Defying Climate Change  

     Every year, thousands of recyclable items are thrown into landfills all across America. These items, such as plastic bags and bottles, take many years to break down and can potentially harm wildlife. However, by using chemistry, scientists are now coming up with a new solution: bioplastics. Plastics are most commonly made from crude oil. The molecules present in crude oil experience chemical reactions forming monomers, which then combine to form long chains called polymers.

    Polymers can then be formed into plastics, although this process often gives off carbon dioxide, a colorless, odorless gas that scientists are now linking to Global Warming. On the other hand, bioplastics are made from converting sugars in plants (like corn) into plastics. Bioplastics are better for the environment because they are easy to compose and do not omit harmful gases.

    There are two well know types of bioplastics, polylactide acid (known as PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Companies that manufacture PLA first take the milled corn kernels and extract dextrose (which is another name for glucose). The dextrose is then fermented by bacteria in order to form lactic acid. The lactic acid forms many small chains of repeating units, which in return, form PLA. The other bioplastic, PHA is produced naturally when bacteria forms long chains.

    Although bioplastics are thought to be better for the environment, scientists are still not sure what the lasting effects of bioplastics will be. Some environmentalists argue that as bioplastics decompose, they will emit both carbon dioxide and methane. Other scientists explain that the tractors and farm vehicles used to harvest corn will give off excessive amounts of carbon dioxide. Although, bioplastics seem promising, there are definitely hidden complications. However, with more knowledge and further research, the future of bioplastics promises a healthier, cleaner Earth (Print Citation 1).