Great news from the world of science

We may yet be saved from the prospect of burying the world in our own trash (or at least the portion of it that derives from our insatiable need for bottled drinks): a company has developed a form of genuinely biodegradable plastic derived from plants rather than from petroleum.

The bottle is made of a corn-based plastic (created by Cargill Dow) that can decompose within 80 days in a commercial composter. Making the plastic uses 20 to 50 percent less energy than petroleum-based processes. BIOTA says the bottle (so far available only in the West) requires the right conditions to decompose, and will not degrade on the shelf.

Now that's what I call progress!!!

(via Rebecca's Pocket)