In celebration of Earth Day 2024 (Monday 22 April) and following this year's theme of ‘Planet Vs Plastics’, below is a snapshot of some of the important work that IUCA members are doing to put an end to plastics for the sake of human and planetary health.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Take a look at how researchers from Arizona State University (ASU) are tackling plastic pollution with multifaceted action plan: Fixing the Plastic Problem
Also, a partnership between ASU, city of Phoenix, Goodwill, Hustle PHX has resulted in the launch of a first-of-its-kind plastics recycling microfactory to transform waste and create new jobs. Read more here.
TU Delft
Take a look at the TU Delft flagship project on Circularity of plastics and non-fossil energy carriers.
Envisioning a paradigm shift from a fossil-based economy to a renewables-based one, chemical building blocks, final products and chemical energy carriers need to be produced via entirely differently pathways with minimal carbon footprint. While fossil oil is the main resource for many of our daily products such as fuels, base chemicals and plastics, the aim is to replace this carbon source by CO2 and renewably powered conversion technologies for a more circular and greener economy.
TU Delft will develop an experimentally oriented research line, supported by system and component level (dynamic) modelling, towards the use of waste plastics, possibly in combination with renewable carbon feedstock, in processes that 1) recycle plastics via thermo-chemical conversion integrated with e.g. electrochemical conversion and/or 2) produce plastics from captured CO2 using renewable energy sources, including intermittent power sources. Project Contact
Another project from TUDelft is the Plastic Identification Anywhere project which makes plastic identification easy and accessible for anyone globally. Recently this idea has transformed from a lab prototype to a working demonstrator. Read more here.
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University Discovers New Path to Plant-Based Recyclable Polymers. Find out how researchers at Hokkaido University have taken a significant step forward in the drive to make recyclable yet stable plastics from plant materials. More here.
Monash University
Monash university students are on a mission to build recycling machines to engage the community about plastic pollution through their Precious Plastic initiative.
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University celebrates Earth Day on Tuesday April 23 under the theme “In the age of plastic”. This day, dedicated to reflection and discussion around the issues linked to plastics, will bring together committed scientists and professionals. Read more here.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Recognising the urgent need to address the environmental impact of plastic waste, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) pursues a range of strategies embracing a ‘Plastic-free Campus’, which promote sustainable development and reduce waste, particularly plastic waste.
CUHK’s efforts to transform itself are underpinned by its Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Policy. Under this policy, the University has introduced important initiatives to promote sustainable development, address global challenges, and reduce waste, including plastic waste.
Under the CUHK Sustainable Procurement Policy, and Guidelines, the Plastic-free Campus campaign is supported by its catering management which has implemented sustainable practices such as Bring-Your-Own (BYO) food and beverage containers and provides environmentally-friendly takeaway dining ware. CUHK also installed over 80 'Go Green Water Stations’ with smart water dispensers across the university campus which display the number of plastic water bottles saved and messages promoting climate action.
Since 2022, CUHK has been organising a series of events throughout April to raise awareness of Earth Day. Partnered with local organisations and community groups, CUHK Earth Month aims to engage the university and greater communities to celebrate the Earth by taking climate action towards a more sustainable future. Read more about CUHK Earth Month 2024 here.
The University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is at the forefront of the plastic pollution challenge. Their work has a global reach aimed at advancing the scientific frontier and facilitating on-the-ground impact. Read more here.
The universities pledge to remove single-use plastic from operations by 2023 - was initiated in 2018 by the University and Leeds University Union. It was made in the context of and in response to David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series. The programme vividly highlighted the impact of plastics on marine life and sparked a huge shift in consumer awareness.
The University of Oxford
Just recently Oxford scientists launched an ambitious roadmap for a circular carbon plastics economy. The work, part of the Oxford Martin School Future of Plastics research group, argues for a rethinking of the technical, economic, and policy paradigms that have entrenched the status quo of rising carbon emissions and uncontrolled pollution. The paper was recently published in Nature magazine.
In its operation, the University puts emphasis on reducing single-use plastic in laboratories through the LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) scheme that is implemented in over 200 labs. One example of this activity can be found in this guide for plastic reduction in labs.
Additional activities include reducing single-use plastic in catering and event hosting and engagement activities among students and staff with the Plastic Free July campaign.
UNSW Sydney
UNSW has joined forces with the University of Newcastle to deliver the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program, which supports new research capabilities such as SONIA Green Technology, an Australian Startup seeking to reinvent roads in a sustainable and high-quality way. SONIA has found a way to use recycled plastics in the production of polymer modified bitumen, (to make roads) – in addition to the novel process that significantly reduce the cost and emissions of production and transportation.
UNSW on campus activities also include encouraging Plastic Free Dining, focusing on resource efficiency and improving recycling systems.
University of Waikato
The level of microplastic pollution in New Zealand lakes is comparable with those in the US or Europe, despite much lower population densities, according to a global analysis of plastic pollution in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Read more here.
Utrecht University
Significantly less plastic is estimated to be present in the global ocean than scientists previously thought. This new insight results from calculations with a computer model that includes a record number of measurements and observations of plastic in the ocean. Also, a relatively large proportion of the plastic in the ocean consists of large pieces that are easier to clean up. The study is part of Mikael Kaandorp's doctoral research at Utrecht University and appeared in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience today.
It is estimated that about eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean every year. What are the consequences of this? And can we think of sustainable alternatives to plastic? Utrecht researchers examine this issue from different angles. Read more here.
Victoria University of Wellington
Researchers from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington have found microplastics in New Zealand sea sponges. "Sponges are filter feeders, meaning they suck in water and capture small particles to eat,” says Professor Bell. “Unfortunately, this includes tiny pieces of plastic. And if it’s happening to our sponges, it’s likely happening to other filter feeders like mussels and clams.” Read more here.
