modern life vs. human nature

As part of my research into sustainable business practices I came across PLA when trying to find an eco friendly sticker for promotion; yes, like the stickers people put on cars, bikes, skateboards etc. I don’t pretend that the following information is at all entertaining so beware. In consideration of this I would like to add a provocative statement beforehand; the best environmentalist is a dead environmentalist. Think about it.

Plus I came across a great quote that more eco critics should recite every night before they go to bed.

“Let’s not kill the good in pursuit of the perfect” -Eric Lombardi, Pres., Grassroots Recycling Network

So now onto plastic made from corn.

This article explains why PLA(corn based plastic) just may be better than oil based plastics.

Smithsonian.com

Here are a few key aspects of the story:

PLA is biodegradable. Plastic is not.

Supposedly they say no one has gone to war over corn. But no one asked the Native Americans is this statement was true.

According to Natureworks(ie. Cargill who worked with Dupont on PLA) who is the maker of PLA, producing PLA uses 65 percent less energy than producing conventional plastics, according to an independent analysis commissioned by NatureWorks. It also generates 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases, and contains no toxins. Considering Cargill is a multi-national corporation I would consider this information approximately half true because as we know corporations regularly use half truths to promote their product.

PLA is said to decompose into carbon dioxide and water in a “controlled composting environment” in fewer than 90 days. Controlled seems to mean really high heating temperatures that are not always available at recycling facilities.

But the manufacture of PLA does save oil and generates far less air pollution. As the article notes, a number of independent analysts believe that PLA is a good start to solving our oil dependency problem. Using less plastic is also a way to help.