Plastic Eating Worms

Jul 16

Yes, there are worms that do eat plastic. Can this be the

answer to our terrible issue of plastic waste?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Reduction of plastic use is

still best. However, there is room for a little help from

worms, fungi and bacteria that break down and consume

plastics.

In 2017 a chemical researcher, working with her hobby

beehives, cleaned out wax worms and tossed them into a

plastic bag. She discovered that the worms had made

holes in the plastic bag and later had degraded a lot of the

bag. Investigating, she found that enzymes from the

worms’ guts were degrading the plastic. Other worms,

fungi and bacteria can do the same, but releasing them in

nature isn’t practical.

Researchers are now experimenting with artificial

enzymes to make new products. Not an answer, but a

helpful step.

Earth Steward Action: Keep reducing plastic use and

support research.

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Melissa Burch-Hill

EPA Cuts Employees and Revises Focus