petrochemicals
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New study shows fashion industry’s plastic waste problem
The fashion industry is responsible for millions of tonnes of plastic waste, much of which ends up polluting the environment due to improper management.
In short:
- A study by NC State University revealed that the fashion industry produced over 20 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic were the largest contributors, accounting for 89% of this waste.
- Much of this plastic pollution occurs in lower-income countries where discarded clothes end up, exacerbating environmental issues.
Key quote:
"Much of the plastic waste that leaks into the environment comes from clothes that are thrown away, especially synthetic apparel. There is also waste from manufacturing, packaging and even from tyre abrasion during transport, as well as microplastics which get pulled into the water when we wash our clothes."
— Richard Venditti, professor of paper science and engineering at NC State
Why this matters:
This isn't just about the eyesore of a landfill; these microplastics are seeping into our water, soil, and ultimately, our food chain. Read more: California governor vetoes bill that would require microplastic filters on washing machines.
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Credit: https://www.facebook.com/DukeRiley/
Plastic pollution depicted in modern scrimshaw at New Bedford Whaling Museum
Artist Duke Riley transforms ocean plastic into modern scrimshaw, highlighting industrial pollution in a new exhibit at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
In short:
- Duke Riley uses discarded plastic to create contemporary scrimshaw, depicting environmental degradation.
- A new exhibit at the New Bedford Whaling Museum features Riley’s work, including a piece showcasing local pollution history.
- Traditional scrimshaw, historically carved from whalebone, is reimagined through Riley's modern, environmentally conscious art.
Key quote:
“Human beings have always been on this path to extract what we can from the environment around us for financial gain, oftentimes without a mind to the kind of environmental costs that come along with that sort of industry.”
— Naomi Slipp, chief curator, New Bedford Whaling Museum
Why this matters:
Duke Riley's work doesn't just highlight the problem; it encourages us to confront the consequences of our actions. His art serves as a reminder of the fragility of our environment and the ongoing consequences of industrial pollution. Read more: Plastic pollution in the ocean.
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WATCH: Enduring the “endless” expansion of the nation’s petrochemical corridor
As mounds of dredged material from the Houston Ship Channel dot their neighborhoods, residents are left without answers as to what dangers could be lurking.
In the course of a century, Houston, once known for its magnolia flowers, turned into the “energy capital of the world.” To many, at 52 miles long and deepening under its 11th expansion, the Houston Ship Channel represents its epicenter.
To read and watch a version of this story in Spanish click here. Haz clic aquí para leer este reportaje en español.
The channel hosts hundreds of chemical facilities, some of which have years of documented Clean Air Act violations. Amnesty International called the channel a “sacrifice zone” where fenceline communities, made up predominantly with people of color, are disproportionately exposed to pollution. This is seen as the “cost of doing business,” according to the report.
But to people like Juan Flores and his family, the area is also home.
Flores, who you’ll meet in the video report above, has lived in Galena Park his entire life, and has been surrounded by the Houston Ship Channel’s dredge material deposit sites for as long as he can remember. He even recalls playing in them as a child.
The current 11th expansion of the port will create new dredge deposit sites and will stack new dredge material on old sites. In response to communities’ concerns of potential risks, Port Houston, the local entity that manages the public ports of the channel and is in charge of the expansion alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has said there is no cause for concern. According to the Corps, the material is tested before being placed on the mounds — yet the Corps has stated in the past that they do not test the deposit sites.
Watch the video above to learn more about the stories of these communities and their industrial neighbors.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a two- part series that will highlight the expansion of industry along the Houston Ship Channel – and the channel itself – amidst the landscape of an ever growing industrial footprint and the pollution that comes with it.
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Credit: Harry Stilianou/Pixabay
European chemical industry struggles against US competition, says Ratcliffe
Europe's petrochemical industry faces severe challenges due to high energy and carbon costs, making it uncompetitive globally, according to Ineos Group founder Jim Ratcliffe.
Francine Lacqua, Rachel Graham, Alex Longley, and Bloomberg report for Fortune.
In short:
- Jim Ratcliffe, head of Ineos Group, claims Europe's chemical industry is at a significant disadvantage compared to the US due to high energy and carbon costs.
- Ratcliffe suggests that the current European market structure hampers competitiveness, leading to a bleak future for the sector.
- The industry's struggle is exacerbated by energy price volatility and regulatory challenges in Europe.
Key quote:
"Europe’s a mess for petrochemicals today. Everybody’s leaving petrochemicals in Europe, which I’ve never seen in my working life before."
— Jim Ratcliffe, founder of Ineos Group
Why this matters:
As Europe pushes towards greener energy solutions and stringent carbon reduction targets, the cost of energy and carbon emissions has surged. This shift, while essential for combating climate change, places European petrochemical companies at a disadvantage compared to regions with less stringent environmental regulations and cheaper energy sources, such as the United States and parts of Asia.
