Just In Time For Earth Day — A Plastic-Eating Enzyme!

WHO OR WHAT IS THIS ARTICLE ABOUT

• An new enzyme made Ideonella sakaiensis microbes by can eat away plastic
• The bacteria is called PETase, and it can break down polyethylene terephthalate, which is found in many plastic items
• They made a version of PETase that could eat through plastic better.
• This can also help recycle plastic.

Where and when did this story take place?

PETase was discovered in 2016.
On April 16, 2018, the team studying it published results.
They are still researching, this can help around the world.

WHY IS THIS NEWSWORTHY?

• PETase can help break down the plastic on Earth.
• This is a great discovery,
• Though Earth Day has passed, we can still help us save Earth

How does this affect our world?

This can help Earth a lot! PETase can help break down PET, we can celebrate a late Earth Day.

WHY DID I CHOOSE TO WRITE ABOUT THIS TOPICS?

• I care about Earth
• I think PETase is cool
• I think people should all try to recycle.

CIVIC LENSE

Many people are working together to help reduce plastic pollution.