We’ve written about the problem of trash on Mars, but the REAL problem is with trash in the ocean?especially non-biodegradable PLASTIC trash. Now researchers have come up with plastic that?s safe to dump in the sea.
Researchers have come up with a biodegradable plastic that dissolves into nontoxic components in salt water in about 20 days, which is good news not only because the trash we throw out on land often inadvertently ends up in the ocean, but it is also great for cruise ships, which can now toss items like plastic cutlery overboard without guilt (something they probably already do, despite the fact that international maritime law forbids the disposal of plastics at sea).
In LiveScience.com, Charles Q. Choi quotes polymer scientist Robson Storey as saying, “There are many groups working on biodegradable plastics, but we’re one of a few working on plastics that degrade in seawater. We’re moving toward making plastics more sustainable, especially those that are used at sea.”
Art credit: gimp-savvy.com
Will we clean up our act in the future, so we don’t end up drowning in trash? We may need an oracle to predict that one! What about OUR future?will we still be here for you, with our great news and radio shows, tomorrow? Not if you don’t take the time to give us a gift: subscribe today to our new IMPROVED subscriber section! Use the coupon “reup” and get 10% off your first subscription period.
NOTE: This news story, previously published on our old site, will have any links removed.
Subscribers, to watch the subscriber version of the video, first log in then click on Dreamland Subscriber-Only Video Podcast link.