Plastic has been a problem for a very long time and is an issue when it comes to pollution. There are entire garbage patches in the ocean of plastic as well as micro-plastic found in humans, and animals, and scattered anywhere possible. We need a solution, and we need one fast.
There have been some ideas before, one that I have talked about, replacing plastic with fungi that are bio-degradable, but the demand for plastic is much too high. Without some huge investors, this type of project will never replace the plastic industry demand we have now.
However, if there are multiple ideas and projects that replace our one-use plastic then they can make a real difference for not just us but the entire Earth and environment. Japan has come up with an idea they are working on for dissolving plastic that does not harm the ocean, us, or animals. The research group Riken has come up with a new type of plastic, still tough and durable, but can dissolve completely once it is in seawater. What is great about this product is that unlike those alternatives to plastic created before, this one produced by Riken is just as strong as our regular plastic. People depend on plastic to be reusable and sturdy enough to withstand being heated, cooled, and thrown around occasionally.
These findings were published in Science on the 22nd of November in 2024, so very recently. There will still be more to come with figuring out how to mass produce and ship to other countries, but this is an incredible start. Another great thing about this particular bio-degradable plastic is that is beneficial to the soil, it transfers nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in 10 days. This would be a great addition to the agricultural field where nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen are needed.
It
is even reported that this type of plastic could come to replace other things
such as medical equipment or
packaging materials. Packaging materials are usually a one-use type of
plastic and are often found in the environment or in a landfill forever, but
with this new invention people would be able to plant it into the ground or put
it in the seawater, and within days there would be no trace and it would
actually benefit the soil. The creators of this plastic should be proud of
themselves, we need more people who are thinking outside the box and making
things happen. I hope to see more about this within the next five years, or
less.
I sincerely hope the scientific community can work together to reproduce these results in labs across the world so we can see this biodegradable plastic become mainstream within the decade. It is exciting how quickly innovations are popping up these days. I am hopeful that the simple convenience of non-polluting materials will convince people to make the switch even if they don't believe in saving our planet.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting to hear about. A part of me can't help but doubt with the bitter taste of so many promising innovations that seem to fall flat and go nowhere. However, I hope that this technology gets the kind of fiscal support needed for true development and role out.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It’s hard to believe that we can and will see these types of changes and innovations in effect. But holding onto hope is really the only thing we can do.
DeleteThis would be awesome. I wonder if the compounds to break down the plastic within the Earth would be found in some foods? What would that mean for food storage and the consumption of this type of plastic if it breaks down easily while storing food? I will have to look more into this. It really is interesting!
ReplyDeleteBiodegradable plastic could be huge in the future, and I am glad to hear that the materials that Riken are working with have a positive impact on the soil
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great solution and something that could really change the way we use plastics. I was wondering if it was just sea water that could dissolve it or if regular water could as well. This is an important factor considering rivers and streams are also being clogged with plastics.
ReplyDeleteThis post was super awesome! I feel like single-use plastics are one of the most detrimental to pollution and to the environment. If these plastics could not only dissolve but distribute nutrients into the soil that would be a life-changing innovation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you here. This post is well written and the single use plastics are horrible. I see so much plastic whenever I drive anywhere and it is such a sad sight.
DeleteThis is super neat, not just from a climate standpoint but also a human health one. Microplastics are everywhere and we aren't totally sure what effect they'll have on health yet. Anything that can remove them from the environment is a worthwhile investment.
ReplyDeleteWe can also explore alternatives to plastic; natural materials including wood, paper, and natural fabrics can do many of the same jobs. My wife uses a wood toothbrush. (I have an electric one - I guess I need to become more eco-friendly with my tooth brushing.)
ReplyDeleteDidn’t know plastic could help soil and dissolve in water this could really change things for the planet.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that there are evolving variations of plastics, even plastic alternatives and ending single use plastics would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good idea for a product. I hope that it can receive proper funding so it can be produced and made into more everyday products.
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