b'SURFACE WATER7 12 8 13 Casein, Milk Protein Bagasse Another alternative to plastics is the use of casein,Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane processing, a protein found in milk. Packaging produced fromwhich leaves a pulpy substance that can be used casein is far more environmentally friendly thanin various applications. These include using plasticit is biodegradable, sustainable, and bagasse as a biofuel and as a wood substitute in even edible.the production of pulp, paper, and board. Bagasse is also often used in the production of food The plastic used to wrap many food productspackaging, including "to-go" containers, bowls, cannot be recycled and is not biodegradable. Theseplates, and cups.films are also not very effective at preventing food from spoiling and may even leach chemicals intoThere are many benefits of bagasse packaging. the food they protect.Bagasse is generated from annually-renewable resources, and the packaging is completely In contrast, casein films are very effective inbiodegradable and compostable. Under the right preventing food spoilagethey are 500 times betterconditions, packaging can degrade in as little as than plastics at keeping oxygen away from food.four weeks. This breakthrough technology could go a long way in keeping food products fresh while also reducingBagasse food containers are thick and very sturdy. the amount of plastic flowing into our landfills andThey are microwave safe, can be used to store food the environment. in the freezer, and are free of chlorine. STORY SURVEY:It takes forever for plastics to Tell us how you felt about thisdegrade. See the next pagestory: YSI.com/MW-Survey for proper recycling tips!SOURCES:1Science Advances, 5American Chemistry Council and 9Medium, IKEA Starts Using BiodegradableProduction, use, and fate of all plastics ever made Association of Plastic Recyclers, Mushroom-Based Packaging for Its ProductsUS National Postconsumer Plastic BottleRecycling Rate Report 10Forbes, Thailand Supermarket Ditches2Science Museum, The Age of Plastic Plastic Packaging for Banana Leaves6NOTPLA, Technology 11Smithsonian Magazine,3IUCN, Primary Microplastics in the Oceans:Corn Plastic to the Rescuea Global Evaluation of Sources 7The Washington Post, The LondonMarathons method for reducing plastic bottles: 12American Chemical Society,Edible seaweed pouches Edible food packaging made from milk proteins4World Health Organization, WHO calls for more research into microplastics 8EcoRoots, Bamboo Cutlery |13EcoPack, Everything You Need to Know and a crackdown on plastic pollutionWhy you should make the switchAbout BagasseWhos Minding the Planet? 17'