4A Forming an Opportunity Belief

I believe that mass-produced biodegradable plastic is a need that has been unmet. While the concept is certainly not new and the topic is one that is heavily circulated in recent news, I am disappointed by the lack of innovation to create a long term solution. The need is shared worldwide, pollution created by plastic has extended past effecting humans and has carried on to animals and the environment as a whole. In one year alone, enough plastic is thrown away to circle the earth four times. The need for an alternative plastic has essentially always existed. However it has been the commercialized and over produced single use plastic in the modern era that has caused this travesty. If not put to rest soon, the human race will leave its future generations an inhabitable world. Efforts have been made to cut down on the use however. Starbuck’s decision to cease the use of plastic straws has been a result of an ongoing movement to cut down the general population’s use of plastic. One development I think would be most efficient is Polylactic Acid (PLA) a product made form fermented plant starch, more specifically corn that has acted as a worldwide plastic substitute. PLA comes from renewable, carbon absorbing plants which would reduce missions of greenhouse gasses. There has however been controversy surrounding this, with claims that PLA will not biodegrade significantly faster than a petroleum based plastic. I am nearly 75% sure that the substitution of regular plastic with PLA will become big in upcoming years. 

#1 Mid twenties Caucasian female that is vegan and an eco activist. 

• Are you aware of an issue with societies use of plastic ? 
• “Oh of course. The amount of plastic the avg. American uses is disgusting” 
• When did you become aware that the use of normal plastic was harmful to the environment?” 
• “I think its something I was taught as a child but it didn’t really stick with me until I moved to college and started living on my own.” 
• Is there any thing you do to cut down on your personal use of plastic? 
• “for sure, I stick to recyclable paper plates and reusable cloth bags at the grocery store, and make it a point to stay away from plastic” 
• Are you satisfied with what you do personally / do you think its all you could be doing? 
• I am pretty satisfied with how little plastic I use, it is tricky to escape it all together though and I could definitely be doing even more. 
• Are you satisfied with the current “cut down” instead of replace solution that the world has been using? 
• Not at all. 
• Did you know about a corn starched based replacement for petroleum based plastic? And how do you feel about that? 
• I think Ive heard a little bit about it and I think if it were able to wipe out normal plastic completely that would be awesome. 

#2 Mid twenties African American male in a fraternity 

• Are you aware of an issue with societies use of plastic ? 
• “Yeah I think there is something wrong.” 
• When did you become aware that the use of normal plastic was harmful to the environment?” 
• “Definitely not until more recently. I didn't really care when I was younger.” 
• Is there any thing you do to cut down on your personal use of plastic? 
• “Gonna be honest, not really. I use Publix plastic bags, and plastic soda cups, and even those plastic forks and spoons you can throw away.” 
• Are you satisfied with what you do personally / do you think its all you could be doing? 
• " I know its not all that I could be doing, and Im not really satisfied with him much plastic I use because I know it just adds to the problem." 
• Are you satisfied with the current “cut down” instead of replace solution that the world has been using? 
• "I mean its pretty cool that lots of companies have cut down their use. "
• Did you know about a corn starched based replacement for petroleum based plastic? And how do you feel about that? 
• "No Ive never heard of that. It sounds a little impractical but would be dope if it actually worked."  

#3 Middle Aged Asian Women, a working mother 

• Are you aware of an issue with societies use of plastic ? 
• “Yes.” 
• When did you become aware that the use of normal plastic was harmful to the environment?” 
• “It was not until I moved to America that I noticed how many people are concerned with plastic use and how it effects the environment.” 
• Is there any thing you do to cut down on your personal use of plastic? 
• “I try not to and set a good example for my children but with everyday house hold items like plastic garbage bags and plastic bags from the supermarket it is hard. ” 
• Are you satisfied with what you do personally / do you think its all you could be doing? 
• " I do not think its all I could be doing, I think that would be rather hard and involve a lot of change, but I would like to use less plastic in general. "
• Are you satisfied with the current “cut down” instead of replace solution that the world has been using? 
• "Yes." 
• Did you know about a corn starched based replacement for petroleum based plastic? And how do you feel about that? 
• "I have never heard about that. Like I said before, it might be difficult to get everyone to switch off of plastic but something does need to be done to solve the problem for good." 

REFLECTION: I was a bit surprised that only one of the people I asked had heard about PLA and she had only heard a glimpse about it. It was uplifting to hear that all 3 believed that something needed to be done about it. While I do agree with the last woman I interview, it will be rather difficult to get everyone to change the way they use plastic. The man I interviewed seemed a little skeptical about the practicality of PLA, but that is understandable. 

SUMMARY: During the interview process, I did come to realize that there are skeptics of an alternative plastic and how it would integrate into everyones daily life. But I still believe in the commercial use of a plant based plastic to replace the current petroleum based one. I have seen it and believe in its further growth.I am a firm believer in being adaptable and flexible. Entrepreneur  should hold on to their core beliefs but bend to the will of the consumer in ways that they can that maintain them staying true to original beliefs.