrounding waters. This powerful research, led by Kun Qiao and Wen-Xiong Wang, delves into how urban rivers, land use, and rainfall significantly impact mangroves' role in intercepting or releasing microplastics, offering vital insights into microplastic pollution dynamics in our rapidly urbanizing world. Published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, this study underscores the urgent need for improved coastal management strategies, especially in densely populated areas. Let’s protect our mangroves and join the fight against plastic pollution! 💪 Follow @PlaferaChallenge to learn more about small actions that can keep single-use plastics out of our landfills, waterways, and vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Together, we can make a lasting impact! Read more: https://lnkd.in/dkUb9jRt 📸 Credit: Journal of Hazardous Materials #PlaferaChallenge #PlasticPollution #Microplastics #SaveOurMangroves #UrbanMangroves #EnvironmentalProtection #SingleUsePlastics #MangroveResearch #PollutionSolutions #BetterPlanet

🧐 Shocking Discovery: Microplastics Found in European Shag Chicks’ Faeces in Northern Europe! A groundbreaking study led by Nina Dehnhard and her team at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) has brought troubling news: over 69% of European shag chicks sampled in Northern Europe have microplastics in their faeces. This first-of-its-kind research reveals that microplastics in the food chain impact even remote seabird populations, highlighting the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution! European shags, known for their deep-diving, appear to ingest these tiny plastic particles indirectly—by consuming fish contaminated with microplastics. Even more concerning, these plastics pass from parent birds to their chicks, showing that plastics affect every link in the food web. The study not only uncovers baseline data about the quantity, color, and type of microplastics found but also proves that non-invasive faecal sampling is effective for monitoring plastics in seabirds. With seabird populations in decline and predictions that 99% of all seabird species will ingest plastics by 2050, the need for action has never been greater. Research like this must continue to reveal the devastating impacts of plastic on wildlife and our ecosystems. Join @PlaferaChallenge today and take a stand against plastic pollution by adopting small, everyday actions to reduce plastic waste, keep single-use plastics out of landfills, and help prevent microplastics from further infiltrating our environment. 🌍 Together, let’s make our world a cleaner, safer place for all life. 🌍 📸 Photo credit: Nina Dehnhard, NINA #PlaferaChallenge #PlasticFreeFuture #StopPlasticPollution #Microplastics #SeabirdsInPeril #EuropeanShag #ProtectOurPlanet #SaveOurSeas #EnvironmentalAwareness #JoinTheChallenge #SmallStepsBigImpact

LA County sues Coke, Pepsi over the alleged impact of plastic bottles on the environment, public health 🌎🚫 Los Angeles County has taken a bold stand against plastic pollution! The county has filed a lawsuit against The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, claiming these companies have misled the public about the recyclability of their plastic bottles and concealed the harm plastic disposal causes to our environment and health. With Coca-Cola and PepsiCo producing millions of metric tons of plastic every year, the lawsuit alleges that these companies have encouraged consumers to believe in a “circular economy” that simply isn’t realistic: plastic bottles can typically only be recycled once, if at all. Not only does this waste choke our oceans and litter our lands, but it also breaks down into microplastics that pollute our bodies. Shockingly, some researchers have found that people may consume around 5 grams of plastic weekly from everyday food and beverages, a reality with potential health risks we’re just beginning to understand. Now is the time for us to act! Let's continue to research, raise awareness, and demand change. As the fight intensifies, we urge Nigerians and everyone globally to follow @PlaferaChallenge and join us in battling plastic pollution through simple, impactful daily actions that keep single-use plastics out of landfills and reduce the risk of flooding in our cities. Together, we can shape a cleaner, healthier future! Photo Credit: AP 📸 #PlaferaChallenge #PlasticFreeRainySeason #EndPlasticPollution #EnvironmentalJustice #SustainableFuture #SingleUsePlastics #Microplastics #ActNow #BetterWorld #CircularEconomy

