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Recycling is a Myth – Here’s How We Fix That

Far Out explores the future of science, technology, and culture and how these changes may affect humanity and life on Earth.

Recycling is a Myth – Here’s How We Fix That

Season 1 Episode 17 | 7m 50s | CC

Globally, only 9% of plastic is ever recycled, and even that tiny amount requires some virgin plastic to maintain quality. But scientists have discovered a new way to address this issue: “plastivores”, organisms that have evolved to eat plastic using enzymes in their bodies. Can we harness these enzymes and use them on the macro scale? Or will it not be enough to keep up with plastic production?

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Funding for FAR OUT is provided by the National Science Foundation.