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The smallest solution to one of our biggest problems - Tierney Thys and Christian Sardet

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TEDEd Animation

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Each year humanity produces roughly 400 million tons of plastic, 80% of which is discarded as trash. Of that plastic waste, only one-tenth is recycled. 60% gets incinerated or goes into the landfills, and 30% leaks out into the environment. Fortunately, there are microbes that may be able to take a bite out of this growing problem. Tierney Thys and Christian Sardet explore the future of recycling.

What are the pros and cons of bio-based plastics and additives for reducing plastic pollution?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Tierney Thys, Christian Sardet
  • Director Elsa Esteban
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Elsa Esteban
  • Animator Elsa Esteban, Lucie Zix
  • Art Director Elsa Esteban
  • Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal, Dan Kwartler
  • Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Abdallah Ewis
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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