Why Plastics Take A Long Time to Decompose

05/23/24

“Why do plastics take a long time to decompose?”

Our current understanding of physics dictates that everything in this universe will eventually decompose. However, some materials take even longer. Plastics are a notorious example. Even seemingly benign items like plastic straws can take up to two centuries to decompose. But why is this the case? Well, it has to do with the fact that plastics are not found in nature. Because of their relatively short existence and lack of organic makeup, there are barely any bacteria that can decompose them. This is Why Plastics Take A Long Time to Decompose.