Recent news highlights plastic pollution challenges in Virginia and gives insight on the work being done, as well as what more be done. This article notes 60% to 80% of trash in Earth’s oceans comes from our behavior on land and while this is absolutely true, there are intricacies at work when looking at plastic, and waste in general, problems. The most current research uses only 2% of this trash as being litter (including illegal dumping). If this is true, where does this other trash come from? And why, after almost 40 years of cleanups in Fairfax County, is trash persistent in the natural environment?

Mismanaged waste from industry and insufficient solid waste infrastructure is to blame. What does this problem look like in Virginia, to have insufficient solid waste management and infrastructure? You can look at any number of apartments, townhomes, and condos in Fairfax County to find evidence of a blatantly broken system. Based on information from a local condo facility, these condos receive 75% decreased waste service compared to single family homes in Fairfax County (see graphic). Insufficient service leads to improper disposal of trash– piling up of trash bags around dumpsters, which attracts nuisance wildlife. Wildlife then rips open bags, and viola! Trash is now free to wash into local waterways. Similarly, in Northwestern Fairfax county, condo residents are told to pile up in bags on storm drains on trash day (see photo). With these examples, we see how systems are currenting failing people, rather than people failing to do their part.

Waste collection inequity of service in Fairfax County is evident after a day out in local, urban waterways. Trash is a reality and it has to go somewhere! Improved solid waste management and infrastructure are necessary to address waste in our waterways. Limiting our use of plastic products and community clean ups are a positive step in the right direction, but many products necessary for daily life are, literally, wrapped in plastic. 

Solving waste problems, like waste itself, is messy and one size does not fit all. In addition to messaging and necessary legislation to decrease the amount of waste generated in the first place, we need to look critically at the existing infrastructure. Waste systems have not been adapting with change for decades and we see evidence of this in our local waterways and oceans. Tackling waste pollution must involve creative opportunities for better waste handling processes for residential and commercial properties.

 Katie Register, the author of the article mentioned above, raised great points, particularly regarding necessary legislation and the shortcomings of Virginia’s Litter Tax. Moreover, her work with Clean Virginia Waterways and research with Longwood universities is instrumental to plastic pollution mitigation progress. Check out some of their great work to arm yourself with knowledge this summer!

Federal Funding

The  Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) largest ever proposed budget, set at $11.2 billion, includes $10 million in grants for initiatives surrounding recycling innovation. These grants would aim to assist municipal governments with their recycling programs, in addition to providing aid for improving local waste systems. If Congress passes this budget later in the year, it would be a historical milestone for the EPA; however, there is some contention on whether this investment is aggressive enough to tackle the size of the plastic problem. In particular, Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator, asserted, “$10 million in proposed grants is far too modest given the scope of the problem” and was concerned the investment would promote chemical recycling and related technologies.  Check out this article to learn more about the EPA’s preview on their national recycling strategy and measurement guide.

Local Allocations

Some local governments are also proposing progressive budgets for waste solutions; in particular, Baltimore and Washington D.C. both have millions of dollars being proposed to make progress towards their zero waste initiatives. In Washington D.C., a proposed budget of $100 million would make improvements at a local waste transfer station (i.e. where trash goes before it goes to the landfill or incinerator) and create new, city-wide composting facilities. In Baltimore, a proposed budget of $50 million would 1) provide recycling bins to every resident and 2) kick off their “Less Waste, Better Baltimore” waste reduction master plan. Last, but certainly not least, Arlington, VA will likely roll out curbside food scrap collection in September! The proposed budget in Prince William’s county includes $300,00 to expand food scrap collection to existing green organics bin service. This actually is projected to save residents a dollar annually, and may increase as the process becomes more widespread and efficient! Check out this article to learn more about different waste reduction strategies happening across the United States.

