Decomposing the Secrets of Plastic
CWSF · 2026 Environment & Climate Change
Overview
Have you ever wondered how much plastic stays on Earth long after it is used? To help solve the planet's waste problem, bioplastics were created using everyday food waste like banana peels, orange peels, and potato starch. These homemade materials were tested against traditional plastic and biodegradable alternatives in different environments, from a cold garage to a warm living room, to see how fast they would break down. The discovery was made that potato starch creates the strongest, most flexible spoons, while banana peels decompose quickly, making them ideal for single-use items. This experiment proves that kitchen scraps can be turned into useful tools that will not sit in a landfill for a thousand years. This work is important because it shows a cleaner future can be created by choosing materials that actually return to the earth.
Awards (1)
- Selected for CWSF 2026
Competition history
- CWSF 2026
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