/oss/taxonomy/term/2205/all en /oss/article/environment-you-asked/what-are-oxo-biodegradable-plastic-shopping-bags <p>Polyethylene shopping bags are a big convenience but they also present a big problem. While they can be recycled, many just get carelessly discarded and end up in the environment not only as an eyesore but as a danger to wildlife. Estimates are that only about 3% of plastics that can be recycled actually are. Polyethylene does not degrade easily in the environment and the bags can end up as pollutants for decades. Some clever chemistry can, however, help the situation.</p> Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:52:34 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2363 at /oss