Photo: prettylittercats.com
Yes! Two researchers from Chile, Roberto Astete and Christian Olivares have created water-soluble plastic bags. Astete claims that the product is made from limestone that does not harm the environment. “It looks like your typical plastic bag, but SoluBag breaks down in the water in just minutes”. He also added that the remains in the water are carbon, and it has no effects on the human body. As proof, he drinks a few glasses of the water.
Photo: Claudio Rey, https://elcomercio.pe
It is estimated that there are currently 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste that end up in our oceans each year. With these environmentally friendly bags, it will not only help reduce the growing number of plastic wastes in our oceans that are putting our wildlife in danger, but also help with the problem of plastic accumulating in landfills that will take years to decompose.
With efforts from around the world to fight the plastic bag crisis, an Indonesian company has created eco-friendly plastic bags made of cassava roots, a type of vegetable root that is often found in the staple diet in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
And yes, it’s edible too!
Photo: ourgoodbrands.com
Another team from Finland has also created a type of packaging out of wood derivatives.
Photo: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
So, the next time you are about to pick up a plastic bag, think again!
By: Raylene Chin
