Starch-based bioplastic that is said to be biodegradable and sustainable is potentially as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, and can cause similar health problems, new peer-reviewed research finds.
Bioplastics have been heralded as the future of plastic because it breaks down quicker than petroleum-based plastic, and is often made from plant-based material such as corn starch, rice starch or sugar.
The material is often used in fast fashion clothing, wet wipes, straws, cutlery and a range of other products. The new research found damage to organs, changes to the metabolism, gut microbe imbalances that can lead to cardiovascular disease, and changes to glucose levels, among other health issues.
The authors say their study is the first to confirm “adverse effects of long-term exposure” in mice.
I think “no plastics” is actually what we want
Or maybe qualify that as “minimal plastics”.
Are there any good alternatives though?
wood/paper, glass, metal.
For some use-cases, sure. But so many products today are only affordable (or even possible) because of plastic.
How would you make an affordable computer, for example, without plastic?
Okay, no more cheap computer sorry. You don’t just get to destroy the planet to save a few bucks
There are many medically necessary items that can’t be replaced by anything but some form of plastic.
I think it’s safe to say that there are obvious differences in how the medical industry uses plastic (and the kind of plastic they use) compared to the food packing industry. One directly contributes to overconsumption, the other… probably does as well, logically, but to a lesser degree with considerably higher payoff.
This is the statement at the root of this comment chain. This does not distinguish between use cases.
It should, is my point. Everything is nuanced.
Can’t you see? We don’t want to safe a few bucks. We want to be able to afford it without having to sacrifice our children’s school tuition saving for it.
I would also like to afford a Ferrari without sacrificing my childs school tuition.
Good thing Ferrari has released a “child slave” option, cutting the price of a Ferrari by half!
Let’s prioritise NOT destroying the planet first, then worry about you being able to afford brand new computers after.
Great! Let’s see you trying to change the world then!
Na I’m gonna vote for any mandate that forces you to act responsibly. A ban on ICE vehicles, a ban on forever plastics, a ban on meat products. Stop destroying my planet because you want fast cheap bullshit.
Because I grew a conscience and needed to take action. Lazy people like you need to be forced via policy.
That was just one example of many
Don’t forget hemp
And bamboo.