Research journal Science on July 2, 2021, published a special issue aiming to examine “a wide range of topics related to plastics and the problems they present.” Of the nine articles in the issue, four discuss the effects of plastic pollution on the earth’s systems and animals, two discuss the technologies hoping to contribute to plastic circularity, and one is a policy discussion supporting an “international legally binding agreement that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics.”

An interesting article about the recycling industry in Australia not being ready for ban on exporting plastic waste that will come into force tomorrow, with a risk of sending recyclable items to landfill. Despite the agreement from the federal, state and local governments to ban exports of a range of recyclable items last year, after China and Indonesia blocked imports of waste from Australia and other nations, the country's waste and recycling sector might not have the capacity to process after all.

Each year, the volume of global food waste can reach up to 1 billion tons, with 60% of it coming from household. The UNEP Regional Office for West Asia and GO4SDGs launched a campaign to raise awareness to reduce food waste during Ramadan, foster behaviour change, and boost sustainable action. Although this year's Ramadan has ended, we should continue raising awareness about reducing food waste.

Learn more about the GO4SDGs food waste project in West Asia: https://www.greengrowthknowledge.org/news/fasting-feasting-and-food-was…

Plastic credits are the newest kind of pollution offset—but do they make a difference? — “... Plastic credits and offsets alone aren’t enough to solve our plastic problem; they have to come alongside efforts from a company to change what they’re producing, to use recycled materials, and to become circular... Plastic doesn’t have to go to nature in the first place. We shouldn’t have to balance it out. We should stop it.”

Are you an environmental specialist with technical expertise in circular economy and recycling? Apply by 3 June for this short-term consultancy to support the GEF ISLANDS Programme by developing best practice guidance on improving recycling in small island developing states (SIDS), particularly for end-of-life vehicles, waste oil, plastics, and e-waste.

Do you have expertise as a #gender specialist and interest in working on #sustainable waste and chemicals management in developing countries? Apply by 3 June for this short-term consultancy to support the GEF ISLANDS Programme by developing a global gender action plan, monitoring framework, and associated project documents.

The webinar explored the implications of COVID-19 on food waste efforts in food supply chains. Joined by KeHE, Sprouts Farmers Market, Barnana, and food waste expert ReFED, hear the creative solutions and ways that retailers and other businesses are adapting to a changing food landscape.