Corny Goodness

We spent Wednesday wandering the streets of Berlin, trying to identify the old divide between east and west. One trick: follow the tourist buses. This is what remains of Checkpoint Charlie…



We then took advantage of a nice sunset over the Brandenburg Gate to grab some scenic and pedestrian shots.



These oversized plastic sculptures were an odd addition to many of the city’s attractions for World Cup. On closer inspection, The Walk of Ideas uses Neopor plastic – a highly efficient insulating EPS or expandable polystyrene.



Okay.



Let’s hope they are sent to Dr. Walter (see blog entry Plastic Fuel) when the hooligans go home.


Inspired, Cryptic Moth conducted the first Berlin interview with Harald, the head of European Bioplastics - an industry org. committed to promoting the development of plant-based polymers like corn.



The system in most of Europe works like this: bioplastics are first tested to meet strict criteria of what is biodegradable and what can be composted. Then, when a consumer buys some cookies from Nestle, the bioplastic cookie tray is simply included in their compost pick-up and made into fertilizer.



Harald wanted all of you to know that this is not an answer to plastic litter. Not all bioplastics are created equal and degradability in a compost is vastly different than bobbing around an ocean. This is an alternative to costly petroleum-based plastics, a boon to local agriculture and an easy way for corporations to save money in the handling of waste.



And while the bioplastic industry is still in its infancy, it’s growing fast! Stay tuned for visits to the corporate leaders blazing the trail.



Out.

I+G