TED-Ed: Meet the microbes that could eat your trash | Tierney Thys and Christian Sardet

Microbes can degrade organic materials but struggle with plastics due to their synthetic nature. Plastics are made from refined oil, gas, and coal, forming polymers that are difficult for microbes to break down. Most plastics persist in the environment, contributing to pollution. However, some microbes and engineered enzymes show promise in degrading PET plastics. Despite advancements, many plastics remain resistant to biodegradation, necessitating new approaches and sustainable designs.

What is the estimated amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean each year?

What challenges do researchers face in developing enzymes that can degrade plastics?

What steps can be taken to improve our relationship with plastics according to the text?