Aug. 27, 2025

57. Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again!

57. Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again!
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57. Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again!

Hailed as a landmark effort to curb plastic pollution, the plastic treaty was supposed to unite nations around a binding plan to cut production, improve recycling, and reduce waste. But as talks dragged on, the deal collapsed under competing interests, petrochemical producers on one side, environmental advocates on the other. We break down what went wrong, why powerful industries fought to water down the agreement, and what the failure means for the future of global environmental policy. Plus, are Buzzballz rubbish or not, should we fold used crisp packets into triangles, and why is a restaurant cutting the top off James' aluminium can?

Hailed as a landmark effort to curb plastic pollution, the plastic treaty was supposed to unite nations around a binding plan to cut production, improve recycling, and reduce waste. But as talks dragged on, the deal collapsed under competing interests, petrochemical producers on one side, environmental advocates on the other. We break down what went wrong, why powerful industries fought to water down the agreement, and what the failure means for the future of global environmental policy. Plus, are Buzzballz rubbish or not, should we fold used crisp packets into triangles, and why is a restaurant cutting the top off James' aluminium can?

Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

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Timestamps:
Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed - 03:32
Additions and corrections - 27:51
Rubbish or Not: Buzzballz - 36:15
Rubbish News - 42:21
Does folding crisp packets into triangles affect recycling? - 47:25
Residual Rubbish - 49:51

 

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL