Scientists Warn That “Green” Alternatives To Plastics Fail To Break Down In Ocean

People spend time along the shore of Pacific Coast's Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California, United States on May 24, 2023. TAYFUN COSKUN/SWNS TALKER

According to new research, “green” alternatives to throwaway plastics don’t break down in the oceans.

In the first experiment of its kind, scientists found that plastic alternatives remained intact after 12 months of exposure to sea water. The study adds to existing evidence that only natural fibers degrade in the marine environment.