Top notch greenhouse gas results post-pandemic

Did you know, greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. CO₂) dropped 33% during the pandemic? According to new research, levels of carbon dioxide (a problem child greenhouse gas) fell drastically in both Los Angeles and Washington D.C./ Baltimore. This may not come as a surprise to you, as people weren’t able to travel and were quarantined at home. But this new, cutting edge research used a new kind of method for drawing their conclusion; scientists measured actual levels of carbon dioxide in the air as opposed to tallying up sources of carbon dioxide. Cities often underestimate emissions when tallying up sources, such as power plants or number of vehicle miles traveled. Consequently, this research set up new ways for cities to accurately determine greenhouse gas emissions. You might be thinking “measuring carbon dioxide in the air can’t be the best way to determine emissions, because 0.04% of our atmosphere on earth is already carbon dioxide!”. However, scientists can parse out where and when carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere with this new method, and more accurately determine sources and levels of greenhouse gases. According to James Whetstone, leader of National Institute of Standards and Technology’s greenhouse gas measurements group and a co-author of the study, “Accurate measurements are key to any strategy for managing greenhouse gas emissions.” Check out this summary of the cutting edge research to learn more details about the work being done to determine the success, or failure, of our progress towards climate change mitigation.

Microplastics being crazy cats and kittens

Hotspots for bacteria breeding ground

Microplastics in consumer products, from clothing, to glitter, to teabags, pose a risk to human health as they provide a welcoming breeding ground for problem bacteria. In New Jersey, household microplastics enter wastewater treatment plants and serve as a carrier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other illness-causing agents. Wastewater treatment plants do not possess the infrastructure to remove microplastics and plastics interact with sludge, the solids leftover from wastewater treatment.

Recent research found strains of bacteria were 30 times more antibiotic resistant while in contact with a special kind of microplastic, called biofilm, that forms inside sludge units wastewater treatment plants. Check out the article for more details on “How our microplastic waste becomes ‘hubs’ for pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria”.

Free falling microplastics

What’s more, microplastics in the air– from tires, agricultural fields and legacy plastics (i.e. microplastics broken down from larger plastics from wind and waves)– are deposited on land in hotspots that occur in U.S., Europe, Middle East, India and Eastern Asia. Microplastics that are wind-borne can stay suspended in the air for 6.5 days! That’s enough time for these tiny plastics to travel a continent. To learn more about invisible, air-borne microplastics and the importance of understanding this global cycle, check out this summary and the research abstract, if you’re feeling like flexing your inner scientist. 

Plastic Pollution in Your Backyard!

Have you ever wondered what your county’s most polluted plastic product is? If you live in Fairfax County, plastic bags are the top litter offender! What’s more, plastic bags are 1) notoriously hard to recycle (1-3% recycled per year) and 2) millions of dollars in each state are spent cleaning up this litter.  Plastic bag fees have been shown as a successful measure in reducing this harmful litter in other communities, and are a proactive way of keeping plastic pollution out of our local waterways. In Virginia, momentum is building in response to Roanoke’s bag fee bill. To engage deeper with the cold, hard facts of plastic pollution in Virginia, check out Clean Virginia’s Waterways incredible resources.

Plastic Disaster, Afar!

Plastic “snow” recently overwhelmed Sri Lanka’s beaches after a week of raging flames. Poor packaging of fertilizer chemicals is suspected to have caused the explosion that has left Sri Lanka’s beaches covered in this snow, that is really potentially toxic plastic beads. Shipping containers on the MV X-Press Pearl, the ship in question, carried both fertilizer chemicals and 78 metric tons of plastic pellets (equal to ~9 garbage trucks) and led to the environmental disaster. Sri Lanka’s plastic pellet coated beaches are already wreaking havoc on the natural environment, causing fish kills and presenting challenges to beach crabs. Fishing and tourism make up an important part of Sri Lanka’s economy, and both will both be severely impacted by this environmental disaster.  Check out this article for more information on the fire caused by the explosion, the ship itself, and commentary from local conservation groups.

…but so do insecticides for local pollinators!

