ALGAE and their important role in saving the planet | Uwe Michael Schall | TEDxMXIS

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, a designer from Germany, currently based in China, explores the global plastic pollution crisis and proposes algae as a sustainable alternative. Highlighting the harmful impact of plastic on the environment, the speaker emphasizes the need for circular design and innovation. Algae, fast-growing and resource-efficient, can replace petroleum-based products in everything from biodegradable plastics to food, cosmetics, and architecture. The speaker calls on designers to offer consumers better choices and advocates for a future where sustainability is integrated into all industries, creating a circular economy that benefits both people and the planet.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plastic was invented with good intentions in the 1950s but has spiraled out of control, becoming a major environmental crisis.
• 😀 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, and 90% of plastic is not recycled, leading to devastating environmental consequences.
• 😀 Microplastics, which break down into smaller pieces, enter our food chain through water, animals, and even the air we breathe.
• 😀 Every person consumes around 5 grams of plastic per week, which is equivalent to eating a credit card's worth of plastic.
• 😀 The textile and footwear industries are major contributors to plastic pollution, as many clothes contain polyester and other plastics.
• 😀 Algae are a promising solution to replace plastic, as they can be processed into biodegradable plastics and other sustainable products.
• 😀 Algae grow rapidly, require minimal water, and can be cultivated without the need for much space, making them a highly sustainable resource.
• 😀 Algae-based plastics decompose naturally, and biodegradable plastics made from algae can break down in weeks or months rather than centuries.
• 😀 Algae not only offer a sustainable alternative to plastics but can also be used for food, cosmetics, medicine, and environmental restoration.
• 😀 The circular design approach is essential for sustainability, where products are designed to be reused and recycled, turning waste into resources.
• 😀 Algae can be integrated into architecture, such as algae-filled facades that recycle energy, create oxygen, and help reduce carbon emissions in buildings.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The main issue discussed is the over-reliance on plastic, its environmental impact, and the need to find alternatives to reduce plastic pollution, especially in oceans.

What are some of the benefits plastic brought to society when it was first invented?

Plastic was invented with good intentions to improve hygiene, extend the shelf life of food, and be used in various industries such as healthcare (e.g., hospitals), where its sterilizing properties were crucial.

Why is plastic use considered out of control today?

Plastic is overused, and recycling methods are ineffective. Despite efforts to increase recycling efficiency, most plastic still ends up in landfills or oceans, causing significant environmental harm.

What percentage of plastic is recycled effectively?

Only about 10% of plastic is recycled effectively, with the remaining 90% either ending up in landfills, being burned, or disappearing into the environment, mostly in the ocean.

What is the harmful effect of consuming plastic particles?

The ingestion of plastic particles, often through water or food, can be harmful to human health. We consume around 5 grams of plastic each week, which is equivalent to a credit card's weight, exposing us to harmful chemicals.

How do microplastics enter the food chain?

Microplastics enter the food chain primarily through washing synthetic clothing (which sheds polyester) and are absorbed by marine life. They eventually make their way up the food chain, affecting human consumption.

How can algae be used as an alternative to plastic?

Algae can replace plastic made from petroleum by using plant-based oils. Algae grows quickly, needs little water, and has a variety of uses, including biodegradable plastic and other materials that are less harmful to the environment.

What are some of the additional uses of algae beyond replacing plastic?

Algae can be used in cosmetics, fertilizers, oil production, food (as a high-protein source), water treatment, and even in medical research, such as developing materials for bone healing and cancer treatment.

What role does algae play in the marine ecosystem?

Algae serve as the primary food source for marine life, including fish and krill, which are eaten by larger animals like whales. Algae also provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for the health of marine species and humans alike.

What is the concept of circular design, and how can it help address the plastic problem?

Circular design focuses on creating products and systems where materials are continuously reused, reducing waste. In contrast to the linear 'take-make-dispose' model, circular design ensures that materials are designed to be reused, recycled, or safely returned to the earth, ultimately reducing environmental impact.