The sight above is an all too familiar one and that’s pretty sad. Thank the lucky stars that scientists at North Dakota University have begun developing a plastic that will begin to degrade in a short three hours. This miracle compound is made up of molecules derived from fructose, a simple sugar, and light-absorbing molecules called phototriggers. By applying heat to this concoction, these geniuses were able to create long, repeating chains of small molecules that formed a solid plastic when cooled down.
The best part about this ocean-saving creation is that it is completely renewable, meaning it can be broken down and used to create many other things that won’t harm the environment. This is a huge leap forward for everyone, but especially surfers and marine life that deal with the negative effects of improperly disposed of waste.