According to recent news, Prince William’s County has recently found evidence of West Nile virus in local mosquitoes. The city is applying insecticides to target adult mosquitos and Public Works continues to monitor for further cases. What’s more, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) monitors cases found in humans on a state-by-state basis and there have been two reported cases in Virginia and one in Maryland as of last week (updated May 25, 2021). Insecticides can be necessary at a municipal scale when battling a public health concern such as West Nile, however, when it comes to best management practices for individuals (like us!) during peak mosquito season, using simple, low impact solutions can sufficiently help decrease these pesky blood suckers in your backyard. Most people know to eliminate standing water to keep mosquitoes from breeding, but you can also deter mosquitoes by 1) planting natural herbs and flowers, 2) inviting bats to your backyard, and 3) by keeping that air flowing! Check out this article for more insight on ways beyond insecticides for dealing with mosquitoes this summer. Comment below your personal favorite natural mosquito repellent!

Do we know the difference between trash and treasure?

Goodwill has a message for people making donations– stop donating your trash! While it doesn’t feel great to throw away things we’ve bought, pawning off your trash (or things you don’t use in bad condition) is never the answer. Making these “donations” may make you feel better about your consumption, but ends up costing these organizations thousands of dollars each year. Also, is it fair to think we are helping people who rely on these organizations for discounted goods by giving them things even we would not use anymore? News from both this month and years ago similarly stress trash being donated is a problem and demonstrate this issue is not new. After coming across Goodwill’s statement, I am more intentional about sifting through my donations before I drop them off.

Investing and Protecting

The Department of Energy recently announced an astounding budget of up to $14.5 million for research and development to cut waste and reduce the energy required to recycle single-use plastics (i.e. plastic bags, wraps, and films). These solutions incentivize investing in recycling technologies and creating recycling jobs in the United States, and ultimately reduce the amount of plastics that end up in the environment. 

Funding recycling technologies to streamline and increase efficiency would keep plastic out of the environment. We see evidence of our failed recycling industry in the new research out every week. New results this week are yet another example of just how far reaching single-use plastic pollution is, yet again. Scientists out of the Galapagos have shown hotspots of litter in key habitats coming from ocean currents. The lead scientist, Dr. Jones, stated,

“Given the level of pollution we have found in this remote location, it’s clear that plastic pollution needs to stop at source. You can’t fix the problem just by cleaning beaches.”

The Galapagos Islands are famous for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and home to the “Godzilla” marine iguana. Keeping our trash (specifically, single-use plastics) out of the environment is only possible with adequate waste and recycling services for all people. The Department of Energy’s willingness to invest in research and development could lead to technologies necessary to stop plastic pollution at the source.

Using science to go back in time

Using museum specimens dating back to 1900, scientists recently found plastics in fish stomachs starting in 1950 and increasing with time to today. Small plastics have been found across many species in different places, but this research is the first of its kind– studying how small plastics change with time. The article stressed that individuals need to think about the long term consequences of their actions when using single use plastics, like straws; this is absolutely true, but without legislation enacted to stop plastic production at its source, it will be difficult to make meaningful positive environmental progress. Check out the article for more interesting background on this research.

*Not So Fun Fact: many waterways are out of time

Many waterways are out of time to stay free-flowing. Scientists have recently estimated only 17% of rivers worldwide are free-flowing and within protected environments. When waterways operate naturally they provide many benefits. Freshwater rivers sustain the food supply and biodiversity, provide drinking water, and are the foundation of economies and culture for people across the globe. Local waterways in Fairfax County are not always free-flowing. For example, oftentimes local streams are encased in cement to get flood waters quickly away from man-made infrastructure. While this is important for safety and economic security, these altered streams do not provide the same positive benefits compared to free-flowing streams. This research hoped to give a blueprint to policymakers ensuring the best science was available for environmental action plans. To learn more about the study that estimated only 17% of rivers are protected, check out this summary article and the actual research itself.

Local news, first!

