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    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

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      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

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        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

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        Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

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        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

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        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

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        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

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        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

        ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

        Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

        Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

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        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

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        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

          • Health
            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

          • Entertainment
            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

            ‘Attractive’ £100 fire pit that’s ideal for long summer nights drops to £44

            Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

            Triple drawer air fryer that ‘cooks to perfection’ gets £40 price slash in limited time sale

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

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          Chewing gum is plastic pollution, not a litter problem

          by BP Author
          March 17, 2025
          in World
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          Thousands of tonnes of plastic pollution could be escaping into the environment every year … from our mouths. Most chewing gum on sale is made from a variety of oil-based synthetic rubbers – similar to the plastic material used in car tyres.

          If you find that thought slightly unsettling, you are not alone. I have been researching and speaking about the plastic pollution problem for 15 years. The people I talk to are always surprised, and disgusted, when they find out they’ve been chewing on a lump of malleable plastic. Most manufacturers just don’t advertise what gum is actually made of – they dodge around the detail by listing “gum base” in the ingredients.

          There’s no strict definition of synthetic gum base. Chewing gum brand, Wrigley Extra partners with dental professionals around the world to promote the use of sugar-free chewing gum to improve oral health.

          The brand’s Wrigley Oral Health Program states that: “Gum base puts the “chew” in chewing gum, binding all the ingredients together for a smooth, soft texture. We use synthetic gum base materials for a consistent and safe base that provides longer-lasting flavour, improved texture, and reduced tackiness.“

          It almost sounds harmless. But chemical analysis shows that gum contains styrene-butadiene (the durable synthetic chemical used to make car tyres), polyethylene (the plastic used to make carrier bags and bottles) and polyvinyl acetate (woodglue) as well as some sweetener and flavouring.

          The chewing gum industry is big business, worth an estimated US$48.68 billion (£37.7 billion) in 2025. Three companies own 75% of the market share, the largest of which is Wrigley, with an estimated 35%. There are few reliable statistics available about the amount of gum being produced, but one peer-reviewed global estimate states 1.74 trillion pieces are made per year.

          I examined several types of gum and found that the most common weight of an individual piece of gum is 1.4g – that means that globally, a staggering 2.436 million tonnes of gum are produced each year. About a third (30%) of that weight, or just over 730,000 tonnes, is synthetic gum base.

          If the idea of chewing plastic isn’t disturbing enough, consider what happens after you spit it out. Most people have experienced discarded gum under bench seats, school desks and on street pavements. But, like other plastics, synthetic chewing gum does not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for many years.

          In the environment it will harden, crack and breakdown into microplastics but this can take decades. Cleaning it up is not cheap because it is labour intensive. The average cost is £1.50 per square metre and estimates suggest that the annual clean-up cost for chewing gum pollution for councils in the UK is around £7 million.

          There have been some efforts to address the problem. In many public locations around the UK, gum collection pots supplied by Dutch company Gumdrop Ltd have been installed to collect and recycle used gum. Signage provided by councils encouraging responsible disposal is also now a regular feature in some UK high streets, and there is a growing number of small producers offering plant-based alternatives.

          In the UK, the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy launched the chewing gum task force in 2021. This collaboration involves three major manufacturers who have committed to investing up to £10 million in order to clean up “historic gum staining and changing behaviour so that more people bin their gum”.




          Read more:
          Car tyres shed a quarter of all microplastics in the environment – urgent action is needed


          But, here lies the crux of the issue.

          The first objective implies that cleaning up gum is a solution to this form of plastic pollution; it isn’t. Manufacturers making a financial contribution to clean-up efforts is like plastic manufacturers paying for litter pickers and bin bags at volunteer beach cleans. Neither addresses the root cause of the problem.

          street cleaner steam cleaning urban street, red london bus in background

          Cleaning up chewing gum litter involves steam cleaning.
          Kathy deWitt / Alamy Stock Photo

          Binning gum is not the solution either. Addressing gum as a plastic pollutant dictates that the prevention of gum pollution should include the well-known tenets, like all plastic pollution, of reduce, reuse, recycle and redesign. It is not only a disposal issue.

          Another issue that I have uncovered is definition. In the two annual reports published by the gum litter task force since its inception, there is no mention of the word pollution. The distinction between litter and pollution is important. By calling it chewing gum pollution, the narrative changes from an individual negligence issue to a corporate one. That places an onus for accountability onto the producers rather than the consumers.

          Single-use solutions

          Like single-use plastic items, chewing gum pollution needs to be tackled from all angles – education, reduction, alternatives, innovation, producer responsibility, and legislation.

          Educating people about the contents of gum and the environmental consequences those ingredients have will reduce consumption and encourage better disposal habits. More transparent labelling on packaging would empower shoppers to make informed choices. Stricter regulations can hold manufacturers to account – a levy tax on synthetic gum can help pay for clean ups. In turn, this would incentivise more investment in plant-based gums and other sustainable alternatives.

          We can all reduce the environmental consequences of this plastic pollution by kicking the gum habit, calling on councils to enforce stricter pollution penalties and encouraging governments to put a tax levy on manufacturers to fund clean ups and force them to list the contents of gum base.

          Throwing away any non-disposable, inorganic products is unsustainable. Chewing gum pollution is just another form of plastic pollution. It’s time we start treating it as such.


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