Southwest Airlines Takes Bold Step Against Plastic Pollution! 🌍💙 We applaud Southwest Airlines for its inspiring leap forward in sustainability! With the launch of a new bamboo cup for cold beverages and a beautifully crafted wooden stir stick adorned with the airline's iconic Heart branding, Southwest aims to cut over 1.5 million pounds of single-use plastic annually from its inflight services. 🌱👏 This innovation didn’t come easy. After a year of dedicated R&D, the airline's shift toward sustainability reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, supporting its ambitious "Nonstop to Net Zero" strategy. The bamboo cup, made from 93% non-plastic materials with a pulp blend of 75% bamboo, and the 100% Forest Stewardship Council-certified birchwood stir stick signals a major shift in reducing plastic waste in aviation. Each of us can make a difference by following @PlaferaChallenge and taking small, everyday steps to keep single-use plastics out of our environment. Join us in fighting plastic pollution and helping prevent urban flooding – together, we can build a cleaner, greener world! 🌿 Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines 📸 #PlaferaChallenge #PlasticFreeRainySeason #SouthwestAirlines #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #SingleUsePlastics #NetZero #CircularEconomy #BetterWorld #EnvironmentalStewardship Ibom Air Air Peace Limited Kenya Airways Ethiopian Airlines International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Experience a Sustainable Future with Beyond Plastic Stay 🌍✨ Plastic-neutral retailer Grove Collaborative and Crescent Hotels & Resorts are taking bold steps toward a more sustainable hospitality industry through their 'Beyond Plastic Stay' partnership pilot. This innovative initiative offers eco-conscious travelers an environmentally friendly experience, while supporting the hotel industry's mission to reduce plastic waste. At participating properties across the U.S., guests can select the "Beyond Plastic Stay" option. Here’s what to expect: ✅ Rooms cleaned with eco-friendly products from Grove Co., For Good, and Seventh Generation using refillable systems to eliminate single-use plastics. ✅ Personal care items by sustainable brands like Alpine Provisions, Plant Therapy, The Humble Co., and more available for purchase. This initiative highlights the importance of rethinking waste in travel and how businesses can align with sustainability goals. It’s a powerful example for the hospitality industry and beyond. At Plafera Challenge, we celebrate these strides toward sustainability! Together, we can achieve a plastic-free future—whether in our homes or during our travels. Let's take action, one small change at a time. Photo Credit: Trend Hunter 🛑 Join us in the fight against plastic pollution by following @PlaferaChallenge and adopting small, everyday actions to keep single-use plastics out of landfills and prevent urban flooding! #PlaferaChallenge #PlasticFreeTravel #SustainableLiving #BeyondPlasticStay #EndPlasticPollution

Microplastics Are on Your Plate! ⚠️ What if we told you the food you eat may contain plastic? Microplastics—tiny particles less than 5mm in size—are sneaking into our everyday meals through environmental contamination. From oceans to farmland, these harmful particles have found their way into our plates. Below are some surprising foods researchers have found to contain microplastics: 🍤 Seafood: Fish (like sardines and anchovies) and shellfish (mussels, oysters, clams) ingest microplastics directly from the ocean. 🧂 Salt: Both sea salt and even rock salt may contain microplastic traces. 🚰 Bottled water and beverages: Plastic packaging leaves behind fibers, found in bottled water, soft drinks, and even beer. ☕ Tea and Coffee: Some synthetic tea bags and coffee pods release microplastics into your drink. 🍏 Fruits and Vegetables: Microplastics enter plants through polluted water or contaminated soil. 🥩 Meat and Dairy: Livestock consume microplastics through feed and water, which may build up in meat, milk, and dairy products. 🍯 Honey and Sugar: Plastic fibers can enter honey through processing, and industrial sugar may contain tiny contaminants. 🍜 Processed Foods: Plastic packaging and containers (like instant noodles) often introduce microplastic particles into the food. Our environment is affecting what’s on our plate—but there’s hope! Reducing single-use plastics is a small yet powerful step towards preventing microplastic contamination. Follow @PlaferaChallenge and join us in the fight against plastic pollution! Adopt everyday actions that reduce plastic waste and keep our food and environment clean. Together, we can protect our health and lessen the risk of urban flooding caused by plastic waste clogging drains. 📸 Photo Credit: Plafera Challenge #PlaferaChallenge #EndPlasticPollution #Microplastics #PlasticFreeNigeria #SustainableLiving #EcoAwareness #UrbanFlooding #PlaferaForChange

