Plastic you can drink: A solution for pollution?

By Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 1709 GMT (0109 HKT) January 17, 2017

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Garbage dump in Bali, Indonesia. The island has earned a reputation as a tourist paradise but has suffered with high levels of plastic pollution.
Photos: Turning back the tide
Plastic plague – Garbage dump in Bali, Indonesia. The island has earned a reputation as a tourist paradise but has suffered with high levels of plastic pollution.
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Avani Eco produces four tons of cassava bioplastic a year, which is used to produce a wide range of products including food packaging.
Photos: Turning back the tide
Ethical consumption – Avani Eco produces four tons of cassava bioplastic a year, which is used to produce a wide range of products including food packaging.
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The material is also used to produce drinking straws.
Photos: Turning back the tide
Suck it up – The material is also used to produce drinking straws.
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Avani Eco has allied with "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaigners Melati and Isabel Wijsen to lobby the Balinese government to control plastic pollution. <br /><br />As of 2018, conventional plastic bags will be banned on the island.
Photos: Turning back the tide
Green allies – Avani Eco has allied with "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaigners Melati and Isabel Wijsen to lobby the Balinese government to control plastic pollution.

As of 2018, conventional plastic bags will be banned on the island.
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indonesia plastic pollutioncompostable bagasse takeaway boxcompostable corn starch straweducational plastic bag exchange day

Story highlights

  • Balinese company seeks to fight plastic pollution through a sustainable alternative
  • Cassava-based product can be drunk by humans
  • Emerging field of biopla