A Corny & Fun(gi) Way to Solve Plastic Pollution!

Valerie Alcala, Layma Khoram, Jesse Bowles, William St. Marseille, Spencer Rasmussen, and Juston Kwart
March 13, 2019

 

Marine life is threatened by plastic pollution each day. Image courtesy of Google Images.

The Issue:

  • Plastic filling landfills
  • Garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean
  • Threat to marine life
  • Takes hundreds of years to decompose
  • Plastic toxins in the fish that we consume

The Solution:

We believe that a fungus, known scientifically as Aspergillus Tubingensis, is the key to removing the existing plastic waste from the surface of our planet.

In order to prevent further plastic pollution, we propose that all producers of plastic switch over to what are known as bioplastics.

More about Aspergillus Tubingensis:

Aspergillus Tubingensis has been discovered feeding on plastic in landfills. Image courtesy of Google Images.

Soil Fungus

Thrives off of consuming plastic

Withstands UV Rays

Can survive in elevated temperatures

Able to live in low PH levels

Costs $310/unit

Able to breed

Consumes plastic in just a few weeks

Bioplastics are an eco-friendly way to reduce the amount of plastic pollution. Image courtesy of Google Image.

 

More about Bioplastics:

  • Biodegradable
  • 3-6 months to decompose fully
  • Edible
  • Made of all natural products, including corn starch
  • Quick production process
  • Inexpensive
  • Does not require fossil fuels

 

 

Raising Funds:

Funding a project of this magnitude could certainly present some issues. In order to lessen the burden of the cost, we will hold several fundraisers and partner with organizations like Greenpeace who fight for the environment. Other funding would come from the government.

Reducing our use of plastic and recycling what we do use can have a great impact on the environment. Image courtesy of Google Images.

What YOU Could Do:

  • Donate to eco-friendly organizations
  • Volunteer in beach clean-up efforts
  • Spread the word
  • Create recycle bins at school
  • Attend campus beautification

Good & Bad Consequences:

  • If caught littering around campus, students will receive detentions
  • Cleaner and healthier environment
  • Visually pleasing campus
  • Influence the rest of the community

Why This Will Work:

  • Relatively inexpensive compared to other proposed solutions
  • Natural way to clean up the environment
  • More time efficient
  • Offers a solution to the existing issue
  • Prevents the issue from growing

Incentives:

  • Open more recycling centers where individuals can earn money for recycled products
  • Offer tax incentives to companies who switch to bioplastics
  • Volunteer hours for students who participate and a cord at graduation