Earth already has a perfect recycling system. So why not use it?

The author advocates for a shift from synthetic chemicals and plastics to plant-based materials that nature can naturally break down. Using the example of Apeel Sciences, the text describes how plant-derived coatings can extend the shelf life of produce by two to five times, reducing food waste and the need for carbon-intensive transport or refrigeration. The author contrasts these 'natural' solutions with synthetic alternatives like sucralose and neonicotinoid insecticides, which persist in the environment and disrupt ecosystems.

• Apeel Sciences develops invisible, tasteless coatings made from plant-derived materials that slow water loss and oxidation, extending the shelf life of fresh produce by two to five times.
• Plant-based packaging and coatings can reduce food waste and enable farmers in regions like Kenya to reach markets without expensive refrigeration, while allowing large growers to switch from air freight to less carbon-intensive shipping methods.
• Synthetic chemicals that are unfamiliar to nature's recycling systems, such as sucralose and neonicotinoid insecticides, persist in the environment and can cause ecological damage, including contributing to Colony Collapse Disorder in bees.

APA

Rogers, J. (2019). Earth already has a perfect recycling system. So why not use it? World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/food-water-air/Earth-already-has-a-perfect-recycling-system/

Chicago

Rogers, James. Earth already has a perfect recycling system. So why not use it? World Economic Forum, 2019. https://www.weforum.org/stories/food-water-air/Earth-already-has-a-perfect-recycling-system/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Rogers |first1=James |title=Earth already has a perfect recycling system. So why not use it? |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=16 January 2019 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/food-water-air/Earth-already-has-a-perfect-recycling-system/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{rogers2019earth, author = {Rogers, James}, title = {{Earth already has a perfect recycling system. So why not use it?}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2019}, month = jan, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/food-water-air/Earth-already-has-a-perfect-recycling-system/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }