Popcorn used to create an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene foam

Good News Notes: “Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is a problematic material, in that it’s cheap and lightweight but also non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle. German scientists have developed a possible alternative, though – foam made out of popcorn. Georg August University’s Prof. Alireza Kharazipour first got the idea over 10 years ago, when he bought…

Ingredient upcycling – finding the value in unused food

Good News Notes:  “The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) assessment of global food losses and waste estimated that each year, one-third of all food produced in the world for human consumption never reached the consumer’s table. This not only means a missed opportunity for the economy and food security, but also a waste of…

This Styrofoam-like packaging is made of popcorn—not plastic

Good News Notes: “Those bits that come inside your packages are called peanuts, but of course they are made from polystyrene, not anything natural. But what if we could send things packaged in popcorn—the actual food, not another plastic-derived counterpart—instead? That’s the hope of researchers at the University of Göttingen in Germany, who have developed the plant-based…

Compostic Clings to Home Composable Plastic Alternatives

Good News Notes: “Determined to make a change in the way consumers use single-use plastics, Jon Reed set his sights on certified home-compostable plastic alternatives traditionally found in the kitchen: Cling Wrap and Resealable Storage Bags. Founded by Reed in 2018, Compostic spent years developing products that provide the same functionality as traditional plastic wraps and resealable…

Starbucks’ experimental new cup costs extra, but it’s worth it

Good News Notes: “Starbucks is launching an experimental “borrow a cup” program at select locations in its hometown, Seattle. The program is part of Starbucks’aim to make its cups more sustainable, and it will kick off as a two-month trial in five Seattle stores. Customers at those stores will have an option to receive their drinks…