Edible "blob" could change the way we drink bottled water
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 11:36 AM - London-based students could change the way we consume bottled water. Together, they've created Ooho, a biodegradable, edible "blob" that is capable of holding water.
Plastic is an integral part of modern society, but this "miracle material" has a downside.
It's estimated that 1 billion tons of plastic have been discarded since the 1950s and research suggests it will take up to 500 years for some forms to biodegrade.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only 8% of the total plastic waste generated in 2010 in the U.S. actually made it to recycling plants.
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The other 92% was shuffled off to landfills or found its way into the water.
Researchers have been working tirelessly to alleviate the plastic problem. Now, an invention by a trio of London-based students could provide a viable solution with the Ooho, an innovative water "bottle" that's edible and biodegradable.
Made from a compound of brown algae and calcium chloride, water is contained in a thin membrane similar to the skin of an apple.
While not as strong as a traditional water bottle, the inventors say a series of Oohos can be held together to create a stronger membrane.
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Inventors Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Pierre Paslier and Guillaume Couche, received a 2014 Lexus Design Award for their efforts.
The invention is distributed under a creative commons licence to encourage further development and, you're interested in making an Ooho of your own, you're in luck.
Here's a handy tutorial, courtesy of Inhabitat.com:
