My goal for this project is to effectively make a more waste-efficient alternative to plastic using orange peels. Ideally, I would like to create a material that could be used for packaging that uses unprocessed orange peels to accelerate the time it takes biodegrade, as well as improve its ability to be composted.
As plastic pollution increases, finding viable ways to minimize the impact of plastic on the environment is crucial; I wanted to find a way to incorporate this with waste efficiency, as the U.S. produces the most waste in the world. Seeing oranges being one of the most popularly consumed fruits in schools, I wanted to find a use for its preservative and durable peels, as it could be a more cost effective alternative for large brands.