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 … [Read more...] about Bioplastic inspired by spider silk could replace single-use plastics
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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 … [Read more...] about This UK initiative will pay you to recycle flexible plastic
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 … [Read more...] about Sea squirts can help address our oceans’ growing microplastic problem
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 … [Read more...] about How can we solve our plastic waste problem? Make an island out of it.
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 … [Read more...] about Adding enzymes to compostable plastic may help it biodegrade faster