Which discovery would have the greatest impact on reducing the negative consequences of plastic?

Question

the discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste
the discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste

the discover of new sources for the raw materials of plastic
the discover of new sources for the raw materials of plastic

the discovery of more ways to incorporate plastic in everyday goods
the discovery of more ways to incorporate plastic in everyday goods

the discovery of more ways to reuse plastic

Answer 1

The discovery of a new bacteria that consumes plastic waste would likely have the greatest impact on reducing the negative consequences of plastic. This is because such bacteria could potentially offer a biological solution for breaking down plastic in the environment, thereby addressing the long-lasting issue of plastic pollution directly at its source.

While finding new sources for raw materials or methods to incorporate plastic into everyday goods may alleviate some issues associated with plastic production and consumption, they do not directly mitigate the existing problem of plastic waste already in the environment. Similarly, discovering more ways to reuse plastic could help, but it does not solve the issue of plastic that is already disposed of or accumulating in ecosystems.

In contrast, a bacterial solution could lead to significant reductions in plastic waste and its associated environmental damage, potentially transforming how society handles plastic pollution.