Event 1 Blog Post

From Maize to Bioplastics Workshop 

    The event I attended examined the creation, implications, and ethics behind bioplastics. Bioplastics are biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources such as corn, rather than petroleum (which is what standard plastics are made of). The purpose of bioplastics is to ultimately reduce plastic pollution, which currently makes up around 80% of marine debris (National Geographic). This significantly damages marine life, as well as the environment as a whole. In an attempt to combat this damage, research on bioplastics has become increasingly more relevant.

    The push for using this seemingly environmentally friendly version of plastic has accumulated both advantages and disadvantages in the eyes of the public. The idea behind bioplastics is that when the plastic degrades, no extra carbon will be added to the atmosphere. The carbon released will be the same as what went into making the bioplastic. Petroleum plastic releases carbon from oil, which increases the earth's carbon footprint. While this is an effective way of reducing overall carbon emission, we must also consider the pollution that comes from growing the plants that will be made into bioplastics. Resources such as land and water must also be considered with bio plastics. 

    During the workshop, Alvaro Azcarraga went through all of the steps of creating biodegradable plastic sheets from simple ingredients like glycerin, cornstarch, and vinegar. Watching the process of creating this plastic sheet was extremely interesting, as it gave me insight to how simple creating these plastics are. This process was also a perfect example of the intersection between art and science. Being able to create a recipe and manipulate ingredients to produce something that is environmentally safe is a way that the merge of art and science can improve society. Art and science are equally as important in the creation process, and the product is something that can truly be revolutionary. Aside from the creation of bioplastics, there was a great conversation about the ethics behind mass production in different fashion companies. One of the points that particularly stood out to me was the separation of the companies that choose to mass produce products that harm the environment from the employees that carry out the production. Change must come from the companies themselves, and more of the criticism should be pointed in direction of those in charge rather than towards the people working under them. 

    Overall, this workshop was extremely eye opening and provided so much information about renewable resources and how we can continue to help the earth, so I would highly recommend that others attend this workshop in the future!

Sources 

13, Renee Cho |December, et al. “The Truth About Bioplastics.” State of the Planet, 20 Nov. 2018, news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/.

Admin, Client. “Bioplastics.” Plastics Industry Association, 22 Dec. 2020, www.plasticsindustry.org/supply-chain/recycling-sustainability/bioplastics.

“Bioplastics.” European Bioplastics E.V., 15 Apr. 2020, www.european-bioplastics.org/bioplastics/.

Gibbens, Sarah. “Bioplastics-Are They Truly Better for the Environment?” Environment, National Geographic, 10 Feb. 2021, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/are-bioplastics-made-from-plants-better-for-environment-ocean-plastic.