The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a swirling mass of trash and microplastics. Yes, there are ongoing attempts to get it cleaned up, but ever more plastic is pouring into the oceans and rivers. Yet only 9% of the plastic is recycled, according to Sustainability Magazine.

Now, scientists at RIKEN and the University of Japan have created a new plastic with amazing properties. It’s stable for everyday use but dissolves in saltwater in hours, and the residue compounds are safe. It also decomposes in soil within 10 days, and at the same time releases fertilizer-like nutrients.

The plastic also has a water-repellant coating on it so it won’t dissolve by accident. To dispose of an item, put a scratch on the surface before recycling it. It’s recyclable at 91%.

The drawback? Getting a transition to this new plastic underway isn’t going to be easy. It would have to be approved by a majority of the 175 member nations of the Global Plastics Treaty to end plastic pollution, only 60 of which are advocating for “radical treaty terms.” Can you spell “red tape nightmare”? Fingers crossed. (Photo: RIKEN)