Microplastics

Washing clothes may seem harmless, but each load can release hundreds of thousands of tiny plastic fibers from synthetic fabrics into the water. Some of these microplastics are captured in sewage sludge that is often used as fertilizer, allowing the particles to spread onto agricultural fields. Others pass through wastewater systems and eventually into the ocean, where they accumulate in marine life. Laundry is an overlooked but major source of plastic pollution.

Vermont Public Interest Research Group’s Alexis Drown shares a report on advising shoppers how to avoid microplastics during the holiday season and beyond.

Lake Champlain scientists are researching how much marine debris and microplastic pollution are in the lake.

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research.Shape-shifting, fluid-like robotic materials may one day no longer exist only in science fiction.We’ll learn about how microplastics could contribute to antibiotic resistance.And students and faculty at UVM ask questions about cuts to federal funding for college campuses.

Microplastics, which have polluted air, water and food, have now been found in human blood.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been awarded a two-year grant to expand its environmental education programs.Dorr Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to…

In the last year or so many people have become familiar with microbeads — the microscopic abrasive balls in cosmetic and other cleansing products that…

Word from Washington: A bill to ban microplastics is on it's way to President Obama's desk.U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the passage of…

New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand is urging federal regulators to ban microplastics, a move that state environmental advocates are hoping can move…