I think that degradation of plastic is the larger concern. Storage of garbage is generally an overstated concern, while microplastic pollution clearly show the threat of plastics that break into millions of tiny pieces.[1] Stable plastics that last pose so many fewer problems when it comes to pollutants.
It would be incredible if they could make plastic that didn't break down. But given the history of plastics, I would have to be very convinced that whatever they do to it isn't making it terribly toxic in ways that we don't measure. I would rather ditch plastics for better materials than have to check that yet another new acronym isn't in my water bottle.
Eh, I think we just overshot our goals by 100x. We could settle on a plastic that degrades into harmless dust after 10 years, but no less (nor anymore than 100). That's good enough to keep going with all of it.
What, that we're collectively unable to deal with relatively minor and innocuous inconveniences for the sake of the planet (setting aside whether or not straws are actually a huge deal)?
That in spite of all the progress humans have made, we're somehow unable just take the lid off and drink out of a cup without pitching a fit?
Unfortunately, I think it's that either there's a microorganism that will eat your material, and you get a couple of years, or there's not, and you get thousands.
Wood, cardboards, and papers. Unfortunately, they are not as easily shaped and more expensive to make. Figure out how you can mass produce an iPhone, including all the PCBs, out of wood and paper and you will become a billionaire.
Most tetra pak like materials and even aluminum cans are actually lined with plastic. Plastic is the greatest material ever, right until it needs to be disposed and then suddenly the biggest upside becomes the biggest downside.
Not really, no. For packaging type materials, either something will oxidize and is also water soluble, or it doesn’t oxidize and isn’t water soluble. Not much room in the middle. Making any paper based product last longer takes.. plastic.
