· 1 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The New York Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Biodegradable plastic exists but often requires specific conditions to break down, which are not widely available
• Most biodegradable plastics like PLA need industrial composting to degrade properly
• Without these conditions, they may end up in landfills or oceans, contributing to pollution
🔭 The context: Industrial composting facilities, necessary for biodegradable plastics, are scarce in the U.S.
• Consequently, biodegradable plastics often fail to decompose as intended
• This complexity about plastic recycling misleads consumers and complicates recycling processes
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Misuse of biodegradable plastics can exacerbate environmental pollution
• Proper degradation is essential to reducing plastic waste's long-term impact and mitigating climate change
⏭️ What's next: Research is ongoing to develop more effective biodegradable plastics
• Innovations include plastics made from corncobs and cheese waste byproducts, aiming to improve degradation rates and reduce production costs
💬 One quote: “It’s complicated, because biodegradability changes depending on where you’re at and what happens to your plastic,” said George W. Huber, University of Wisconsin-Madison
📈 One stat: According to UNEP, the world produces 430 million metric tons of plastic annually, with only 9% being recycled
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