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Plastic alternatives refer to biodegradable or recyclable materials designed to replace traditional plastics and minimize their environmental impact. In this article, we’ll explore the present and future of these alternatives and discuss what we can do to contribute to this change.

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The Tears of a Sea Turtle, The Scars of Plastic

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(Source: The Washington Post)

In 2015, a video that broke many hearts went viral. It featured a marine biologist off the coast of Costa Rica removing a plastic straw lodged in a sea turtle's nose. The turtle’s pain was palpable, revealing the severe damage our discarded plastics inflict on ecosystems.

This isn’t just about a single straw. Plastics that end up in the ocean break into smaller particles, infiltrating the bodies of marine life and eventually returning to our plates.

Globally, approximately 8 billion tons of plastic waste have accumulated. Only 9% of it has been recycled, with the remainder either buried in landfills or abandoned in nature. As a result, over 1 million birds and 100,000 marine animals die annually. This is an issue we can no longer ignore.

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Q. What Do Plastic Alternatives Look Like?

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A. Plastic alternatives are eco-friendly materials that can replace traditional plastics. These materials, derived from natural sources like plant fibers, corn starch, bamboo, and seaweed, aim to minimize environmental harm.

"Biodegradable or recyclable materials are designed to replace traditional plastics and reduce their environmental impact."

—United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—

Imagine the plastic cup holding your favorite café drink. What if it were made from corn starch? It could decompose naturally without leaving a trace on the environment.

Plastic alternatives are already making a difference. Some prominent examples include:

1. Biodegradable Plastics

● Features: Can decompose in natural environments.

● Key Materials:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): Corn starch-based, used for food packaging and disposable utensils.

• PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate): Produced by microorganisms and decomposes faster than PLA.

2. Bio-Based Plastics

● Features: Derived from renewable resources, with properties similar to traditional plastics.

● Key Materials:

• Bio-PET: Offers the same strength as traditional PET while reducing carbon emissions (e.g., Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle).

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Now and Into the Future

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According to Statista, the plastic alternatives market reached $25 billion in 2023 and is growing at an annual rate of over 12%.

The European Union (EU) has taken significant steps, banning single-use plastics since 2021 and actively supporting companies that use alternative materials.

1. Starbucks: Offers biodegradable cups and utensils to reduce plastic usage.

(Source: Starbucks Stories)

2. LEGO: Produces blocks using bio-based plastics derived from sugarcane.

(Source: WIRED)

3. Tetra Pak: Creates recyclable, paper-based packaging as a substitute for plastic.

(Source: Tetra Pak)

4. Nestlé: Applies eco-friendly bio-plastics to their coffee capsule products.

(Source: Nescafe)

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Challenges for Plastic Alternatives

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(Source: The ASEAN Post)

While plastic alternatives are promising, several hurdles remain before they can become widespread.

1. Cost

Plastic alternatives often have higher production costs compared to traditional plastics. This price disparity can deter consumers and companies from adopting these materials on a larger scale.

2. Technological Limitations

Biodegradable materials don’t always decompose easily in all environments. Many require specific temperature and humidity conditions to break down. For example, biodegradable plastic bags that aren’t disposed of correctly may act like regular waste and add to the environmental burden.

These challenges make large-scale adoption difficult, but the potential for change is undeniable.

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International Efforts to Solve the Plastic Problem

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The plastic problem is no longer confined to individual nations—it has become a global challenge. In response, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) proposed an international agreement to end plastic pollution. This agreement, adopted in 2022, has been signed by 175 countries to reduce plastic usage and develop alternative materials through concrete action plans.

(Source: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Key Elements of the Agreement:

* Establishing specific targets to reduce plastic production and consumption.

* Improving recycling and waste management systems.

* Increasing investments in sustainable alternative materials.

This agreement is more than just a declaration; it’s a legally binding commitment that is already driving real change.

For example:

*European Union (EU): Implements strict regulations, banning single-use plastic products like straws and cotton swabs.

*Japan: Invests heavily in bio-plastics research to develop alternative materials.

This global effort is not just about politics—it’s beginning to transform everyday items like beverage cups and packaging materials.

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What We Can Do

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Change starts with consumers—us.

In New Zealand, supermarkets replaced plastic packaging with eco-friendly alternatives due to consumer demand. This wasn’t just a corporate decision to protect the environment; it was the result of consumers showing interest and taking action.

Reducing plastic waste doesn’t require grand plans. Simple actions, like using a tumbler, carrying a reusable shopping bag, or reducing single-use items, are great starting points. Participating in beach cleanups or choosing sustainable products also makes a difference.

Start small today. By using fewer disposables or choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we can create meaningful change.

"We must imagine a world without plastics. And it is possible."

—Jane Goodall, Environmentalist—

Written by Yeonjae Choi