Boise State Found A Way To End Single-Use Plastic Forever

Well, this is it... we're living in the future. Researchers at Boise State might have just discovered a solution to a major environmental problem.

A Serious Plastic Problem

Boise State scientists have been working hard to find a solution to the plastic problem affecting our environment. According to the United Nations, it can take up to 1,000 years for plastic to break down. That gives the plastic plenty of time to destroy the environment by choking wildlife, poisoning the soil, and destroying natural habitats.

According to Recycle Track Systems, "There is an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste currently in our oceans, with a further 33 billion pounds of plastic entering the marine environment every single year."

It's a number that most of us can't even fathom. It's also why there is a serious need for us to act and save our environment.

The End Of Single-Use Plastic Forever?

Boise State researchers seemingly had a major breakthrough when they began experimenting with isomalt which is made from processing sucrose. If that sounds familiar, it's because sucrose can primarily be found in sugar beets, and as we're all aware - that's available right here in our backyard!

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, isomalt is also used to make the props we see in film like glass or other smashable props. It almost makes you wonder why we never thought of using isomalt before!

It's pretty amazing to see this kind of breakthrough happen in Boise and even cooler to know that it can positively impact our global environment.