Impact/Purpose:

In Phase I, project objectives are to raise awareness of this problem, to test promising alternative materials, and to help design a sustainable alternative to plastic mulch.

Description:

We propose a project to raise awareness of pollution associated with the production, use and disposal of plastic films/ sheeting used as mulch, and to work with farmers and industry partners to develop a biodegradable, sustainable alternative to plastic mulch.

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT( ABSTRACT )

Start Date:08/15/2011

Completion Date:08/14/2012

Record ID: 249139

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Related Organizations:

Role :OWNER

Organization Name :OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Citation :Corvallis

State :OR

Zip Code :97331

Project Information:

Approach :

To achieve our first goal, we will produce a documentary video on the problems associated with use of plastic in agriculture and hold a workshop on Developing Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Mulch that includes as participants scientists, farmers and potential product developers. To achieve our second and third goals, graduate student team members will interview farmers in two case study regions to identify user needs, while undergraduate team members test promising alternative materials such as cellulose acetate and polylactic acid for attributes required in mulch films.

Cost :$14,999.00

Research Component :Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development

Approach :

To achieve our first goal, we will produce a documentary video on the problems associated with use of plastic in agriculture and hold a workshop on Developing Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Mulch that includes as participants scientists, farmers and potential product developers. To achieve our second and third goals, graduate student team members will interview farmers in two case study regions to identify user needs, while undergraduate team members test promising alternative materials such as cellulose acetate and polylactic acid for attributes required in mulch films.

Cost :$14,999.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Agriculture

Approach :

To achieve our first goal, we will produce a documentary video on the problems associated with use of plastic in agriculture and hold a workshop on Developing Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Mulch that includes as participants scientists, farmers and potential product developers. To achieve our second and third goals, graduate student team members will interview farmers in two case study regions to identify user needs, while undergraduate team members test promising alternative materials such as cellulose acetate and polylactic acid for attributes required in mulch films.

Cost :$14,999.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Water

Project IDs:

ID Code :SU836026

Project type :EPA Grant