The Problem With Plastics (T5)

Question 1

What is a solution to the problem with plastics?

Answer 1

Some plastics have been made with polymers mixed with cornstarch.

The cornstarch weakens the molecules enough so when it is broken down by bacteria the plastic itself disintegrates.

Question 2

What is the main problem with the widespread use of plastics?

Answer 2

The vast majority of them do not interact with microbes, meaning they can effectively last 1000s of years.

This can be useful but makes disposal a big problem.