Plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern, with polymeric materials such as polystyrene (PS) contributing significantly to the growing ecological crisis.
The persistence of PS plastic in natural environments raises questions about its long-term impact on ecosystems and human health.
In response to this challenge, researchers and environmentalists have explored various methods to mitigate the environmental footprint of PS plastic, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and incineration. However, these approaches come with their own set of challenges, ranging from inefficiencies to environmental drawbacks.
Our study focuses on an innovative method known as Endcycling, a process that seeks to naturally degrade PS plastic.
Endcycling has shown promise in laboratory settings, prompting the need for a comprehensive investigation into its scalability and potential integration into daily household practices.
The primary aim of this research is to address two key questions:
Research Question 1 (RQ1): If we found a way to naturally degrade PS plastic through Endcycling, is it scalable?
This question delves into the scalability of Endcycling as a solution to PS plastic pollution.
The investigation will explore the technical and logistical aspects of implementing Endcycling on a larger scale, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, energy consumption, and overall environmental impact.
Research Question 2 (RQ2): In addition, how receptive would the public be to another in-home step for Endcycling PS Plastic?
Understanding public perception is crucial for the successful adoption of any new waste management approach.
RQ2 aims to assess the willingness of individuals to incorporate an in-home step for Endcycling PS plastic into their daily routines. Factors such as convenience, awareness, and perceived environmental impact will be examined to gauge the societal acceptability of this innovative solution.
As we navigate through the literature review, we will explore existing research on PS plastic degradation methods, waste management practices, and public attitudes toward environmental initiatives.
By addressing these research questions, we aim to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable waste management and foster informed decision-making for a more environmentally conscious future.