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Credit: 350.org/flickr
“Cancer Alley” residents exposed to more than the lifetime exposure limit for cancer-causing compound: Report
"We are sick and tired of being sick and tired."
HOUSTON – Louisiana communities are experiencing up to 1,000 times the lifetime exposure limit for the cancer-causing compound ethylene oxide, according to a new study published in Environmental Science and Technology.
In February 2023 Johns Hopkins University researchers measured ambient ethylene oxide in one of the most polluted portions of Louisiana, often called the “Cancer Alley” of the United States. The 85-mile stretch of land along the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans is lined with more than 150 petrochemical facilities, and previous studies have found most residents along the 85-mile stretch are in the top 10% of exposure to air toxics related to cancer and are more likely than people that live elsewhere to develop prostate, lung and breast cancers. The burden of cancer-risk compounds is higher for communities of color.
The new report found ethylene oxide measurements were nine times higher than previously estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA notes that life-time cancer risk should not exceed 10.9 parts per trillion, yet the study measured an average of 31.4 parts per trillion. In some parts closest to facility fencelines, the number grew to 140 parts per trillion.
“Accurate measurements of ethylene oxide are needed to understand exposure and cancer risks for communities near to petrochemical facilities,” said lead researcher Peter DeCarlo of Johns Hopkins University. “We encourage state, local and federal agencies to prioritize accurate emissions data to properly estimate risks to communities and protect public health and the climate—in Cancer Alley and beyond."
Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas used in petrochemical facilities to make other chemicals and resins. Considered a known carcinogen by the EPA, ethylene oxide poses substantial health risks when inhaled, and it has been linked to blood, lymph and breast cancers to those exposed.
"We are sick and tired of being sick and tired," said Sharon Lavigne, founder and director of RISE St. James, an environmental justice organization dedicated to opposing petrochemical development in the St. James Parish. “We're flat-footed, exhausted from enduring these health risks and demand immediate action to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods."
Along the same coast as “Cancer Alley” is Houston. Self-titled the petrochemical capital of the nation, it is estimated to have more than 600 petrochemical facilities. The city has struggled with air monitoring in the past, and was awarded $500,000 to increase air monitoring of ethylene oxide and other chemicals last year.
Concentrations of ethylene oxide are expected to drop in the future according to the EPA. In April of this year the EPA updated its regulations related to hazardous air pollutants that aim to reduce cancer risk and air pollution at 200 chemical facilities. The agency is targeting six cancer-causing compounds, including ethylene oxide. Nearly 24% of the impacted facilities are in Louisiana and 40% are in Texas.
*Editor’s note: Bloomberg Philanthropies Beyond Petrochemicals campaign did provide funding for this report. EHN does receive some funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
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Credit: www.bluewaikiki.com/Flickr
Op-ed: New York considers bill to slash plastic waste and protect health
The New York state Legislature is evaluating a bill that aims to significantly reduce plastic packaging and its associated health risks.
In short:
- The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act seeks to cut New York's packaging by 50% over 12 years, reducing exposure to microplastics and toxic chemicals.
- The bill would make companies responsible for cleaning up packaging waste, eliminating 19 harmful chemicals, and preventing environmental and health damage.
- Despite opposition from the plastics industry, the bill could set a national precedent for reducing plastic pollution.
Key quote:
"The bill would protect New Yorkers from plastic’s health risks and prevent environmental and climate harms."
— Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics.
Why this matters:
This bill addresses the urgent health risks posed by microplastics and toxic chemicals found in plastic packaging, which can cause serious health issues like cancer and heart disease. Its passage could inspire similar legislation nationwide, reducing plastic pollution and its widespread impacts. Read more: Americans actually agree on something — they want products free of harmful chemicals.
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Credit: John Fraissinet/Flickr
Effort to reduce plastic waste in New York gains momentum
New York State is on the verge of passing legislation to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste, potentially setting a precedent for other states.
In short:
- The proposed Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act aims to cut plastic packaging by 50% over 12 years by pushing companies to use sustainable alternatives or pay fees.
- Fees collected would fund recycling and waste management infrastructure, potentially bringing New York City $150 million.
- The bill also seeks to ban 19 of the most toxic chemicals in plastic packaging, following examples set by other states like California and Maine.
Key quote:
“We must go after the producers who contribute to the plastics crisis and not place the burden on individuals.”
— Elijah Hutchinson, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
Why this matters:
This legislation addresses the escalating plastic waste crisis, aiming to reduce landfill waste by six million pounds daily. Its success could inspire similar actions nationwide, promoting healthier environmental practices and reducing public health risks from microplastics. Read more: California moves forward with landmark plastic waste reduction law.
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