Styrofoam-Eating Mealworms: Solution to Plastic Waste!

Written by Ecolink Intern: Mithuna Kanthasamy

We all know that one of the issues regarding the environment is the amount of waste there is and the indestructible nature of some of this waste. What if we were to tell you that there’s been a discovery that will change the accumulation of styrofoam waste? What if we tell you the discovery is styrofoam-eating mealworms? 

You might be intrigued or disgusted. Either way, read on if you’re curious to know more.

How Much Waste Do We Generate?

According to a 2010 study, the U.S.A. produces 0.34kg of plastic waste per person. That was 13 years ago, and we can expect it to be higher today considering plastic is used in all types of industries, including food, health, furniture, and household supplies.

In 2018, 35,680,000 tons of plastic were generated. Out of that, 26,970,000 tons of plastic were landfilled after recycling and burning a fraction.

What Is Styrofoam?

Polystyrene foam, commonly known as styrofoam, is a type of plastic. It is commonly used for insulation purposes and as containers for food. After their initial usage, they are discarded and take up about 30% of landfill space. Styrofoam also commonly ends up in bodies of water, harming aquatic life. It is estimated that this type of plastic has a lifespan of 500 years. That’s 5 human lifetimes.

Styrofoam-Eating Mealworms?

Styrofoam-eating mealworms were discovered by Brenden Campbell. Through his research at Washington State University, he discovered that mealworms are able to break down the almost indestructible styrofoam. The only caveat is that mealworms require other nutritional sources so they do not eat each other instead.

For those that want to eat these mealworms, it is completely safe for you to do so as these organisms break down the styrene in the styrofoam to make it safe for consumption.

Though it is great to know that we would not be poisoned by eating mealworms that have consumed styrofoam, we are more interested in what the mealworms can do for the planet by breaking down styrofoam.