Bioplastic inspired by spider silk could replace single-use plastics
One of the most difficult-to-recycle types of plastic is the ‘microcapsule’ — a form of microplastic that’s added to the ingredients of many homecare and bodycare products. These tiny capsules then wash down the drain, where they pollute waterways because they’re so hard to detect. In an Read More...
This UK initiative will pay you to recycle flexible plastic
Flexibility is considered an all-around positive thing, but when you put the words “flexible” and “plastic” together, the meaning has a far more negative connotation. Flexible plastic, also called soft plastic, is what most plastic bags, wrappers, pouches, packets, and sachets are made of. Read More...
Sea squirts can help address our oceans' growing microplastic problem
In the past, The Optimist Daily has written about unassuming sea creatures such as sea cucumbers, which, despite their humble appearances, play a vital role in maintaining the health of the entire underwater ecosystem and can reveal important information about how human activity impacts marine Read More...
How can we solve our plastic waste problem? Make an island out of it.
Visionary architect and psychologist Margot Krasojevic is working on an outlandish concept that may just help us deal with the concerning plastic waste problem plaguing the world’s oceans: building a plastic island. Krasojevic and her team at Margo Krasojevic Architecture started with Read More...
Adding enzymes to compostable plastic may help it biodegrade faster
As consumers demand sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, compostable plastic items have become increasingly popular in recent years. The problem, however, is that many of these 'compostable' items don’t break down in regular composting conditions and tend to contaminate other Read More...
This eco-friendly Grow it Yourself Helmet is made from mycelium and hay
As designers are looking for ways to sever their ties with plastic, mycelium has been receiving increasing attention lately as a viable eco-friendly alternative. In fact, experts have been experimenting with the fungus-derived material for everything from construction materials and fashion to Read More...
Could this plant-based material replace single-use plastic packaging?
While it’s important that everyday people do their part to avoid single-use plastics, what we really need is for major companies to find green alternatives to the plastic packaging that is currently being used to package goods. Only then do we have a fighting chance against the scourge of Read More...
Why this startup makes shoes from plants rather than recycled plastic
While more running shoes made from recycled plastic bottles are hitting the market, a Dutch startup believes there’s a much greener way to produce shoes: starting with plants. According to Richard Rusling, cofounder of Zen Running Club, the problem with using recycled plastic in shoes is that Read More...
Bharati Chaturvedi: It's time to value waste collectors for their work
Bharati Chaturvedi is the founder of Chintan, an Indian-based organization that cuts waste and consumption. While speaking at a plenary discussion at Circularity 20 last week, she raised a good point: If waste collectors play such a pivotal role in the plastic supply chain, why aren’t they valued Read More...
Forget plastic: Here are some greener ways to freeze food
While Ziploc bags and plastic wrap can be useful for sealing up food that’s going into the freezer, there are better alternatives—ones that are better for both you and the environment. The problem with these simple plastic solutions is that they can leach chemicals (bisphenols A and S). On Read More...