Don't Worry, It's Biodegradable: The Promise and Perfidy of Bioplastics in a Greenwashed World

Abstract

Bioplastics are often hailed as a sustainable solution to society’s massive plastic problem. Despite their squeaky-clean public perception, bioplastics are not inherently environmentally friendly. The confusion surrounding what they are and how to dispose of them creates more societal harm than good, and the deliberate manipulation of the average consumer’s understanding of environmentally friendly materials is harmful to people and planet alike. This project explores the ways in which bioplastics impact the environment both positively and negatively and examines the ways such data is reflected in marketing. The goal of this research is to provide a reliable resource that can better inform consumers about the most ubiquitous of materials – plastics.