Truthout
plastics
![American industry, aided by federal regulators, is conducting a large-scale, consequential experiment with our hormones and the developing brains and reproductive systems of our children.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/12/2019_1217-plastic-scientist-400x300.jpg)
Plastics Chemicals Are Disrupting Our Hormones, and the FDA Is Dragging Its Feet
American industry, aided by federal regulators, is conducting a large-scale, consequential public health experiment.
![Resting angel on a tombstone in Bethlehem Cemetery in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, next to the Bruce Mansfield coal power plant. Steam in the background rising from the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/11/602A7350-Edit-400x300.jpg)
With Coal’s Decline, Pennsylvania Sees Rise of Natural Gas-Fueled Plastics
The expansion of the natural gas industry is moving us in the wrong direction.
![Fish in a coral reef swim around plastic floating in the water](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/10/2019_1021-coral-reef-plastic-400x300.jpg)
We Can’t Solve the Plastics Crisis With Other Disposables
Corporations are pushing alternatives to plastic, but many come with severe ecological consequences.
![](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/09/2019_0919-Fracking-400x300.png)
Fracking Has No Place in a Livable Future
Fossil fuel apologists call fracked gas a “bridge fuel.” It's a bridge to planetary destruction.
![Members of a community sit in a church](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/08/602A9647-Edit-400x300.jpg)
Opponents Delay $1.25 Billion Plastics Factory in Louisiana
If built, the 250-acre complex would release some 300 tons of toxic air emissions per year.
![Colorful children's building blocks are stacked on top of eachother](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/08/2019_0805-building-blocks-400x300.jpg)
Why Are Harmful Flame-Retardant Chemicals Still Showing Up in Children’s Toys?
Some harmful chemicals in recycled plastics can be traced to electronics recycling.
![Smokestacks release smog into the air while surrounded by plastic garbage](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/05/2019_0520-plastic-pollution-400x300.jpg)
Plastics Industry on Track to Burn 14 Percent of World’s Remaining Carbon Budget
By 2050, making and disposing of plastics could be responsible for a cumulative 56 gigatons of carbon.
![US Refuses to Join Global Effort to Curb Plastic Pollution](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/05/SEG3-Plastics-4-400x300.jpg)
US Refuses to Join Global Effort to Curb Plastic Pollution
Pam Miller, co-chair of the International Pollutants Elimination Network, discusses the developments.
![A man holds a plastic shopping bag as he visits Central Park on April 26, 2018, in New York City.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/04/2019_0402-plastic-bags-400x300.jpg)
“Massive Win for the Environment”: New York State Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags
New York is the third state to outlaw plastic bags.
![Experts have recommended how the US can drastically curb the use of throwaway plastics with new federal legislation.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2019/03/2019_0318-plastic-pollution-400x300.jpg)
What Laws Work Best to Cut Plastic Pollution?
Congress should craft legislation banning single-use plastic products.