As we begin to see the devastating effects of plastic pollution on our environment, scientists are working towards generating more eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based materials. Chuanbing Tang from the University of South Carolina is looking to the noble conifer to provide the key to biodegradable, renewable plastics. His research group has been altering the natural resins of firs, pines, and other evergreens through polymerization to create compounds that are more sustainable than fossil fuel-derived plastics.
Read more: Scientists Use Pine Sap to Create Biodegradable, Renewable Plastics | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building