Roanoke became the first local government in Virginia to implement a plastic bag ordinance starting January 1, 2022! According to the legislation, it aims to curb street litter, protect waterways, minimize solid waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Single use plastic shopping bags are all over in our local, Fairfax county streams; to keep these environmental nuisances out of our waterways, effective legislation is necessary. To learn more about the background and next steps of this bill, take a look at this article.

New laws in New York!

New York City Council passed a bill that places limitations on plastic straw use. The new legislation, effective November 1st, 2021 as long as the governor signs off, states restaurants can only provide plastic straws upon request and must have straws made out of alternative materials. Straws are made out of lightweight plastic and because of their weight and size they easily fall through the cracks during waste collection– ultimately ending up in local waterways. Check out this article for more information on this recent environmental win and for other plastic reduction initiatives happening in New York.

Cross country trip for more good news.

The state of Washington became the second state with recycled content requirements for plastic beverage containers and the sixth to ban forms of Styrofoam. One part of the bill requires beverage manufacturers to use 15% recycled content by weight by 2023 and increasing to 50% by 20231. To learn more about other initiatives and motivations of the bill, check out this article.

Rescued turtles alert!

826 turtles, to be exact! These diamondback terrapin hatchlings were rescued from a storm drain in Jersey Shore by a group from Stockton University. Rescuers were looking for animals in need when they came across all these turtles and think these hatchlings were hiding out in the warm drain to avoid cold winter temperatures. Check out this news clip and this article to learn more about this heartwarming news. You know what also hangs out in storm drains? Trash!

Sing like a sea lion, splash like a seal.

To me, seals are like the roly-poly of aquatic creatures. What’s even cooler, is scientists recently discovered why seals and sea lions have such different takes on swimming, even though they come from common ancestors. By combining biology and engineering principles into models, scientists have come to think that seals use different swimming styles because of adapting to different environments multiple times. To learn more about this incredible discovery, check out this article. One thing seals and sea lions still have in common, though, is how plastic pollution threatens their health and wellbeing (read more about that here).

Mo Pipeline, Mo Problems

The Biden administration urges Americans not to hoard gasoline, following the ransomware attack that caused the Colonial Pipeline to shut down. Gasoline shortages have hit the South the hardest, but this article noted shortages have been occurring in Virginia as well. Transportation is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions and this week’s news is more bad news; now instead of the pipeline transporting gasoline, 10,000 trucks are hauling fuel everyday to make up the difference. Talk about a double whammy. And if bad news can get worse, a government agency also tweeted not to fill plastic bags with gasoline– we hope this was a preemptive warning.

Hit Me Like a Tidal Waive(r)

The EPA has recently waived environmental regulation until May 31st, 2021, in multiple states and D.C. due to gasoline shortages. The regulation suspended deals primarily with how gasoline evaporates and emits ozone– an air pollutant that harms our (*good) ozone layer and causes respiratory illness. This waiver aims to help states overcome fuel supply due to the pipeline shutdown. Check out the EPA’s news release and this article that discusses the issue at hand.

This Dust Bites Back

When we think of air pollutants, we often think of greenhouse gasses, like methane or carbon dioxide. But harmful air pollutants from animal agriculture are a less transparent kind of hazard. Particular matter, or super small dust to us regular people, can drift hundreds of miles, and get trapped in our lungs or enter our bloodstream when inhaled. But the story doesn’t end here, this particular matter (again, think teeny-tiny dust) can have problematic interactions with the atmosphere. Ammonia, nitrogen, and sulfur are not necessarily harmful by themselves, but put them in an atmospheric soup and you get small, hazardous pollutants that are attributed to 12,400 premature deaths a year, according to breaking research. In this article, critics of the study (who are also producer agencies) say that it is irresponsible to draw conclusions from modeling and estimates. Modeling and estimates in science can be confusing, but they did manage to land a rover on Mars. When we think about what we eat, it goes beyond what is good for us, but also what is good for our fellow humans and the environment.