In the News: Plastic

Flickr: Wilfredo Rodriguez

The dumping of vast amounts of plastic waste is choking the oceans around the world. 

These stories highlight the problem, as well as the recent discovery of an unusual aid that might help. 

• The 5 Countries That Dump More Plastic into the Oceans than the Rest of the World Combined
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• New Species of Bacteria Discovered that Eats Plastic

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“At this rate, we would expect nearly one ton of plastic for every three tons of fish in our oceans by 2025 — an unthinkable number with drastic economic and environmental consequences."
--Nicholas Mallos, director of Ocean Conservancy’s marine debris program

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Flickr/Kurt:S

Which Countries Will Face the Biggest Water Shortages in 2040

Water shortages are likely to become increasingly common as the world faces climate change and an increasing population - but which countries will be hit hardest?

Flickr/Mats Hagwall

The Nature Cure: Why Some Doctors are Writing Prescriptions for Time Outdoors

As far back as 1862, Henry David Thoreau wrote about the healing effects of nature. Now new studies are providing evidence of what he knew - and what we've known instinctively. A  fledgling profession - ecotherapy - has embraced nature as a prescription for what's missing in our tech-based lifestyles. 

​Related articles:  ​

• Living near greenery may help you live longer
• How walking in nature changes the brain 

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A 23-ft-tall Air Filter is Turning Rotterdam's Smog into Jewelry

​Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde and his team of experts have created the world's largest smog vacuum cleaner. The Smog Free Tower uses patented ion technology to produce smog-free bubbles of public space, allowing people to breathe and experience clean air for free.

Creating a tangible souvenir, Roosegaarde designed Smog Free Rings and Smog Free Cufflinks of compressed smog particles.

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