Consuming Our Plastic Problem, Literally

Experts are developing edible microbes as a human food source, specifically ones that consume plastic.

Photo by Indivar Kaushik on Unsplash

You’re likely aware that microplastics are yet another growing problem we’d rather ignore but are forced to deal with — after all, I just wrote about it. The good news is that this subject has captured the attention of scientists, researchers, and governments alike.

Now, brilliant minds worldwide are working hard to understand not just how microplastics affect our health but also how to reduce our reliance on plastics and safely dispose of the monumental plastic waste we’ve accumulated.

In that regard, a project initiated by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) developed a… creative solution to help solve part of the military’s plastic problem while also providing sustenance for people in emergency situations. That is, if we can overcome the ick factor.

The Military’s Plastic Problem

In addition to scientists and capitalists, governments are also highly involved in developing solutions to combat our global plastic problem. According to recent reporting by the United Nations Environment Program, the world creates about 440 million tons of plastic waste…