With plastic pollution on the rise, the environment has seen a huge negative impact. While biodegradable alternatives have been around, are they really the most efficient alternative? Biodegradables often don’t degrade well and still cause a negative environmental impact. Looking specifically at straws, there are a few disposable alternatives to plastic, but which are the most environmentally friendly that still degrade well? This project looks to find the most efficient alternative to plastic while still serving as environmentally friendly. This project tested paper, wheat, soy-based wax paper, and cellulose-based plastics in various methods testing degradability to determine this. Chapman University has made many efforts to become more sustainable, however, we would like to create a more sustainable university by finding healthy alternatives to plastics used every day on campus.


Plastics: The Good, the_Bad, and_the_Alternatives