Green Options

In many ways plastics are simply synthetic compounds that mimic and try to improve upon substances we find widespread in nature—polymers such as you might find in wood, leaves, seeds and fur. Bio-based plastics (those derived from biological sources other than fossil fuels) have been around for more than 100 years. In fact, celluloid, the first synthetic plastic ever made was invented in the mid 1800s, and—you guessed it—was bio-based.

California-based company Cereplast has revealed that it is developing breakthrough technology to transform algae into bioplastics, and predicts that it could replace 50% or more of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins.

Cereplast already makes plastic from renewable material such as corn starch, tapioca, wheat and potatoes, but is keen to trumpet the advantages of the new approach.

According to Frederic Scheer, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast, “Algae-based resins represent an outstanding opportunity for companies across the plastic supply chain to become more environmentally sustainable and reduce the industry’s reliance on oil.”

Editor’s Note: This is a guest contribution by Mary Fraser, BASF, American Chemistry Council - Plastics Division Automotive Team

Despite all of the challenges facing the automotive industry today, this is a time of great innovation.

Electric vehicles are just months away from entering the U.S. market and evolving engine technology is consistently improving fuel efficiency. Auto manufacturers are taking big steps to reduce emissions and hybrid cars are becoming mainstream. While powertrain technology has significantly improved fuel efficiency in recent history, the materials used in production of automobiles are increasingly playing a key role in making vehicles more sustainable.  One group of materials, in particular, that is opening new doors to auto design and fuel economy is plastics.

Researchers at the University of York have recently come up with a method of recycling that seems like it fell from the pages of a science fiction novel. They want to turn discarded television screens into components for biomedicine.

In the constant push for ever newer and greener technology and energy, we sometimes forget that it is often both simpler and cheaper to revisit old techniques in new ways. And that’s exactly what a group of researchers in California has done.

Editor’s note: This post was written by one of our monthly sponsors, the American Chemistry Council, and does not necessarily reflect the views of GO Media.

Across the country and around the world, significant efforts are underway to decrease litter in all environments; specifically near our oceans, rivers and streams. Many of the materials that end up on roadways and waterways are readily recyclable. Recycling rates, particularly in the U.S., remain low. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) – while continuing to work with state and city governments, non-profits and other stakeholders to improve the recycling infrastructure, increase access to recycling and create a culture of recycling for future generations – has prompted a discussion around plastics recycling through the Too Valuable to Waste Blog Summit. The Too Valuable to Waste Blog Summit launched on April 21st and is the ACC’s second Blog Summit.

Yes, we hate plastics!  Not only is this evil material bad for our environment, over and over again the news reports the negative effects of plastic chemicals on our children’s health. From BPA to phthalates, plastics are to blame for a slew of health problems.

Now, a long term study of girls living in Harlem has linked exposure to the chemicals in plastics to childhood obesity.

Yes, plastics make kids fat, well at least there is a correlation.

Researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center discovered that when phthalates are absorbed into the body and act as endocrine disruptors, obesity levels rise in mice.  The East Harlem study is the first one to link endocrine disruptors ro human obesity.  Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai, explains:

Editor’s note: The following post was originally published on Green and Clean Mom in August 2008, but the information on BPA is still relevant and important to consider. “Green & Clean Mom can inspire you to try a little harder, be a catalyst for change and to offer you some new tips and news on how to be the green, sexy and sassy mom…I know you are!”

Okay, war sound harsh but it’s a battle of sorts. Is BPA safe or isn’t it? Is it a myth that BPA is harmful and the media is fooling us because we don’t have the facts?  Well, according to Mom Style News or Mom Myth Busters (same author), yes. If you follow me on twitter you might know, Friday there was a big twitter debate going on over this. The Good Human, Safe Mama, To Think and Nature Mom , twittered their opinion.

Here is it is folks, BPA might not kill you if your child drinks out of a sippy cup or has some canned food lined with BPA. Sure, I conceded to this. BPA is a chemical and the FDA and EPA has limits of safety so companies use this and then hide behind it, because they can. Companies that have gone with BPA free products have done so because of consumer demands. Why are consumers demanding this? Duh, because there are risks. Who’s most at risk? The fetus, infants and children are most at risk. Even the reports sited by Mom Style News don’t discount that, she just says they are minimal. Well, my son has a minimal risk of getting hit on our road when he crosses it because of the traffic statistics or what I observe. So I should let him just take that “minimal” risk. It’s just a possibility and not a fact! That’s how ridiculous this debate is!  Here are the facts that have led ME to know that choosing BPA FREE is the right thing to do and since Mom Style News is all about the facts and going by what the facts are and not just reading mommy blogs (which I love, support, read and rely on) here it is…

FACT: The government sources are basing their decisions and statements on assessments with hundreds of flaws and errors. The FDA has based it’s decision on two studies, funded by the plastics industry.

Over the past year we have seen societal and parental concern grow about the possibility that many conventional feeding products for kids may have chemicals that can leach into food. As parents try to feed their kids healthy foods, the last thing they want to think about is that the dinnerware their kids are eating off is tainting the food!

Luckily over the past year we have seen companies old and new rise to the occasion and provide us with products that are safer for kids. We have options now, other than those plates and cups with BPA or questionable Melamine. Skip Hop Mate is one such new company that meets this growing demand for healthier children’s feeding products.

Their stay-put mat and plate is beautifully designed, very attractive, and safer for children. The plastics used have no PVC, phthalates, or BPA. It is a table setting that stays in place, which is a great idea for toddlers. It has a divided plate in the middle so that foods need not touch if you have picky eaters. The fork and spoon neatly attach to the mat so that they won’t get lost in the shuffle and the whole thing comes apart for easy cleaning. In fact if you need to remove the plate to fill it with food they are left to look at an adorable happy face on the mat.

A San Diego-based company says it’s engineered a new strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) — one of the bugs that causes food poisoning — that can produce a building block for plastic products without petroleum.

Genomatica, a company “focused on producing sustainable chemicals,” says its new version of the E. coli bacterium naturally produces 1,4‐butanediol (BDO), an organic and petroleum-based compound used to manufacture hundreds of different kinds of plastic, rubber and fiber products. The process not only uses 30 percent less energy than standard BDO production techniques, but can be fueled with non-food-based, renewable plant waste.

Kristen Billings, the founder and sole designer of Buzz Buzz Designs, believes “fashion doesn’t have to take itself too seriously.” She is inspired by vintage costume jewelry pieces worn by women of the 1920’s through the 1970’s who boldly showcased their individuality and personalities through their style.

The low cost of Lucite, a type of plastic invented in the 1930’s, gave all women the opportunity to feel glamorous and look beautiful without mining the Earth or hefty price tags. Plastics can be harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of carefully, so Billings does her part to save the planet by salvaging and reusing the materials in her modern designs.