Which discovery would have the greatest impact on reducing the negative consequences of plastic? (1 point)
a the discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste
b the discovery of more ways to incorporate plastic in everyday goods
c the discovery of new sources for the raw materials of plastic
d the discovery of more ways to reuse plastic
a the discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste
The discovery that would have the greatest impact on reducing the negative consequences of plastic would be:
a) The discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste.
This would provide a solution to the problem of plastic waste by offering a sustainable and efficient method of disposal. The bacteria could potentially break down plastic waste into harmless byproducts, reducing the amount of plastic pollution in the environment.
To determine which discovery would have the greatest impact on reducing the negative consequences of plastic, we will analyze the given options and assess their potential effects:
Option a: The discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste
If a new bacteria is discovered that can efficiently consume plastic waste, it could potentially reduce the buildup of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. This could aid in the overall reduction of plastic pollution and its environmental impacts.
Option b: The discovery of more ways to incorporate plastic in everyday goods
Discovering more ways to incorporate plastic in everyday goods may not directly reduce the negative consequences of plastic. In fact, it could potentially contribute to the increasing production and consumption of plastic, leading to more waste and pollution.
Option c: The discovery of new sources for the raw materials of plastic
If new sources for the raw materials of plastic are discovered, it could help reduce the strain on current resources and potentially lead to more sustainable production practices. However, it may not directly address the issue of plastic waste and its consequences.
Option d: The discovery of more ways to reuse plastic
The discovery of more ways to reuse plastic can significantly reduce the negative consequences of plastic. By promoting recycling, upcycling, and finding innovative ways to repurpose plastic, we can divert plastic waste from landfills and minimize its environmental impacts.
Considering these options, option a (the discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste) and option d (the discovery of more ways to reuse plastic) seem to have the greatest potential for reducing the negative consequences of plastic. However, based on the assumption that the discovery of a new bacteria may have a more direct impact on plastic waste reduction, option a appears to be the most impactful choice.
It's important to note that the assessment above is based on logical reasoning. The actual impact of any discovery may depend on various factors such as availability, scalability, and feasibility of implementation.