Earth Is Running Out of Sand … Which Is, You Know, Pretty Concerning – Popular Mechanics

The world uses 50 billion metric tons of sand annually.
Sand is a key ingredient in all concrete and glass production.
There are already ongoing reports of a mafia-style black market for sand.
The world is in crisis yet again. This time around, it’s a sand shortage…
Nurdles: the worst toxic waste you’ve probably never heard of – the Guardian

Billions of these tiny plastic pellets are floating in the ocean, causing as much damage as oil spills, yet they are still not classified as hazardous
Endangered sea turtles found on Louisiana islands for first time in 75 years – the Guardian

For the first time in 75 years, hatchlings of the world’s smallest sea turtle species have been discovered on the Chandeleur Islands, a chain of barrier
A Drop in the Ocean – CNN Interactive

As the world experiences sea level rise, Iceland’s waters are falling — and flowing to the other side of the planet…