MTN Nigeria Pilots Paper-based Eco-friendly SIM Cards in Line with Project Zero Goals MTN Nigeria has launched a groundbreaking pilot of paper-based biodegradable SIM cards, moving the telecom giant one step closer to its Project Zero ambitions of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2040. This bold initiative not only aims to reduce plastic waste but also aligns with global efforts to adopt circular economy practices. The new eco-friendly SIM cards are made from 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper, ensuring they biodegrade naturally and are recyclable. Compared to traditional PVC plastic SIMs, these cards drastically minimize environmental harm and lower carbon emissions during production and disposal. In response to growing environmental concerns, including those raised by the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) plans for mandatory sustainability reporting, MTN Nigeria’s eco-conscious shift promotes responsible waste management practices. Speaking on the development, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, remarked: “Our new eco-friendly SIM cards represent part of our continuous commitment to environmental responsibility, reducing waste, supporting local vendors, and integrating sustainability into both our operations and the lives of our customers.” This initiative highlights MTN's efforts to tackle plastic pollution, contributing to a global trend where mobile operators seek sustainable alternatives to traditional SIM cards, many of which end up polluting oceans and landfills. Photo credit: MTN Nigeria At Plafera Challenge, we applaud such innovation! Let’s encourage more research and practical solutions that reduce plastic waste in Nigeria and beyond. Follow @PlaferaChallenge on social media and join us in adopting small, everyday actions to keep single-use plastics out of landfills and prevent urban flooding. Together, we can build a cleaner, safer world for future generations! #MTNProjectZero #EcoFriendlySIM #PlasticFreeFuture #PlaferaChallenge #Sustainability #EndPlasticPollution #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy Uto Ukpanah

Plastic Pollution Harms Bees: A Growing Threat to Agriculture and Food Security Plastic pollution isn’t just impacting oceans; it's infiltrating our agricultural landscapes and endangering essential pollinators. A recent review, published in Nature Portfolio Communications, sheds light on the dangers posed by nano- and microplastics (NMP) to bees and other beneficial insects. The study, led by an international team of researchers from The University of Freiburg and other institutions, warns that NMP exposure damages pollinators, jeopardizing biodiversity, agricultural production, and global food security. Researchers identified multiple sources of NMP, such as plastic films, fertilizers, polluted water, and airborne particles, which settle into the soil. Pollinators ingest these plastics through food and air or incorporate them into their nests. Alarmingly, bees with NMP in their digestive systems experience weakened immunity and behavioral changes, making them more vulnerable to diseases and less effective at pollination. Prof. Dr. Alexandra-Maria Klein, a co-author of the study, emphasizes the urgent need to explore how NMP interacts with other stressors like climate change. With agricultural yields already threatened, plastic pollution could worsen uncertainties in food supply systems globally. Moreover, plastic particles create hotspots that amplify threats from pesticides, chemical pollutants, and harmful pathogens. These interactions further compromise pollinators, increasing the risk of ecosystem instability. The review, however, notes data limitations on certain beneficial insects like bumblebees, signaling the need for further studies to fully grasp the impact of NMP on agriculture and ecosystems. While the researchers call for political action to mitigate plastic pollution, the Plafera Challenge urges citizens to join in the fight against this growing menace. Small, everyday actions, such as reducing single-use plastic, are critical to keeping our ecosystems safe. Follow @PlaferaChallenge today to join hands in the mission to combat plastic pollution and protect pollinators—and, in turn, our future! Together, we shall make the world a better place! Photo Credit: Plafera Challenge Read the full study: https://lnkd.in/dBiHMSVT #PlaferaChallenge #EndPlasticPollution #SaveOurPollinators #BiodiversityMatters #PlasticFreeFuture #ClimateAction #GlobalFoodSecurity Sheng Dong Siyuan Jing xueqing he Alexandra Maria Klein Heinz-R Köhler

