Good News Network

Solving the Microplastic Problem with Waves

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Day 355 – Microplastics are becoming a very big problem in our waterways. They have been detected in our rivers, streams, oceans and every other body of water. It would be difficult to find a place where microplastics are not present.

“Microplastics are released into the environment as cosmetics, clothing, industrial processes, and plastic products like packaging, break down naturally.” – Good News Network

Dr. Dhany Arifianto from the Institute Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember in Surabaya, Indonesia, created a filtration prototype using acoustic waves. The waves are able to create a force that is able to separate the microplastics from the water. The prototyped device cleaned 150 liters of polluted water per hour and was tested filtering three different microplastics.

The next step in studying these waves is to determine their impact on marine life. Being able to rid the waterways of microplastics without negatively affecting wildlife will be very crucial in the success of the acoustic waves.

Tomorrow, stormwater solutions.

Solar Farms Built on Closed Landfills

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Day 351 – Once a landfill has reached its capacity, there’s not much use for it. That is until it was realized that they could make a good location for solar farms. Solar farms take up a great deal of space. So, it’s ideal to build them on landfills that are no longer in use.

It is believed that the U.S. could increase the nation’s solar energy capacity by 63 gigawatts, or approximately 60%, simply by building solar farms on landfills.

“Nexamp’s Solar Star Urbana Landfill community solar farm occupies nearly 40 acres on a capped landfill. It features nearly 14,000 solar panels and generates 5.2 megawatts of clean energy for low and middle income residents, who receive discounts on their energy bill if they sign up to take on the solar energy. IKON Environmental Energy is building a 70 megawatt solar farm in Houston Texas called the Sunnyside Energy Project that will power 12,000 homes, atop a 240-acre capped, methane-leaking landfill that will also host community features like an electric vehicle charging point, bio-digester to turn certain waste sources into green energy and fertilizer, and a community garden.” – Good News Network

There are more than 10,000 closed or capped landfills around the country, and perhaps as many as 4,000 of them could be turned into solar farms immediately.

Tomorrow, products made from carbon.

Plastic Waste Being Used to Make Roads

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Day 345 – It seems like road construction season occurs all year round. Lane reductions, road closures and a constant state of traffic chaos occurs on a daily basis. In the end, a new road with fresh asphalt and no potholes makes it all worth it. Well, maybe not all of it, but definitely most of it.

What would make the whole process even more bearable, would be knowing that plastic waste destined for the landfill is being used to make the roads.

“First appearing in India two decades ago, plastic roads are being tested and built in more and more countries as the world’s plastic pollution problem becomes more acutely felt. India has installed over 60,000 miles of these roads. The technology, meanwhile, is gaining ground in Britain, Europe, and Asia. Several countries—South Africa, Vietnam, Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States, among them—have built their first plastic roads only recently.” – Good News Network

The thought of plastic bottles, wrappers and bags being used to create roadways is absolute genius. Not only is it addressing the world’s waste problem, but it also appears that using these plastics is creating a better a roadway.

“A growing number of studies say that roads containing waste plastic have the potential to perform as well or better than traditional roads. They can last longer, are stronger and more durable in respect to loads and rutting, can tolerate wide temperature swings, and are more resistant to water damage, cracking, and potholes.” – Good News Network

Combining an overall reduction in waste production with the practical reuse of the waste that is created, will lead to a cleaner and healthier planet.

Tomorrow, you do not need to keep up with the Joneses.