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Why compostable plastic is not a silver bullet for eliminating plastic waste

^{Published on 2024-12-18 11:02:18 - MSN}
 

• Modern society has a big problem when it comes to plastic -- and it's contributing heavily to pollution and climate change.

The article from MSN discusses the limitations and misconceptions surrounding compostable plastics as a solution to plastic waste. While compostable plastics are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastics, they require specific conditions to decompose properly, such as high heat, moisture, and microbial activity found in industrial composting facilities, which are not universally available. This means that when these plastics end up in regular landfills, they do not degrade as intended, potentially releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, the production of compostable plastics can still involve fossil fuels, and they might not be as biodegradable in natural environments as claimed, leading to similar environmental persistence issues as conventional plastics. The article highlights that while compostable plastics can be part of the solution, they are not a complete fix without systemic changes in waste management, consumer behavior, and broader environmental policies.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/environmental-science/why-compostable-plastic-is-not-a-silver-bullet-for-eliminating-plastic-waste/ar-AA1w66Kh ]

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