Big news guys, scientists have proven how cool they are once again. We’re all basically experts on plastic and their place in the world now, and we all know that even if we improve our recycling capabilities, we need to use less plastic. There are alternatives that we as consumers can choose when we shop (like using canvas bags instead of plastic ones at the grocery stores, storing our lunches in reusable containers instead of ziploc baggies, storing food in glass jars, paper bags, buying whole produce instead of pre-cut, etc.). However, none of these are realistic when it comes to mass production of portable water vessels for individual use. In my last science post, we looked over the recycling methods used to give new life to old plastic bottles. However, this is not efficient, and it will not reduce the amount of bottles going into landfill very quickly in the long run.
So what is the newest idea to achieve popularity? Edible water orbs made of algae. Don’t cringe just yet. They actually look really delicious. Take a look at the Ooho!
The Ooho was invented and perfected by a group of men and women of multiple disciplines based in London. The outside gel which shapes the orb itself is made up of two gelatinous layers. One layer is made up of sodium alginate from brown algae and the other layer is made up of sodium chloride. The final product is a sturdy, consistent gelatinous layer that is both biodegradable and edible.
One need only pop an orb into their mouth, or pierce the membrane with their teeth and drink the water from the gash formed. The two layered membranes allow space for manufacturers to place edible layers between to be visible from the outside. The orbs can hold more than just water too; these can be used to carry water, juices, soft drinks, and cosmetics. As always, please take a moment to take a look for yourself.
So what does this mean for our landfills? It means that we don’t have to keep adding new bottles to our already overflowing piles. It means we can continue giving new life to old plastic material without adding anything else to our guilt. At least when it comes to personal beverage delivery. We’ve still got a long way to go before our food production is totally out of the landfills. But this is a start.
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Plastic or More Plastic? 