Most tyres will need to be replaced about every five years, however a new 3D printed tyre from Michelin may one day outlast your vehicle. While traditional rubber tyres gradually lose their tread as a result of friction, the prototype uses 3D printers to replenish this tread as needed. A series of sensors built into the tyre monitor the tread wear and provide information about performance and maintenance. This information is relayed to you via an app, and you can then order 3D printed tread replacements. https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/3d-printed-tire-michelin-concept/
A 2023 start-up aiming to make recycling convenient and accessible to all is about to go national. The aim is to provide people with a home pick-up option for some of the "trickier" items the normal recycling bins can't handle - including soft plastics. https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/recyclesmart-goes-national/
A Kyushu University study (2021) estimated there were 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics in the world's upper oceans or roughly 30 billion 500-ml plastic water bottles. Microplastics are tiny, toxic and very hard to remove from the environment. But researchers in the US have discovered that some Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) can attract and bind microplastics, making it easier to remove them from the environment. And the N in NADES is key - natural - in this instance, think extracts from plants. https://www.research.uky.edu/news/researchers-develop-eco-friendly-magnet-battle-microplastics
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