Each year, nearly 430 million tons of plastic is produced globally – two thirds of which is only used for the short-term and quickly becomes waste. We need to drastically alter our relationship with plastic in order to reduce its negative effects, such as contamination of soil, water supplies and even our own bodies. And, Americans largely recognize this.

Plastics made from plant material, such as corn starch or sugar cane, have emerged on the market and increased in popularity amongst consumers. These so-called “bioplastics” come in many forms, the most popular of which is polylactide acid, a type of bioplastic often used in the packaging industry for takeout containers and silverware. But are they really any better for the environment?