Microplastics found in dolphin breath for first time – study Groundbreaking research published in PLOS One reveals that dolphins are inhaling microplastic particles when surfacing for air, even in rural areas. This troubling discovery indicates that microplastics, which travel through the air, affect marine life regardless of proximity to urban environments. Researchers collected exhaled air samples from bottlenose dolphins at two locations: Sarasota Bay, Florida, and Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Surprisingly, microplastics were detected in all 11 dolphins sampled, confirming that these pollutants are not restricted to city estuaries. This is the first evidence of microplastics being inhaled by dolphins, raising concerns about the potential long-term effects on their respiratory systems. Leslie Hart, a public health expert and co-author of the study, emphasizes that dolphins might face heightened exposure compared to humans because of their larger lung capacity. "We are only beginning to understand how dolphins interact with microplastics, and it’s critical that we examine the health risks," Hart explained. Many of the microplastic particles identified were polyester, a material widely used in textiles. These fibers are released during laundry, particularly in high-temperature washes, and dispersed into the air, causing contamination even in remote ecosystems. With dolphins in the Barataria Bay area already suffering from respiratory issues following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, the presence of microplastics in their lungs presents additional challenges for their recovery. This discovery underscores the need for intensified research into airborne microplastic pollution and its impact on both wildlife and humans. We encourage further scientific inquiry and call on citizens globally to combat plastic pollution at its source. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbcxUVs2 📸 Photo credit: Plafera Challenge Let’s take action today! Join @PlaferaChallenge and adopt small everyday practices to prevent plastic waste from polluting landfills and waterways. Together, we can mitigate urban flooding and make our world a cleaner, healthier place.

CO2 from Waste Incineration Transformed into Biodegradable Plastic: Fortum’s ‘World-First’ Innovation In a groundbreaking advancement, Fortum Recycling & Waste has announced that it successfully converted CO2 emissions from waste incineration into biodegradable plastic, marking a critical step in reducing industrial carbon emissions. This innovative solution offers hope in addressing plastic pollution while promoting sustainability through carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Fortum’s Carbon2x programme, launched in 2022, takes a fresh approach by turning non-recyclable waste emissions into eco-friendly plastics. Unlike traditional carbon capture and storage (CCS) methods that store carbon underground, Carbon2x integrates emissions directly into new, sustainable products. This breakthrough ensures that CO2-based plastics provide the same durability as fossil-based materials but with an environmentally friendly twist—they biodegrade without leaving harmful microplastics. According to Tony Rehn, the head of Carbon2x, this technology has the potential to capture and repurpose up to 90% of CO2 emissions from waste incineration. With applications across industries, including packaging, toys, and home electronics, the biodegradable plastic solution demonstrates how captured CO2 can help close the carbon cycle. "Our biodegradable plastic born entirely from CO2 emissions is a significant leap forward for sustainable plastic production," said Rehn. "This solution reduces dependence on fossil raw materials and advances the circular economy by repurposing waste emissions." Fortum plans to introduce CO2-based biodegradable plastics to the European market by the end of the decade, with a product launch scheduled for next month. This development follows earlier research by LanzaTech and Plastipak, which explored similar carbon capture technologies for packaging applications. Plafera Challenge recognizes the significance of this milestone, applauding Fortum’s research team for advancing solutions that align with the fight against plastic pollution and resource scarcity. Photo credit: Plafera Challenge Join the Movement to End Plastic Pollution! We encourage further research into sustainable solutions like Carbon2x while urging Nigerians and everyone worldwide to follow @PlaferaChallenge. By adopting small, everyday actions that reduce plastic waste, we can keep single-use plastics out of landfills and prevent urban flooding. Let’s work together to make our world a cleaner place! #PlaferaChallenge #EndPlasticPollution #CarbonCapture #CircularEconomy #CO2Plastics #BiodegradablePlastics #ClimateAction #SustainablePackaging