November's positive climate news: Plastic wet wipes banned and competitive litter picking

Matter, a Bristol-based environmental technology company, has been shortlisted as 1 of 15 finalists for the Earthshot Prize for their innovative approach to tackling microplastic pollution. The company designs advanced filtration systems, including self-cleaning washing machine filters that prevent harmful microfibres from entering waterways. These filters trap microplastics at the source, producing a recyclable sludge instead of releasing debris into the environment. Founded by engineer Adam Root, Matter began by developing household filters and has since raised more than £15m, growing to a team of around 45 people. The company aims to reduce microplastic contamination in oceans, drinking water and even human bodies.

England has passed new legislation to phase out the sale and supply of plastic wet wipes, aiming to reduce pollution in rivers, lakes and coastal habitats. Plastic wipes frequently enter waterways, breaking down into microplastics that harm wildlife and contribute to the formation of sewer-blocking fatbergs. Research shows they are responsible for 94% of sewer blockages, costing water companies £200m annually. The ban, supported by 95% of consultation respondents, will take effect in December 2026, with full compliance required by spring 2027. Environmental groups welcome the move but call for broader action on disposable wipes and clearer consumer guidance to bin rather than flush them.

Spogomi, a sport born in Japan, transforms litter-picking into a fast-paced, community-driven competition. Created in 2008 by runner Kenichi Mamitsuka, the game combines “spo” for sport and “gomi”, the Japanese word for rubbish. More than 165,000 people worldwide have now competed, collecting nearly 200,000 tonnes of waste. Teams of three have 45 minutes to gather litter before sorting it for scoring, with cigarette butts earning high points due to their environmental impact. Spogomi’s rise, including the recent World Cup in Tokyo, highlights how gamifying public action can inspire environmental awareness and global participation in tackling the ever-growing litter problem.

The recovery of the eastern Australian humpback whale population has been hailed as extraordinary, with numbers now estimated between 50,000 and 60,000 - around 60% higher than before commercial whaling began. Once reduced to just 150 individuals by the early 1960s, the whales rebounded after the 1963 international ban on hunting. Citizen scientists, whale-watching operators and researchers contributed data to the HappyWhale database to assess the population’s growth. Scientists believe the humpbacks have now reached ecological carrying capacity but celebrate the species’ dramatic return. Their success contrasts with other Australian whale populations, which remain below pre-whaling levels due to differing migration patterns and human impacts.

A pioneering project in Wiltshire could make growing food on a landfill site a reality. Waste company Crapper & Sons plans to build greenhouses above its landfill site, using captured and cleaned carbon dioxide and heat from decomposing waste to grow crops, like avocados. The methane that’s already harvested from the landfill powers generators, produces heat and CO₂ that would be redirected into hydroponic greenhouses, which is safely isolated from landfill soil. If approved, the system could supply up to 80% of fruit and vegetable needs for nearby towns. The movable greenhouses and redesigned landfill cells aim to cut emissions, boost food security and turn waste into a valuable resource.