Quick Dips
Curated topical articles on the Blue Economy

Welcome to the ‘plastisphere’: the synthetic ecosystem evolving at sea

Russell Thomas, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

Ocean plastic has created a unique home for specialised organisms, from animals that travel on it to bacteria that ‘eat’ it

Read more → (6 minute read)


From Pollution to Performance Wear: Fair-Trade Clothes Made From 100% Ocean Plastic

Tiffany Duong, EcoWatch Plastics & Pollution

Pound-for-pound, Sea Threads is making a difference for our ocean ー literally.

Read more → (5 minute read)


The Dangers of Runoff From Land

Tiffany Duong, EcoWatch Plastics & Pollution

Runoff becomes a problem when stormwater picks up potential pollutants as it flows overland.

Read more → (4 minute read)


Life in plastic: The journey of plastic from origin to ocean

World Ocean Initiative, The Economist Group Plastics & Pollution

Developing effective solutions to curb plastic pollution requires a deeper understanding of the journey of plastic waste.

Read more → (4 minute read)


Breathing life into plastic waste

The Economist, World Ocean Initiative Plastics & Pollution

There is significant value to extract from plastic waste. Scaling up advanced chemical recycling technologies could help close the loop and create a circular system for plastic waste that is currently leaking into the ocean.

Read more → (7 minute read)


The ocean is full of tiny plastic particles – we found a way to track them with satellites

Christopher Ruf, The Conversation Plastics & Pollution

To understand how microplastic pollution is affecting the ocean, scientists need to know how much is there and where it is accumulating.

Read more → (5 minute read)


Call for global treaty to end production of ‘virgin’ plastic by 2040

Sandra Laville, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

Scientists say agreement must cover extraction of raw materials and pollution that blights seas and land.

Read more → (5 minute read)


A ‘dating site’ with a difference that’s pairing waste with recycling opportunities

Douglas Broom, World Economic Forum Plastics & Pollution

How can we stop our waste ending up in landfill or even the ocean? The answer is to match material with the people who can reuse it.

Read more → (4 minute read)


8 amazing solutions to stop plastic flowing into the world’s oceans

Johnny Wood, World Economic Forum Plastics & Pollution

River clean-ups help reduce the volume of plastic waste that reaches our oceans.

Innovative ideas and science are helping community leaders and policymakers tackle the plastic-waste problem.

Read more → (6 minute read)


How to boost collaboration to curb plastic pollution in emerging markets

World Ocean Initiative Plastics & Pollution

Recent webinar discusses collaboration along the value chain to improve waste management and change consumer habits.

Read more → (5 minute read)


Here's why human-centered design is required for marine plastic innovation

Constance Agyeman, GreenBiz Plastics & Pollution

Using a human-centered approach to innovation can help us to address both issues at once — reducing marine plastic pollution while empowering women.

Read more → (8 minute read)


Hidden Microplastics in the Fabrics of our Lives

Oceanic Global Plastics & Pollution

Hidden plastics surround us, leaching into the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe…but where is all of this plastic coming from?

Read more → (3 minute read)


Here are some of the most exciting green Technology Pioneers of 2021

Sean Fleming, World Economic Forum Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution

The 2021 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers list has been announced, featuring a diverse and inclusive line-up.

Read more → (3 minute read)


Plastic rafting: the invasive species hitching a ride on ocean litter

Russell Thomas, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

There is now so much ocean plastic that it has become a route for invasive species, threatening native animals with extinction.

Read more → (7 minute read)


This architecture firm makes houses from plastic in the seas

Climate & Capital Media Team Plastics & Pollution

SPARK Architects makes their signature beach huts using plastic waste collected from Singapore’s shoreline.

Read more → (2 minute read)


The Ship Sinking Off Sri Lanka Looks Like A Lasting Environmental Disaster

Ari Shapiro, NPR Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports

Its cargo is the concern: The ship was carrying dangerous chemicals, including 25 tons of nitric acid and 350 tons of fuel oil.

Read more → (5 minute read)


Plastic Pollution Raises Beach Temperatures, Threatening Marine Life, Study Finds

Olivia Rosane, EcoWatch Plastics & Pollution

Plastic pollution threatens marine life in many ways, from entangling fish and seabirds to wreaking havoc on their digestive tracts when they mistake it for food.

Read more → (4 minute read)


Conservationists urge regulation to cut plastic pollution as voluntary scheme launches

Graham Readfearn, The Guardian Plastics & Pollution

Supermarkets and multinational manufacturers have unveiled a plastics pact across Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

Read more → (4 minute read)


Decoding Ocean Plastic for Brands: Small Details, Big Impacts

Vanesa Coleman, Sustainable Brands Plastics & Pollution

While the terminology soup of recycled plastic sourcing is daunting, at the end of the day every ton of plastic recycled and put back into a circular economy is part of the solution. The key for brands is to be clear and honest in communications with customers.

Read more → (6 minute read)


Artificial nutrients, a silent problem of our oceans

World Ocean Initiative, The Economist Group Plastics & Pollution

A guest blog by Jonas Svensson, head of Global Innovation and Technology at UNOPS’ S3i.

Read more → (4 minute read)