Will the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) help end chemical and microplastic pollution?
Fidra welcome the UK Government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, and take a closer look at the commitments, highlights, and next steps to protect our environment from pollution.
Fidra at the 30th European Biosolids Conference: Making the Case for Cleaner Agricultural Soils
This month, our Sewage Free Soils team at Fidra attended the 30th European Biosolids and Bioresources Conference in Manchester, where we joined water industry professionals, consultants, and academics to discuss the future of biosolids management.
How pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge are polluting our land and threatening soil health
Pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge can destroy soil fungal networks, impacting nutrient cycling and threatening crop productivity, as well as long-term soil health.
Cunliffe’s Water Commission highlights need for regulation to tackle chemical and plastic pollution
Independent Water Commission’s Review recommends regulation to tackle chemical and plastic pollution from polluting products and sewage sludge
Defra report states artificial pitches are the main source of intentionally added microplastic pollution in the UK
Fidra are calling for a broad restriction on the use of intentionally added microplastics, as seen in the EU. This should include artificial pitches as the most significant source of intentionally added microplastic pollution in the UK.
Defra research recommends reducing sewage sludge recycling to land as a cost-effective measure to tackle microplastic pollution.
Defra has published a report outlining the outcome of its evidence project on intentionally added microplastics, with recommended options to reduce sewage sludge application to land in the UK.
Fidra’s position on chemical recycling
While chemical recycling may have a supporting role in advancing circular economy goals, Fidra emphasises that limiting plastic production and phasing out harmful chemicals must remain the top priorities. Read our latest position paper on chemical recycling.
PFAS in artificial turf: the grass isn’t greener on the artificial side
Recent research has shown that PFAS lurks in the plastic blades of grass used in artificial turf sports pitches.
Supporting Sustainable Farming Systems that Work with Nature – GO Falkland 2024.
Fidra attends the 2024 GO Falkland regenerative agriculture event and raises awareness of the presence of harmful chemicals such as PFAS in agricultural inputs (pesticides and biosolids) that threaten sustainable farming systems.
World Soil Day: How does sewage sludge impact soil health?
Our project ‘Sewage-free Soils’ highlights the presence of chemical contaminants and microplastics within treated sewage sludge, a by-product of wastewater treatment used as fertiliser on agricultural land.