The Truth About Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastic does not simply disappear. Environmental biologist Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones explains why bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are not the same, and why degradation depends on the material, additives, microbes, temperature, and surrounding environment. This episode examines where these alternatives may be useful, where greenwashing creates false expectations, and how their impacts can resemble those of conventional plastics. This evidence-based guide to biodegradable plastics, bioplastics, and microplastic pollution cuts through labels without treating every alternative as either a miracle solution or a failure.Episode Guest: Dr. Winnie Courtene-JonesBrowse their publications on Research GateMore information on alternative plastics and the UN Treaty More information on Scientist’s Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. Follow them on LinkedIn for policy briefs!More information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.