‘Waste colonialism’ – the Turkish city carrying the weight of Britain’s pollution problem
A Guardian investigation reveals that the UK is exporting significant amounts of plastic waste to Adana, Turkey, leading to severe local pollution. Farmers and residents are struggling with the environmental and health consequences of this waste trade.
Why it matters
It highlights the ethical and environmental implications of 'waste colonialism,' where developed nations offload their recycling problems onto poorer regions.
A team of investigators found plastic packaging from the UK in poorer neighbourhoods and districts in Turkey. Photograph: Caner Ozkan/Greenpeace/PA A team of investigators found plastic packaging from the UK in poorer neighbourhoods and districts in Turkey. Photograph: Caner Ozkan/Greenpeace/PA Down to Earth newsletter Environment ‘Waste colonialism’ – the Turkish city carrying the weight of Britain’s pollution problem In this week’s newsletter: a Guardian investigation reveals that the UK exported 139,000 tonnes of rubbish to poor districts in Adana, where farmers are left to cope with microplastics, toxic smoke, and debris
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